Oscar Hokeah’s Calling for a Blanket Dance is a novel that immediately pulls you in. It is the story of a young man named Ever, told from the perspective of his close family members and loved ones in a span of four generations. The story begins from the point of view of his grandmother, Lena, in 1976 as she tells the reader of an encounter that Ever’s parents faced with corrupt police officers on their way back from Mexico to the U.S. border. This event changes the future of the young family, and because Ever is only six months old at the time, his mother hopes that he will not remember what occurred, while his grandmother worries that Ever’s exposure to violence as a baby will affect him unless cured by a medicine man.
Ever is a citizen of Cherokee Nation and the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma from his mother’s side, and Mexican from his father’s side. Introduced to him as a baby, we see him grow into a young man who is often misunderstood, and then into a father who does his best to raise children while facing difficult challenges, all while witnessing the power of community and coming together to ensure every member is cared for.
As each chapter progresses, we learn more about each of the characters in Ever’s life in a very deep, yet unexpected way. Each character talks of their own life, their own upbringing, as well as their relationship with Ever. We learn about his mother, Turtle, as she does her best to keep the family together and provided for after her husband’s health declines, while also pursuing her dream of having a place her family can call home. We also learn about Ever’s cousin, Quinton, who is around Ever’s age and has incredible stories to tell us about the time they got their first cars and for whom they would spend their last dollar. About his grandfather, Vincent, and how his grandsons give him purpose and the lengths he goes to reconnect them with their Kiowa culture. Although Ever is somewhat private, each character brings us closer to him by giving us glimpses of moments that bring him joy, heartbreak, and hope. It is a story of love and resiliency that is hard to put down. Calling for a Blanket Dance is a novel sure to remind many readers of their own families, the individuality that each person brings, the crucial role that community plays, and our interconnection. Grab your copy today!
Ruddy Lopez lives in Inglewood, California, and attended California State University, Long Beach. She obtained a BA in English Literature and English Education and is a Fellow of the Los Angeles Review of Books Publishing Workshop. She is an educator, World Stage Press editor, and executive assistant at Community Literature Initiative, headquartered in the Sims Library of Poetry. In her spare time, Ruddy enjoys reading, writing poetry, and exploring what her city has to offer.
