Not Far Away

Once again Lois Beardslee goes right to the heart, both figuratively and pointedly. Through her own voice and experiences, and through that of her semi-fictional, semi-autobiographical alter-ego, Ima Pipiig, she effectively makes abundantly clear the many forms that racism takes, permeating social institutions and every aspect of our daily lives. Her words, carefully considered, yet straight from the wounds of experience, speak powerfully to Native and non-Native readers alike. This book is highly recommended to the general reader and to every student seriously seeking insights into contemporary American society. -- Susan Lobo, University of Arizona
Lois Beardslee, notable scholar, storyteller, artist, philosopher, and writer, brings us Ima Pipiig, who brings us clarity in contemporary aboriginal living. The journey Ima Pipiig speaks of is the journey of reason, the journey of the just cause, the journey of Indigenous Northern Michigan. Ima Pipiig speaks of freedom at long last. She calls upon the mainstream to take the Indians of Sleeping Bear seriously; she calls on all of us to doubt the message of the mainstream until that stream converges and runs clear for all past generations and for all coming generations. Not Far Away calls upon us to renew, reclaim, and reinvigorate our place in the world. Lois Beardslee gives us ourselves in Ima Pipiig and Ima brings us home. -- Allison Hedge Coke, professor of poetry and creative wriitng, University of Nebraska, Kearney
Told in alternating voices—the author’s and that of her fictional protagonist, Ima Pipiig—Not Far Away deals with the issues of racism, poverty, and struggles over the remaining natural resources in the Northern Great Lakes as well as access to public lands, jobs, education, and even social comfort. Unlike other scholars whose works emphasize individual responsibility for racism and environmental degradation, Beardslee unflinchingly points her finger directly at the educational system that willingly participates in the racist practices of America’s “heartland.” Not Far Away appeals to educators and students of higher education, multiculturalism, women’s studies, Native American studies, sociology, contemporary literature—and anyone else who is interested in understanding racism and ending it. -- Beverly Slapin, Oyate