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Shamans and Kushtakas: North Coast Tales of the SupernaturalSupernatural
by Mary Giraudo Beck
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Kushtakas were half man-half otter, spirits of those who had drowned. These phantoms appeared to those in danger of drowning and offered to rescue them, but aimed to turn them into kushtakas too. Only those with respect for elders and traditions and a strong will from ascetic practices were able to resist these spirits. The shamans were healers and could see into the future and tried to use their powers against the kushtakas. There are beautiful illustrations at the chapter headings. This is a nice book of native American legends.

The Oath
by Frank Peretti
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This book has truly moved me. The way Peretti goes about painting the scene and developing the plot may confuse you at first, but towards the second half of the book, you come to realization of what is all points to. From the analogy of sin as the dragon, the town of Hyde River being men's attitude towards sin, and finally Levi, the despised "crazy man" just like Jesus, constantly trying to guide us away from the path of destruction, though we ignore him so much. For the christian that is getting too satisfied with life, this is a must read. Sin is crouching at the door of your heart, don't let it consume you.

Old Books, Rare Friends
by Leona Rostenberg and Madeleine Stern
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Subtitled "Two Literary Sleuths and Their Shared Passion," this book is a joint memoir of two friends, authors, and rare book dealers. They were the ones who uncovered the blood and thunder potboilers of Louisa May Alcott published anonymously or pseudonymously and published collections of these stories, which threw a whole new light on the author of "Little Women." They enjoy their research and their special rare book finds.

Pursuit
by Karen Robards
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This is a fast paced political thriller. The survivor of a car crash that killed the president's wife suspects that it was no accident. Pursued by mysterious men determined to make sure she can't talk, she begins to fear everyone. There are lots of chase scenes and some romance.

The Blood Runs Like a River Through My Dreams
by Nasdijj
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This memoir is told in fragments, shards of a brutal childhood and racist schools, survival on the margins of society. But it is also about the southwest landscape, Navajo stories and spirits. The language is both poetic and sometimes almost stream of conscious. Nasdijj is a fascinating and unusual writer.

Shamans and Kushtakas: North Coast Tales of the Supernatural
by Mary Giraudo Beck
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book cover


For the Tlingit and Haida peoples, both shamans and kushtakas, half man half otter spirits of those who drowned, had supernatural powers. Respect for elders and tradition as well as ascetic training helped

We Are Okay
by Nina LaCour
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beautifully-written description of relationships, but little happened and the resolution felt lacking.

The Memory Thief
by Lauren Mansy
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Real Friends
by Shannon Hale
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This is a great heartwarming book about friends and sticking up for yourself.

Better Off Read
by Nora Page
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This book involves murder, a small town public library, and a bookmobile. It is a pleasant read for those who enjoy a cozy mystery. It also includes a delicious recipe for hummingbird cake.
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