The Lightning Shrikes: A Novel of an All-Star American Indian Softball Team

by Devon A. Mihesuah

A former major league baseball player with an eye for talent--and home cooking--creates a new all Native American softball team as part of a national coed professional league sponsored by a wealthy... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592281133
• ISBN13: 9781592281138
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Lyons Press
• Length: 245 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

If it wasn't for the inaccuracies in the softball, I'd have rated it 5.

The story was excellent, bring out the various viewpoints of Native Americans today on problems from mascots and powwows to land grabs and poverty on the reservations. One of the best portions of the book was when the players on the team, all Native Americans, "corrected" the mascot's outfit. The characters were believeable. While reading the book, I could say, "I know someone like that" on almost every character, even the broken-down rodeo rider. The climate of Oklahoma was described well also, from the stifling humidity of eastern Oklahoma to the tornadoes of the central area. Unfortunately, the softball games themselves had so many inaccuracies it took away from the story. There are no "2nd base" coaches, and getting hit by a pitch in fast-pitch entitles you to 1st base. Even so, I enjoyed the read and the discussion of issues in the Native community.

The Lightning Shrikes

This easy to read page turner was one of the most enjoyable books I have read recently. Mihesuah is an excellent writer and every character is brought to life in a memorable way. With each Shrike game I was sitting on the edge of my seat hoping for a win. In addition to a wonderful storyline, The Lightning Shrikes is an excellent example of American Indian fiction. The book provides insights into current problems facing Indians today in an easy manner. Non-Indian readers will find these issues easy to swallow and might even learn something new. As an Indian reader, I was even challenged in the way I perceive other Indians. Thanks Devon for a fun and exciting read. I can't wait for the Shrikes second season!

The Lightning Shrikes

Mihesuah, as usual, hits it out of the park, so to speak, with The Lightning Shrikes. This novel is remarkable in that it manages to be both a page turner, and a highly effective investigation of a plethora of issues germaine to Indian country. Mihesuah, a Choctaw academician, proves herself to have quite a gift for fiction, in addition to her formidable talents as a scholar. She manages to present many complicated topics and misperceptions in such a way that someone either misinformed or underinformed would finish this book significantly enlightened, without feeling beat up. Aside from political value, the characters are realistic and endearing, and the story engrossing - it's one of those books where you actually want a sequel!

"The Lightning Shrikes" Hits a Literary Home Run!

Devon Mihesuah's "The Lightening Shrikes" breaks Native American stereotypes and allows the reader to have fun doing it. In a world where Native American literary fiction that is actually written by Native American authors too often tells only the tale of a reluctant Native American hero or heroine struggling in a seemingly un-winnable battle against impossible odds, Mihesuah hits a home run with a story that incorporates modern American Indian protagonists who are finally allowed to achieve and enjoy their success. After reading this highly enjoyable story of a cohesive team of players from a diverse set of tribal cultures coming together in a powerful and effective show of solidarity and sportsmanship, it causes one to wonder why someone didn't write a story like this sooner. All of that, and the "Indian mascots" issue is dealt with in a way that causes it to finally turn out (at least for the Lightning Shrikes) the way that it should, for a change. Mihesuah entertains, informs and raises consciousness about Native American issues all at the same time-a powerful triple play that will keep you turning the pages and wanting more. I highly recommend "The Lightning Shrikes" for anyone who is looking for a good read. It could also be a great way for the newcomer to Native American issues to find out nearly everything you might have wanted to know about Native American stereotypes and why Indian mascots are offensive, but were afraid to ask, but have fun while doing it. I am looking forward to more fiction by Devon Mihesuah.