Denise Alvarado

I thought this was going to be a lot more Voodoo 101 than it was, so that's on me. The title does what it says--clear and engaging introductions to voodoo and hoodoo figures fill this book, and descriptions of New Orleans throughout the years are sprinkled in. Stores and historical sites are painstakingly discussed, to my delight. The author is open about her connection with it all, and often mentions things that function as real-life examples and transitions between subjects from a writing show more standpoint. It was well-done. Voodoo and hoodoo -themselves-, in the ways I thought they would be, aren't necessarily discussed here, and the author explains why without alienating readers. She mentions other books she's written sometimes, but it's never to brag. It's a simple, "I wrote a book that explores this more if you're interested."
WARNING: I AM AN OUTSIDER TO THIS CULTURE WHO IS CURIOUS. I DO NOT PRACTICE IT, NOR DO I INTEND TO. IF I SAW IT, I WOULD NOT UNDERSTAND. IF I WERE SOMEHOW INVITED TO SOEMTHING, I WOULD WONDER WHAT I'D SAID TO PRESSURE THE PERSON INTO INVITING ME, AND FEEL BAD. I AM ABOUT TO NOTE THINGS IN AN INSENSITIVE MANNER DUE TO SUCH.

I was shocked to find out about halfway through the book just how deeply entrenched Catholicism is into voodoo. I genuinely and mistakenly thought voodoo could be done without Catholic influences (saints, big candles in glass, praying to Jesus), but they appear inseparable. The phrase "folk Catholicism" is mentioned and I have no clue what that is. I've heard the phrase "trad Cath," but that's in a different context and I don't quite understand that one either. Sometimes people mix up voodoo with witchcraft, and uh, no. Totally different things, especially now that I've read the book. Voodoo, for example, does not appear to use or endorse blood magick. Certain branches of witchcraft are fine with people sticking their fingers or using menstrual blood for some rituals. No one is pressured to do so.

Somehow I thought snakes in relation to voodoo would be more discussed, but this is a book about -figures- of voodoo and hoodoo. I was surprised to read that over the years, different sites that are important to voodoo in New Orleans are often vandalized or partially destroyed, to the point that several sites are now inaccessible without a tour guide. I've wanted to visit New Orleans in the off-season (not Mardi Gras. Maybe Halloween!) for awhile and this gave me a much clearer image of what visiting it might be like. I want to eat everything I can, visit dozens of occult shops, and go on a boat at sunrise. I used to think I'd be an obnoxious tourist, but after reading about sites being vandalized and how tourists can be such assholes, I think I am much more likely to just be an annoying tourist. I'm glad I realized that. This book is quite thorough, and I learned a lot. I'm glad I got to read it! I hope it's widely read and discussed. show less

I honestly judged this one by the cover -- I assumed it would be shallow fairly tales of the type bound together for tourist keepsakes.

However, the history and legend here about Papa Legba, Jean St. Malo, Saint Roch, and, of course, the mother of New Orleans Voudou, Marie Laveau, although refreshingly brief giving space to the lesser known luminaries delved into here.

I especially liked the debunking of the tour guide song and dance about St. Expedite's statue being misidentified from a show more misconstrued crate stenciling. I also really enjoyed the history of Doctor John Montenée, whence the singer apparently took the name.

The result is a magico-realist history of New Orleans and the region. Characters like Annie Christmas are explored as powerful caricatures if more legend than fact. Black Hawk, comes across stronger for fact that balances his legend, much of which is contrary to the own real person's beliefs and views. Infact, it makes me want to read Life of Black Hawk, or Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak: Dictated by Himself. show less

4/5
A thoughtful book on an interesting topic.

This book was full of interesting history and I loved that it included pictures! It was a great touch that added to the overall book.

It's written in a clear and inviting manner and the information is cleanly laid out (pictures, charts, etc.). The author does include her own "Author Notes" for some sections, which was nice to have her own views but not always ones I agreed with. She says smudging is fine as long as you're respectful and not making show more it a "meme".

I'll always believe smudging is closed practice and there's so many other things to cleanse with instead of white sage. Just because some people think it's open doesn't mean it is. The most important thing is to be mindful of the history. I loved the information and history in this, but I wouldn't start calling myself a practitioner of voodoo as it's closed (from what I understand) and I have zero ties to anything related. To each their own. This is a rich book and people will always be curious and want to know more and peek behind closed doors.

I would recommend it. It's interesting and there's so much inside. Always be mindful and respectful when it comes to these things. You'll definitely learn lots!

I'm glad I found this at my library! I would happily buy this for myself. show less

I'm a little torn about what to rate this book.

First, a note about what it is. It begins as a (fascinating) history of what we know (and, in many cases, don't know) about Marie Laveau. The rest of the book is a kind of how-to on becoming what the author calls a "Laveau devotee."

I wish the author had divided this into two works. I'm fascinated by the Laveau biographical information and in the history of New Orleans her life reveals. I'm also interested in better understanding voodoo and show more other conjure. However, the back half of this book really dragged for me. Too many lists of spells, workings, etc.

I'm torn about the rating because if you are the (very) specific audience for this book - I'm sure it's great for you. For me, it wasn't really what I wanted.

That said, I do want to comment on the book's conclusion, which was a moving, beautiful discussion of why indigenous stories are important, why it's so vital they are told in their own voices, and why all of us should consider writing our own stories and traditions. Alvarado's description of that and of Laveau's significance alone were worth the price of admission.

**I should also note that I read this as an audiobook, which I do not think is a great format for this book. show less