New Consciousness Review Spring, 2017 | Page 28

We are all story , and all part of a larger story , says Richard Wagamese in this book of reflections , and it ’ s our responsibility “ to live out the best possible story of our time on this earth .”

INSPIRATION HEALTH

REVIEW

One Story , One Song By Richard Wagamese

We are all story , and all part of a larger story , says Richard Wagamese in this book of reflections , and it ’ s our responsibility “ to live out the best possible story of our time on this earth .”

Drawing on his skills as a storyteller , with prose at times poetic , Wagamese shares his thoughts on the human story under the themes of humility , trust , introspection and wisdom . In “ The Puzzle ,” he writes a beautiful parable for daily life . As a way to occupy his son , a father tears into pieces a magazine photo of outer space and tells the boy to put the puzzle back together . The son completes the task quickly . How so ? The boy explains that it was simple ; on the other side was a picture of a man . “ So I put the man together first , and the world came together just fine .”

Wagamese uses story as a vehicle to transmit wisdom . Writing of an elderly school teacher and the bullies in his class , he shows what it is to be honorable . A bear foraging on berries reminds him the world needs our protection . As a boy , teaching himself baseball after enduring embarrassment and shame heals his spirit . Lovers of Native teachings and literary writing will enjoy Wagamese ’ s heartfelt and inspiring meditations on the power of stories , how they strengthen us , and how they shape our lives . Journalist and poet Richard Wagamese is Ojibway from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in Ontario . ( Douglas & McIntyre , 2016 )
• Reviewed by Diane Holcomb , East West Bookshop
28 | New Consciousness Review