Russell Means (1939–2012)

Means could have used a better copy editor. Though from the stories he told, he's one stubborn SOB, the publisher probably tried to real him in and this is the best they got. I tried reading the dead tree version, but kept getting lost, and eventually borrowed the audio book version. This is one that i wish the book was the abridged and give me the unabridged audio book.

However, that being said, Russel Mean's story, of first trying to fight against his heritage, seeing what government show more handouts, had done to the family, and then later fighting for the true nature of being an Indian left nothing to the imagination.

The successes they had in the 1970s, even the violent struggles, almost makes me wish my family wanted to be AIM members in 2014.

Though I learned that there is reason why The American Indian Movement is practically non-existent. Like many small organizations it became place for internally bickering, and like places that promote violence for change, they can be very successful, but the change is not lasting. Non-violence is the future. Russel Means was a great individual, and I feel like less of a person for not taking the opportunity to meet him when I could. show less

I have absolute total empathy for Means and his position in life. That said, the book was a bit hard to read and could have used an editor to bring his story together better. I understand not wanting to compromise and he did his best not to, but sometimes in a society we have to do so....or leave. That is what he did, over and over again. I remember so much of what he discusses in the book and the memories are not necessarily good ones. It calls to mind my employment with the show more govt....complete total frustration and constant bewilderment....where did all these dumb asses come from? show less

He goes in to the story of his life in great detail. It is not an easy read. His writing style doesn't really work for me.

You read "Bury my heart at Wounded Knee" and think how could my country treat a people so badly. Then you read this book about my generation and realize it still going on.