Nat'l Book Award for The Round House by L. Eldrich

THE ROUND HOUSE refers to the communal meeting place for the Indian community living on a reservation in ND, in '88.   Our young Native Amer. hero, Joe, is just 13 and his serene & naive world is about to crumble like a house made of sand.  Joe, the only child of a loving, duo-working couple is wise beyond his years.  His father is a highly respected lawyer/judge in their community.  When Joe's father discovers his wife missing, they set out in search for her.  What they find will horrify the family & lead Joe on a life altering quest.  This poignant Nat'l Book Award winning novel is much more than a coming of age story.  It is also a mystery, a story of friendhship, a tragedy mixed with love & caring.  There are many colorful & unforgettable characters.  Grandpa Mooshum, is a centenarian whose storytelling comes in the guise of sleep talking.  More importantly, it is a social commentary on the oppression of our Native Amer. Indians whose justice has been built on quicksand.  It also profers a piercing view of religion.   THE ROUND HOUSE is a revolving story, wrapped within deeper layer.  It is a gut wrenching tale that is hard to pur down.  Not only is this a MUST read, it should continously be handed down.