Book Review of “A Yellow Raft in Blue Water,” by Michael Doris, 1987. New York: Warner Books.
Diversity is a good thing, as is celebrating it.
This book focuses on Native American and other cultures, divided by chapters on three generations of characters: a daughter, her mother, and her grandmother. There are also insights into African Americans, Caucasians, and mixed persons. The book is as much about what others think of our race and culture as what we think of our own.
The book tells the stories of three strong women, how their lives intertwine, and how they interact with each other. It is so interesting to see how the author takes on the personalities to tell the histories. I think most of the themes would make sense today, even though the book is older. The book is full of diversity.
Teachers of culture and language will find some interesting points being made here – with reference to people speaking ‘Indian’ and how the use of the language implies greater importance, more passion, and more personal connections than English can provide. It is a book about bilingual and bicultural experiences.
Social workers and street helpers alike can understand more about diversity from the reading of this book. Homeless persons indeed come from a variety of backgrounds, and in urban settings and out in the country they are from everywhere. There are new arrivals from Haiti, from Venezuela, and from Ghana.
Understanding more about the different cultures out there is important. As counselors and advocates for the unhoused, we must try to feel more what they feel, see from the lens of their angle.
It is the diversity of America—and of our streets and alleys—that makes this a stronger and more purposeful nation. Lots of hope, lots of need.
Literature teachers will have plenty of technical information to study and teach here – such as the meaning of the yellow raft, the horse riding, the blue water, the dances, the service to our country, and the use of new conveniences in housing.
As cultures and technology change, we can often look at how characters change to adapt to them.
Novels often give us a rich and enthralling way to learn about people like Rayona, Christine, and Aunt Ida, and how they navigate all the trappings and traditions of culture, racism, struggle, motherhood, and survival.
This is an American story, and it is one you should read to get a better understanding of diversity. This one is good for your personal library.
This is a novel you should read and celebrate with your friends and colleagues. Use it in your book club, at your department retreat, at your board meeting. Good stuff here. Important diverse minds and souls.