Information Systems Manager Will Duke recommends Crazy Brave by Joy Harjo.
Crazy Brave by Joy Harjo stands out from typical memoirs by embracing storytelling deeply rooted in Native American culture. Unlike many mainstream memoirs that follow linear structures, Harjo’s memoir embodies the circularity inherent in Native American storytelling traditions.
Harjo’s narrative interweaves memory, myth, and metaphor, guided by what she refers to as “the knowing.”
She creates a tapestry where past, present, and future intersect, blurring the boundaries between reality and myth, inviting readers into a world where the spiritual and the mundane coexist.
Throughout her memoir, Harjo demonstrates a stoic acceptance of injustice and disaster, drawing strength from her cultural heritage. Instead of succumbing to bitterness or despair, she finds resilience in the teachings of her ancestors and the enduring power of storytelling. Harjo’s ability to confront adversity with grace and wisdom adds depth to her narrative, offering readers a profound insight into the resilience of Indigenous communities.
Crazy Brave not only shares Joy Harjo’s personal journey but also honors the storytelling traditions passed down through generations of Native American peoples. It invites readers to listen not only to her words but also to the echoes of the past, the whispers of ancestors, and the songs of the land. Harjo’s memoir serves as a potent reminder of the transformative power of storytelling to transcend cultural boundaries, challenge dominant narratives, and reclaim lost voices.
Find Crazy Brave in the Library’s Collection here.
Joy Harjo, the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States, is the 2024 Hemingway Distinguished Lecturer. The lecture will take place from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31. Registration is required and opens May 6. More here.
