My personal reaction to the novel was far more positive than that of Ravensong. Unlike Maracle, Highway does not carry a bitter tone throughout the novel even though there must be times when he resents how he has been treated. As you said in class, he seems to be the sort of person who recognizes that life brings hardships and that one can work through them and live on only if they are willing to. Though I found some of the dream-like scenes of the novel to be a little confusing, they helped put the reader into the scenes more. The novel sheds light on the negative aspects of residential schools, but without openly complaining about them. I thought that this was a more effective approach than Maracle’s, which seemed to be more about resentment of white culture. I wonder how much this difference has to do with the lives that the authors lived and their personal outlooks on life. What surprised me about the novel was the somewhat linear flow of the story, in comparison with most native writings. I felt that Highway did a fantastic job of mixing native writing styles with the styles we as readers are used to. This way it does not drag at any part, but keeps the reader’s full attention right up until the end. Though I did not fully put together some of these ideas before discussing them in class, they are pretty obvious when one spends more time interpreting the text. Overall this was my favorite piece we have read so far and I look forward to discussing it further.

I think the most striking aspect of this novel is its weaving of mythology into the narrative. It is a technique that reminds us of the importance of story telling and the rich system of beliefs that are central to Native culture. The juxtaposition of Native mythology and Christian mythology creates obvious friction for the characters and we see them struggle with a decision. And it must be a decision, for the Catholic voice here will not allow the existence of what it perceives as Paganism; "You follow any other religion and you go straight to hell" (109). It is fascinating to see the Okimasis brothers struggle with the hatred for Catholicism (brought about by the theft of their heritage and sexual abuse of residential school) and the guilt and fear they learn through the religion. Through much of it, they struggle with enormous self-loathing, a theme touched on by Stacey in Ravensong.

What I really enjoy about this book is that I don't get the same feeling of a necessary separation between cultures. It may be there as far as religion is concerned, but that is the history of the world. In the final hospital scene, the cleft between Catholicism and Native belief cannot be bridged; the door is slammed in the face of the priest while Jeremiah carries out Gabriel's last wishes. However, I think the brothers do an excellent job of actively bridging the cultural gap with their production of plays. Here, they reach out to an audience that is bigger than just a native audience, not because they seek money or fame, but because "Someone's gotta do it" (278).

It might be interesting in class to talk a little about how Highway's outlook on the survival of Native culture differs from Maracle's.

I thought this book was a lot more personal than Ravesong. Ravensong had a lot of analogy- the Indian village and the whitetown were a microcosm of the world at large and all the problems that Natives were facing everywhere. Kiss of the Fur Queen was obviously a personal journey- the book had a lot of different locations and the time span was much greater. Also, the separation of culture that was so present and treasured in Ravensong was absent in Fur Queen, which makes sense. Western-European culture is literally forced upon the boys at a very young age and it would be impossible for them to simply reject it and go back to their childhood ways, especially when their parents are so in the dark about the sexual abuse. Something that was similar between the books though was the importance and power of education- Stacey's education in the white school and her desire to open a school of her own, and the brother's devastating education at the residential school and then Jeremiah's involvement in teaching Native children Cree. However, I thought that art was the primary cultural tool that was highlighted in Fur Queen.

I also think it would be interesting to see how Highway differs in terms of his ideas on the survival of Native culture from Maracle, considering he lives in France half the year. Also, I was wondering throughout this book about the attitude in Native cultures towards homosexuality. Is it totally taboo like in Christian cultures?

I would really love to be told that I'm imagining this, because maybe I am... But did it seem to anyone else that the novel was almost implying that Gabriel "becomes gay" because of the sexual abuse he is put through? I didn't think this until the scene of Abraham Okimasis' death, when the two brothers are at his bedside, and Abraham asks a question about Gabriel's dancing. The two of them respond by beginning to tell him about their sexual abuse at school. They never finish what they begin to say, but it seems likely that Gabriel is about to say, "Dad, I am gay because I was raped by a priest at school." What do you all think?

Overall I think the novel did a really good, subtle job of placing both the Cree and the residential school system in the present day. Both of them are things that we (or at least I) tend to think of as things that existed in the past and are long gone. The scene in the hospital, for example, was funny and sad, but also contained a weird sort of mixture of two worlds which most of the time we separate: Mariesis Okimasis, the fireman, the priest, the gay dancer dying of AIDS, the Cree Indians burning sacred herbs; I'll be crass now and say it made me stifle a giggle and think of the Village People.

I had a positive impact on the novel “Kiss of the Fur Queen”. I think that Highway’s way of writing is much more enjoyable and easier read than Lee Maracle’s approach to writing. I enjoyed both novel, but the “kiss of the fur queen” was just a better read in terms of expressing the different cultures and religions. I liked that though out the novel; Highway expressed a happier theme than in “Ravensong” kind of depressing tone. I also liked the great amount of detail he would put into each story. What I didn’t like in the novel was the dreams that Highway wrote about. I found them confessing in the way that at times, I wasn’t sure what was mythical and what was happening real life. I guess that would be my question to ask the class, if they were also confused about the dreams?

My reaction to this novel is that it is surprisingly uplifting, especially considering the events that took place. Tomson Highway has a way of making everything seem like a dream which made the novel much more colorful for me. What surprised me about Kiss of the Fur Queen is basically my reaction. It's incredible how dreamlike and uplifting everything was with everything that took place. I also like how the line between reality and his certain mythology was so thin it was hard to separate the two at times. My thoughts haven't really changed as we have discussed it in class other than the fact that now his contradictions stand out to me more. For the most part it has solidified my view of the novel.

I feel this book is most like Ravensong though the tones are completely different. However, it is that difference in tone that changes the two novels entirely for me.

I suppose my question to the class would be if they also felt the book was more uplifting, especially considering what took place, or was I just reading it wrong?

I too found it odd that I could have such a positive reaction to the book and find it to be so uplifting when really it describes so many of the hardships the characters go through throughout their lives. I thought that Highway did a better job of captivating the reader and integrating the different writing styles to keep the reader interested. When I was reading Ravensong at times I found myself reading the book but not really paying attention to it, and a few pages would go by before I got back into it and realized that I had no idea what was going on. After reading Kiss of the Fur Queen I realize how much I do enjoy his dreamlike scenes and overall writing style as opposed to Maracle's very steady storyline (no real climax).

To answer your question, Katie, I too thought that Gabriel was about to say that the sexual abuse made him gay but stopped himself. I wasn't sure if I was imagining it as well but it seems plausible, and it was my first reaction at the scene of Abraham Okimasis' death.

I think that Kiss of the Fur Queen is the best novel that we have read so far. It was extremely personal and heartfelt; the novel truly represents the hardships and mistreatment that the author experienced in his personal life. I think it is amazing that the author was able to put so much of personal experiences into this novel. Compared to Ravensong, Kiss of the Fur Queen had much more feeling behind it.

I was surprised most by the development of the characters. I did not expect the novel to end up the way that it did. The novel starts out following around the two brothers through school, and the troubles that they encounter being Indian in a white society. I was shocked by the paths that the two brothers took. It was very exciting to watch Gabriel go through professional and relationship ups and downs only to contract AIDS (wasn't expecting that death). And then completely opposite was his brother Jeremiah who went from concert pianist to alcoholic to an advocate for Indian youth.

After the discussion in class, I was more curious to find out how the novel was going to end- the brothers both needed to go their own ways to truly understand and appreciate where they came from. The common theme of past and heritage was present throughout the entire novel. I thought the end, with the ritual ceremony over Gabriel was a great way of showing that the two brothers finally completely embraced their traditions.

One of the major ways that Kiss of the Fur Queen connects to other stories that we have read so far is through traditions and connecting your past to who you become in life. In each novel so far, the main characters have had to figure out what their heritage means to them and they discover that their past makes up who they have grown to be.

I find the novel Kiss of the Fur Queen, like Ravensong, epically sad. HIghway is able to encompass the sorrow and struggles of a people within the lives of two boys. At first, the strange dream like sequences of the novel confused me but after further reading and re-reading I find that the dream like sequences represent the Cree people as a whole. The boys' story depicts the sorrow and the dream images are the traditions and emotions of the Cree people as a whole. Perhaps this is a vague interpretation but, I am continually drawn to these thoughts while reading.
Kiss of the Fur Queen was emotionally a tough read but I so enjoyed Highway's ability for comic relief. Earlier, someone mentioned in a comment the scene in the hospital and the image of the Village People. I absolutely saw that too. In comparison to Maracle's style of writing, I find Highway meatier. His wit along with his strong emotional pull is more of an intense read.
After reading both Kiss of the Fur Queen and Ravensong, I am very curious about sexuality in Native cultures and religion. I would very much like to look into opinions about homosexuality and promiscuity.

While I found Highway’s novel to be a quick read, it did not leave me inspired to read it again. Highway’s continual creation of contradictions throughout the novel made me uncomfortable because it brought up sensitive issues, which showed his role as a trickster figure. Although I did not enjoy this book, I believe its focus is invaluable because it points to the manner in which (fundamentally different) ideologies are constantly working against one another and in the end challenging the base of all belief systems.
The question that I would like addressed in class is as follows: Highway places all of these contradictions before us that lead us to ask not only why he does it, but also why they exist and what can be done to make sense of them. Does anyone have any thoughts or answers for the why?
Highway’s use of layers of performance both in the construction of the novel and in his characters’ actions really struck me the most. The importance that Highway gives to performances and acting suggests that they are a way of survival—a necessary part of life. His use of musical cues and line breaks within the chapter require us to become familiar with his signals and to follow his direction. Then we also have the brothers, who are born performers—a dancer and a musician. Their horrible experiences in residential school lead to them mask their actions in society (such as Gabriel hiding his sexuality in the first part of the book). Besides these performances, there are theatrical and musical performances. Highway’s choice to create all of these layers makes me question on he views acting.
Class discussion has not changed my thoughts about this novel, but it has helped me to develop them further. I really enjoyed the exercise of writing themes, images, ideas, etc on the board because it enabled me to see the way in which they are all connected. I look forward to discussing those observations further.
Throughout the books we’ve read, I see the challenge of translation as an important connection between them. This seemed especially true in Highway’s novel because he brought so many languages into it (Cree, Latin, Italian, etc). While translation is challenging, I wonder how much interpretation adds to that. To expand, the author’s translation and choice to interpret the word he translated is important to how we understand the novel and I think the way in which we interpret his words also add to the challenges of translation.
Another issue that I’ve noticed is that all three novels that we have read talk about money problems, but none of them explicitly combine and comment on ideas of class with racism; these issues seem to only covertly be brought up. Why is that?

As I read Kiss of the Fur Queen, I didn't like it that much, but as I began to think about it and as we talked about it in class I began to understand Highway's mentality for the book. At times it seems vulgar and in your face but who wants a fancy fairy tale ending? The book was realistic in some sense because it did bring up issues of homosexuality, the abuse in reservation schools and AIDS. These issues are all very controversial but Highway presents them in a risible way. I noticed in other comments that people thought certain parts of the novel were confusing because they weren't sure if it was a dream or what necessarily was going on. I think that the ambiguity, along with the native stories makes the piece much more easy to carry, and much less burdensome on the reader then just giving the story of a Native person going to school, getting abused, falling into a world he couldn't avoid, and then getting AIDS. The book as a whole is like an experience which I don't think Ravensong conveyed for me. Ravensong is more of a moral story book, then an adventure, although it does make a very good point. I think Highway brings so many themes and allusions to his work that it makes the reader feel as if they are experiencing it (or at least as if someone were telling the story), because life can be ambiguous and it can be extremely terrifying.

One thing does seem to bother me about the novel and Highway's thoughts on it. The book talks about the sexual abuse in the reservation schools and seems to look down on it, but Highway in the radio broadcast we listened to sounded like he enjoyed the reservation school and that he really had nothing against it. It seemed like he accepted what happened there, even though there was abuse, as if things like that happen to everyone. What are Highway's real feelings about reservation schools? I understand that it could be his way of making the reader of his novels feel uncomfortable and maybe with the discomfort with the addition of laughable parts of the novel the reader is supposed to realize that life is too short to look at it too seriously.

Overall, I feel this book is the most emotionally charged book we have read so far. Highway captures the raw emotion and struggles of Gabriel and Jeremiah in superior fashion. Through his writing style Highway evoked emotions that I didn't think I would experience with this novel. His ability to capture the bond between two brothers was amazing and heartfelt. In comparison to Ravensong, I'd have to say that Kiss of the Fur Queen evoked more raw emotion from the writing and the intense bond shared between Jeremiah and Gabriel. Nonetheless, both novels capture the struggles First Nations People have when they were forced to assimilate into white society. Kiss of the Fur Queen captures the most intense moments and challenges, especially concerning homosexuality, alcoholism and death.

If I had to ask the class one question I would ask their opinion about what Tomson Highway is actually trying to accomplish by writing this novel. At times, he seems rather ambiguous and contradicting regarding his views.

I enjoyed this novel very much. It was such a different story from Ravensong that it is difficult to compare them, although I think the style of the story and how it is put together is very similar. I found that in The Kiss of the Fur Queen, despite the fact that it seemed to take place in probably the eighties, so many of the themes and topics it addressed are just as relevant today as they were then. I thought that the author dealt nicely with the issues of sexual abuse and its aftermath, homosexuality, alcoholism, and the First Nations peoples' search for a place in the transformed European world. I didn't like the book at first but by the time I finished the book, it was like looking back at someone's life- there were some bad times but then there were good times- it was just life. I found the book difficult to read throughout most of it due to the fact that nothing ever seemed to be going well. Life seemed to be this constantly painful time for the brothers since they left for school. Not that novels need or even should have happy endings or even happy themes, it simply seemed a bit much the way the author threw on problem after problem.

I don't know that I have a question for the class so much as a question for the author. I would like to ask him why it is that he likes to disturb people or shock people through his writing.

I agree with everyone that Kiss of the Fur Queen is the most emotionally charged book we have read. It reminds me of another book The Buddha of Suburbia, where the main character goes through similar social and personal changes. The only variant seems to be that he is Indian, as in Indian from the country and not a native of the Americas.
But what I like most about Kiss of the Fur Queen are its very open, very real characters. Highway is writing from personal experience, which seems to lend itself as a sort of validity to this fictional narrative. The book not only tackles race, but homosexuality, mass media culture, and social understanding.

Thinking about The Truth about Stories, Thomas King questions the role of the Indian as an entertainer. This is very much how the two brothers view themselves. Because it seems that only by entertaining do they gain acceptance. We can see this in other forms in our culture as well, Blacks in sports for example. In an industry where only 1 percent has a chance of making it, 60 percent of young black men believe they will play pro ball in one form or another. Is this the best/only option for their lives or is it somehow given to them by white culture?

What struck me most about "Kiss of the Fur Queen" was the beginning chapter. I assumed that the novel would focus on Abraham Okimasis and his wife, but they fell out of the limelight as the book progressed. At times I felt the book was a little slow, and it was a struggle for me to finish it. The plot often sped up, and soon the boys were 25, 27 and completely different from before. f
I was surprised at how homophobic the Indian community was in the novel. I assumed that they might be more accepting, and tolerant towards homosexuals. I found it strange how catholicism was prominent in Cree culture, and I think this is something which Lee Maracle rejects in Ravensong. This ultimately explains why many Indians might feel uncomfortable with homosexuality.
So far, Thomas King's writing style has stood out for me more so than Tomson Highway or Lee Maracle's. I couldn't put "The Truth about Stories" down. Perhaps because it wasn't really a novel, but in fact a lecture series.

I really have enjoyed Kiss of the Fur Queen. What I like most is reading about the relationship between Jeremiah and Gabriel and how their situation makes their connection stronger. As we have discussed the book more in class, I have only grown to appreciate it more. The more I learn about the struggles of these people, the more respect and fascination I find their stories and struggles. I think this book definately relates to The Truth about Stories because it again opens our eyes to the realities that the First Nations people face when they are forced to ajust to the ways of white society--and also what they lose and the stereotypes they have to battle against. Although I found Kiss of the Fur Queen to be difficult and sad to read at times, I also found the struggles that Jeremiah and Gabriel faced, which ultimately strengthened their relationship and turned them into who they are, to give me hope for people who everyday have to face the difficulties with race and ethnicity as they did.

The one aspect of Highway's writing that really struck me was his use of vivid detail. For example, in his description of a sled race or the sexual abuse of an innocent child, he doesn't pull any punches, it is almost as if he is trying to push the reader to the brink of what they will accept and swallow, yet still continue reading. This use of detail makes the reader feel like they are present, the description of every single movement, smell, sound and detail paints a vivid picture. My thoughts on the book have changed since I read it in class, but not drastically. Rather I would say that my overall conclusions have shifted.

The question that I would love to see addressed is whether the Okimasis brothers' inability to truly share and express their feelings was created by the abuse in the schools or by their separation from family and community at a young age.

In the beginning of this book I had so much hope for the characters. There was no mention of alcohol use or abuse from the parents, only love and a life led honestly. As soon as the residential schools came into play I lost all hope for a happy ending. It was upsetting to find that in some ways my fears for the boys came true, but what was I expecting, I think in a way it was inevitable, if not in real life at least for a good story to form. I found the depiction of these boys in city life to be extremely easy to relate to. That situation could not only apply to this particular population of people but of any displaced person dropped in a city. His brothers introduction to the underworld of a shunned gay society in Canada was all the more poignant because of his heritage. I think there is certainly a reluctance in the native community to be any more controversial then they already are, and I think that this book gives a voice to those who aren't heard out there, and of course I think that coming from one outcast community to another certainly gives one an understanding that might otherwise not be there. I think what this book shows is that native people have problems that are the same as any other community, and not only with the color of their skin. I think it puts a very real feel to this community that has been stereotyped to the point of seeming imaginary sometimes. It show that this community can be just as superficial in some ways, and shows that sexual orientation is a universal human truth. That people from every race come in shapes sizes and mindset. I feel that this book is very enlightening not only for me but for a whole population of people that can now look at the native culture with a whole new understanding

i found this novel to be much like that of Ravensong in that there is a struggle of a Native in the outside world. but that is where the similarities end, plot wise. in Kiss of the Fur Queen they are taken away from their house and forced to go to a catholic school. If anyone did this to you you would not be happy with. but Jeremiah and Gabriel are lucky because they are talented in music this gives them the upper hand in a world where they are not given anything. The kiss of the fur queen ties into that of the truth about stories by having the fur queen be this mythical goddess much like that of the stories in the lectures. also much like ravensong. but in the kiss of the fur queen. the boys are able to one day share their music with others and write as a career.

as of now i dont know of any questions that i have i will keep my mind open during class to see what i may question during the discussion.

My reaction to the book is that the book was very entertaining and fun to read compared to Maracles Ravensong. I feel that Highway's style of writing makes the reader more interested about the pages to come. I like the humor and vulgarity that he used so effortlessly. It shows there is no boundaries for what he will write about. What struck me about the book is the things that went on in the schools to the children I had no idea of the level of sexual abuse that these children had to go through. And this was just a mere 35 to 40 years ago. I can see why a lot of people in that generation have problems and struggle. Thwy were put through hardships such as this that were let go one for years and years. My thoughts have not really changed at all discussing the book i felt that last week it was a great read and very interesting and i feel the same today.

The book connects with the other books because the way stories are told are all different and you make those stories your own. I feel like the humor in Highways book is related to Kings humor in his stories.

I also found Kiss of the Fir Queen uplifting despite the tragedies and difficult themes. It actually reminded me a lot of the musical Rent, which I also found uplifting. Part of what is uplifting about Kiss of the Fir Queen is the role that music and dance have in Jeramiah and Gabriels' lives. Despite all the challenges they face the arts bring purpose (and happiness?) to their lives. My favorite scene, and the one that sheds the most light on Native Culture is the exchange between Amanda and Gabriel in the High School. Amanda shows so much maturity and candor by speaking up in class. The way she is so proud of herself and her heritage despite getting critisism from not only her peers but her teacher as well shows her strength of character. I feel that in high school there is something everyone tries to hide in order to fit in. Amanda says to Gabriel, "What use is there pretending to be what you are not?". I wish I had that attitude when I was in high school; sometimes I still struggle to be that strong. I cannot imagine the challenge of being 1 of 3 Natives in high school.

I'd like to discuss in class what people took away as the over-arching message of the novel. What scenes stick out the most in your head now that some time has past since you finished the novel?

Kiss of the Fur Queen for me is like a re-occuring tale. While some may see it as a celebration of the Cree lifestyle, culture and language, i would say the opposite. Both Jeremiah and Gabriel are forced to speak a language they were not familiar with nor did they understand. While thrown into a strange and abusive situation, the two boys struggle to understand the world around them. As a result Jeremiah grows to hate his culture and tries to avoid it when at all possible. While the Cree culture and way of life is a unique and important part of Canadian culture this novel portrays more accurately the ways in which the Cree culture was suppressed.

This novel was a lot like Ravensong in the sense that there is always an underlying division between white and native people. The confusion and forced assimilation is a reoccurring theme in both books. I found them both just a bit depressing as it was a rude awakening that indeed oppression and forms of slavery still existent.

My initial question/confusion about the book has been mentioned by a few other people--the question of whether Highway is implying that Gabriel becomes homosexual because of his experiences with the priest. The very fact that when we first see the priest with Gabriel the boy is having a dream about his female square dancing partner seems to allude to a proclivity towards heterosexual behavior before the abuse. Given Jeremiah's own suppression of sexual behavior, the scene in which he realizes he's turned on by acts demonstrative of mysogyny, and the scene in which he is turned on not only by a male, but by a little boy who reminds him of his brother and who has also been abused by an adult male, it's hard to pinpoint exactly what kind of effect the priest's abuse had on either boy; there seems to be a mixture of shame, fetishism, and compulsive behavior in tow with the possibility that one or both boys became homosexual as a direct result of the molestation. I guess I'd be interested to know what Highway wanted to reader to think and from where, specifically, he drew his ideas.

I'd also be interested to know what Highway was trying to convey through Gabriel's character, or what he wanted readers or expected readers to think about his character. Gabriel's sexual behavior only seemed to really be "wrong" in the context of Christian thought, and he only really seemed ashamed of his sexual behavior when he was paid for it. But he abandoned that religion in favor of a more open outlook that seemed to appreciate and accept the world. To put it simply (maybe too much so), Gabriel seemed to regard life as a ride to be enjoyed, while Jeremiah seemed to be holding on, white-knuckled, just trying to endure it. Gabriel's means of expression through art was directly linked to his whole body, while Jeremiah's is linked to his mind and involves almost contorting his body, only allowing very restricted movement of his limbs. Just as Jeremiah saves his younger brother's life during the stampede, Gabriel figuratively begins to save his older brother's life by reintroducing him to his art, and not by encouraging him to repetitively play songs composed by white men a world away, but by motivating him to create something new and to tell his story. Gabriel, though also haunted by his childhood abuse, seems the happier of the two brothers, and given what we heard from Highway in his interview, it seems like maybe he is championing, through Gabriel, the pursuit of pleasure, while through Jeremiah he is showing the pain that comes through restriction and denial--as if between them there is a balance.

About the writing: the repetition of various themes and scenes gave the novel very much the feel of a story being told and reminded me a lot of Tom King, which I guess is to say that it had the aura of Native storyteling about it, specifically.

I liked the way Highway compared and contrasted the differences between his native Cree language and English. He effectively illustrates what strengths belong to both languages, highlighting English as an intellectual language of the mind and Cree a poetic language of passion that comes right from the groin. In the same manner, Highway contrasts the differences in mythology between the Cree spirituality and religion and the Christian one. The the missionaries came in and not only converted these reservations but also robbed the livelihood of the tribe, its young, out from under them. Though the Catholic mission statement in Highway's novel seems to be to eliminate the savage and the native elements from their language to their "barbaric" mythology, it is all to evident that there is serious hippocracy. What could be more barbaric, as Gabriel says, than worshipping the image of a man who is bleeding, beaten, tortured, and cruelly executed? The only thing more barbaric would be to consciously choose to eat his flesh and drink his blood? Highway does a fabulous job of noticing these blatant contradictions, and he also enables readers to identify more readily with his culture. By putting it into perspective with established staples of our own culture, we are able to better appreciate the true devastating magnitude of the decimation to Jeremiah's people/reservation.

I also enjoyed KOTFQ more than Ravensong for many of the aforementioned reasons. I didn't particularly find Maracle to be very engaging while I couldn't put down KOTFQ after having read the first few chapters.

In chapter 27, the hunter asks Gabriel if he still prays and instead of receiving a lecture about religion he chose to lie to him. I wonder what would have been said if Gabriel just told him the truth... would he be afraid to admit that he no longer prays if his father wasn't present? Would it be better to lie or tell the truth in this situation?

I deffinitely enjoyed Kiss of the Fur Queen. The book was well written, and until we discussed it in class, I didn't understand that the way the book was divided was in Italian music notes. So the pace of the book is according to the notes. Which makes total sense now, but it didn't when I was reading it. I think the book had some good humor in it, but also, by Highway using native words, it made me understand the struggle the children were going through. I can also connect to the fact that they would shun them for speaking their native language, because I have had very similar experiences. The saddest part about the book is how the characters lose their native culture, gradually, when they go back home to visit, and they basically speak more English than their Native language. This is understandable, because they had to assimilate to the culture, they were two boys, going to school, in a city, however, it is sad that they couldn't keep both their culture and their education. Overall though, I deffinitely enjoyed this book more than Ravensong.

I enjoyed Kiss of the Fur Queen so much because of all the comparisons and compromises between Cree and Mainstream society. If I could classify this novel, it would be a novel of Compromises. Everything Champion-Jeremiah does is a compromise; his name, where he lives, and his religion. His decisions all throughout the story are compromised between his heritage, who the church wants him to be, and who he wants to be. His coming of age story is so twisted, but makes sense considering all of his influences. I really liked the musical aspect of the novel, especially because HIghway labeled each section with a tone, the way a piece of music would.

This novel reminded me of The truth about Stories because of all of the compromises in that story. Also, the theme of being something that people expect you to be tied in with King's story as well.

My thoughts concerning kiss of the Fur Queen have not changed much at all since our discussion. While I never had an issue understanding the main plot, and I understood the emotion that Highway was letting go through writing this novel. The one thing that did become clearer to me through out discussions was the idea that through this novel, Highway was letting go, he was saying goodbye to his past and moving on, he wasn't forgiving, he wasn't forgetting, but he was putting it behind him.

While this novel is similar to The Truth about Stories in that it deals with ancient stories and traditions, I felt that was where the similarities ended. In relation to Ravensong, I felt that while there were some similar themes, there was not enough in common to draw a meaningful comparison.

The one question that is still plaguing me is the relation of the trickster to the main plot, it just seems anecdotal to me. I am always wondering if there is a deeper connection that I am simply glossing over by mistake.

I think that this novel was a powerful tool for this class. I think it did such a good job at both erasing stereotypes while still embracing the traditional story telling method. I felt our discussions in class to be particularly helpful when talking about the references to religion. I have no background in theology, and so the biblical references would have just gone over my head had we not discussed them. The religious references to the characters added so much more depth to the story so I am glad that this was discussed. This book really gives one a sense of what it must feel like to be a native in modern times, especially with a connection to both worlds like these brothers had, it just shows what different directions life can take you even with the same set of circumstances. The trickster was such an incredible way to bring native storytelling directly into the these boys lives. The trickster truly was a sort of jack of all trades, a character whose real intention was always blurry, whose role was all purpose for any lesson that might have to be taught. It seems like that saves time from having so many characters to talk about, because when you hear a story about the trickster, you are never sure how the story will go, just like in The kiss of the fur queen

I thought this book did a great job depicting the lives of traditional native people immersed in urban life. The two different lifestyles are displayed physically within the text however i think Highway does a great job paralleling what I would call 'white' and 'Indian' ways with his inclusions of dreamlike scenes. The story's reality can be set on the reservation or in the city but the effects of the brother's Indian roots continue throughout the entirety of the story expressed through these mystical scenes. In a matter of words Highway's writing may suggest that you can take the Indian out of the reservation but you can't take the reservation out of the Indian.

Aside from my likes and dislikes about the book it is clear that Highway is writing about Natives and their struggles in a much more lighthearted way than King for example. While Highway certainly mentions several hardships faced by the brothers he merely acknowledges them and does not seem to complain. King dwells on several of these hardships and rightfully so. He tells of tales of displacement, murder, racism, and stereotyping and he advocates against such things. King's lectures seems to be just that, advocacy speeches. He is proposing and attempting to create change by educating his audiences. Highway merely illustrates the issues at hand and I presume would hope that by doing so he may influence his readers enough to lead to some sort of social revolution, though such a revolution is never promoted.

I suppose if i were to ask a question about this book I would wonder why it is that on page 298 Gabriel asks if Jeremiah thought Jesus or the Trickster had greeted his father in the afterlife. I was under the impression that the trickster was a traditional character in stories but not a god by any means. To compare him with Jesus seems strange. I could see replacing the trickster in that question with the Fur Queen, but as it was stated i was confused.

I really enjoyed reading Kiss of the Fur Queen. I thought it did a really great job at explaining what life was like in and outside of the residential schools and how it effected the family life of Champion and Gabriel. Growing up away from your parents and culture will change your life completely and that can been seen as the boys grow up and can no longer relate to their father. As we discussed the book in class i just grew to like it more and more. We discussed a lot of the symbolism Highway uses and it really changes the way I saw the book. What struck me the most, as most stories like this does, is that it actually happened. Its so hard to believe that people can be so ruthless and just try and change what they feel is wrong.

Oh this is hard, there is so many scnes that are important to the book, it is hard to just pick one. But if I think back to reading the book, well there is two scnes that were important to me. The fist scene is when April goes down to the living room, and sees Mr. Dion upset, she goes up to him, and puts her hand on his and tells him that "Mamansays it's ok to cry sometimes. Maman says it makes you feel better."(p.36) This is the first time that April sees someone as upset as she was about something, she doesn't know how to approach the sitiation, because Mr. Dion isn't her real dad, however she does call him Papa, and she handels the situation as though Mr. Dion was her real dad, and this scene is a beautiful father daughter moment. The second scene that stood out to me was when April goes to visit Mrs. Dion in the hospital. She knows that Mrs. Dion is very ill, and is going to die, so April goes in to see her one more time, and also because she was assigned to another foster home, because the Dions were unable to take care of her in the tragedy. Mrs. Dion gives April a very heartfelt loving speech about how she is a special person, and that she will do just fine in life. April for the first time in her life says the words I love you. And this is such a break-through moment for me in the book, because April lets go, she gives part of herself to Maman, and it is a touching moment, because she felt so at home with the Dions, they were so nice to her, nad now she has to leave.

One of the most intriguing parts of this book for me was the role of art. I have always thought of Native life as being somewhat "defined" by art, music and spiritual life. Of course, this is a very stereotypical view and shows how little I truly knew about Native cultures before now. There was so much I didn't know about such as the brainwashing by the church and the rampant alcohol abuse, etc. This is the first story we've read though, where you see art truly shaping the characters' lives.

One point I thought of though was Gabriel's homosexuality. I'm not sure that I really believe that he was homosexual...I think that he saw his choreographer as an open door to a life of dancing, which was his true passion. He never speaks about having any attraction to his partner, just that it's pretty much a roof to sleep under and a ticket to the stage. Also, it was probably much easier to be a homosexual ballerina than a straight one.

Paul talked a lot in class about the role of 'destiny' in this story. I'm not sure that I would have thought about that on my own but now I can't stop thinking about it and all the instances that seemed to be controlled by destiny. For instance, Jeremiah is born as 'Champion' and is conceived right after his father becomes the Champion of dogsledding, and he is also born right into his father's silver trophy cup. Later Jeremiah becomes the 'Champion' of the piano. Also, Gabriel is born 'Dancer' and they say that he was constantly dancing around as an infant, and then becomes a famous dancer across Canada. These are only the obvious connections too, there are many more that I haven't even made yet.

I liked the way Highway compared and contrasted the differences between his native Cree language and English. He effectively illustrates what strengths belong to both languages, highlighting English as an intellectual language of the mind and Cree a poetic language of passion that comes right from the groin. In the same manner, Highway contrasts the differences in mythology between the Cree spirituality and religion and the Christian one. The the missionaries came in and not only converted these reservations but also robbed the livelihood of the tribe, its young, out from under them. Though the Catholic mission statement in Highway's novel seems to be to eliminate the savage and the native elements from their language to their "barbaric" mythology, it is all to evident that there is serious hippocracy. What could be more barbaric, as Gabriel says, than worshipping the image of a man who is bleeding, beaten, tortured, and cruelly executed? The only thing more barbaric would be to consciously choose to eat his flesh and drink his blood? Highway does a fabulous job of noticing these blatant contradictions, and he also enables readers to identify more readily with his culture. By putting it into perspective with established staples of our own culture, we are able to better appreciate the true devastating magnitude of the decimation to Jeremiah's people/reservation.

In Kiss of the Fur Queen I believe Highway resents the residential schools as in the other novels we have read, but does not dwell on all of the bad aspects of it. It was an opportunity in some ways because he is able to play music something that would never been able to be done if he had stayed home. Hardships can sometimes create a positive outcome. This book had a more start to finish feel without a lot of jumping around which made the book a lot easier to follow. I would question Highway and every author how these novels resemble their lives? Also I would question if homosexuality was understood/ accepted at this time? Like many of the other students I felt the dream sequences to be confusing at times. Also like many of the other novels the white way is the right way and no one would listen to them if they had spoke out. This is a constant theme in many novels we read that bothers me. Why are they any less of people then us?

This novel was extremely difficult for me to get through. The language was very unique and for me, that made the plot line very difficult to follow, though at the same time I could really appreciate the unique aspect and individuality created by this use of language, especially in the musical terms for chapter titles. I was most surprised when I'd read that Gabriel had developed AIDS because when the story had started, I was under the impression that he was the better brother. While I'm in no way saying that having AIDS makes you a bad person, what I am trying to say is that from the start, I thought that Gabriel had the most promising future between him and Jeremiah. My thoughts about this book have changed a little since we discussed it in class because I understood it a little better but over all, I'm still not entirely a fan of the book.

This book does remind me a little bit of Ravensong though, just because the role of family in each novel is so strong and sibling relationships seem to play an important role in each of the books. The character development of the main characters in each book also stood out for me, especially in Kiss of the Fur Queen with Jeremiah starting out as kind of a bottom feeder and then growing and ending up speaking in classrooms to kids. As for questions for this class, the only one I really have is about the Fur Queen and what everyone thinks she symbolizes, aside from the obvious.