Potiki (Talanoa : Contemporary Pacific Literature)

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Indigenous Voices

Uneven

A hymn of praise to celebrate Maori values and victory!

A beautiful story of stories

Maori families deal with ancient belief and modern intrusion

Potiki (Talanoa : Contemporary Pacific Literature)
Patricia Grace
Manufacturer: University of Hawaii Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0824817060

Book Description

Winner of the 1987 New Zealand Fiction Award

This compelling novel will resonate for people everywhere who find their livelihood threatened by "Dollarmen" -- property speculators advocating golf courses, high rises, shopping malls, and tourist attractions. In Potiki, one community's response to attacks on their ancestral values and symbols provides moving affirmation of the relationship between land and the people who live on it.

Customer Reviews:

Indigenous Voices.......2007-06-21

Like another reviewer from Hawai'i, I also read this book in a Pacific Island literature class. What could have easily become a story about white man's exploitation of the Maori people and the environment (and I'm okay with that kind of story too), was instead turned into a glimpse inside the Polynesian mind and set of values. The sections most unsettling to us Caucasians -- those on the mystical aspects of the wood carvings -- relate much about the way the Polynesian views the past, as being in front of them, something to learn from. And we learn that what we regard as "ancestor worship" is really a matter of valuing those who have cared for the land and passed it on to us, along with the knowledge of how to live on it. We're also shown the value of stories: This book is told as a collection of the stories of many persons, each of whom has a unique perspective, something a little different to tell. Some stories are pragmatic, some we would term "mystical," but they too contain a valid warning.
This book probably did more than any ever -- fiction or non-fiction, and I'm a voracious reader -- to help me understand Polynesian values, which are basically the same values as those of indigenous peoples all over the world -- care for the land, respect the ancestors, listen to others' stories. Our planet desperately needs indigenous values!

Uneven.......2007-03-08

I had a hard time reading this book -- there were parts of it that I found lyrical & compelling (like the introduction, and many of the chapters narrated by toko) and parts that seemed very heavy-handed (especially the telling of the history of protests over land that had been claimed by the gov't during wartime and the chapters narrated by hemi). Especially early in the book I found it easy to set it aside for periods of time, but I got more engaged as I got to the second section.

One major weakness is that there's no glossary or translation of any of the Maori terms, so it's a much more difficult read for someone who is trying to become more familiar with the people and culture than someone who already is.

A hymn of praise to celebrate Maori values and victory!.......2000-11-03

I can't recall when I've ever felt so strongly the musical rhythm of an author's style, or the extent to which it changes to suit the tempo of the action and themes. In the first third of this wonderful book by a very talented writer, conversations between the simple Mary and Granny Tamihana, the guardian of Maori traditions, echo and sound like chants; between Roimata and Hemi, a happily married couple, they resemble duets with complimentary themes. The scene in which Mary gives birth is a grand, complex chorus with the several family members singing over, around, and above each other as they fight for the narrative line. Toko's story of his big fish is a soaring aria which ventures into a mystical realm, for Toko is a seer. And all this music seems totally appropriate to the lives of these Maori characters living in harmony with the land and their ancestors.

The middle third of the book changes, as Hemi, the father of the family, abruptly introduces the harsh notes of reality which occur when "the works" closes down, and he and his friends find themselves unemployed. In mournful tones he comments on the loss of tradition, language, and connection to the land which are coming about as education is imposed on their children by outside authorities, and people such as himself accept outside jobs. Their very existence as a group is also threatened by developers who want to buy their land to put up hotels, build seaside parks where visitors can play with the dolphins and whales, and commercialize the lifestyle these Maori have enjoyed all their lives.

In the final third of the book, as the Maoris fight for their land, the staccato, simple language is like the harsh beat of a war drum, and the songs disappear from the language, not returning until the rebuilding of the sacred house and the funeral of a key character bring about harmony and poetry once again.

It is hard to imagine that Patricia Grace did not deliberately tailor her prose style to her subject matter, yet this seems so completely natural--so totally without artifice--that one wonders if this harmony of words and subject might be the ultimate, triumphant example of the unity of story and life which she so vividly celebrates in this memorable and touching novel.

A beautiful story of stories.......2000-10-06

This was a mandatory book in a Pacific Literature class. Lucky for me. It is filled with complex symbolism that tells not only of a land struggle for a people who are holding on to their traditions, but how they learn, and choose what they take from "Western" ideas in order to fight for what little of their own land that the government has left for them. A lot of other people -including Hawaiians- are going through this now, which makes this book as relevant today as it was when it was written.

The story is told through Toko, a deformed child who has a special knowing. He is central figure in the book, and not only as a story teller. His "second mother", Roimata, is the other story teller. Although, everyone has a story, they are the only two who actually tell the stories. It is an enriching and enlightening book for anyone familiar or not familiar with Moari culture or the struggles between land developers, government, and native peoples of any country or island. It is also much more than that, but I don't want to write an essay just to tell you how great the book is!

Maori families deal with ancient belief and modern intrusion.......1999-02-05

By luck, I got this book from my local library on recommendation of a friend. After reading it I still felt the emotions of these Maori people who maintain their ancient traditions and beliefs in a thoroughly modern world. The impact of old/new carvings, the constant sound and smell of the sea conflicting with modern bulldozers and "Dollarmen" trying to outwit the villagers, is only part of the story. You feel you can enter the minds of the family members who tell the story, mostly in English, but some in beautiful Maori poetry. You may not know what the words mean, but try reciting them out loud and you sense the deep meaning of them.

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Aotearoa: Collected Poems and Songs
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Manufacturer: Steele Roberts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Shaking the tree
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Treaty-Based Guidelines and Protocols for Tertiary Education Institutions
Te Maire Tau , David Ormsby , Marjorie Manthei , and Tahu Potiki
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Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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UT, Nr.52, Potiki
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Manufacturer: Unionsverlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

German | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 3293200524

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Notes on Patricia Grace's "Potiki"
Jenny Lee
Manufacturer: Kaiako Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Potiki
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Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJ1GAU

Customer Reviews:

What if you had Superman's Powers?.......2007-08-12

The first time I read this book I had borrowed it from the Library...Ohhh Maaaannnnn....what an amazing story!!! I couldn't put it down and at first I couldn't even comprehend the fullness of the story. It was this book that not only got me to read the "Astro City" series, but when I found out that Kurt Busiek was now writing the Superman Comics for DC...I started buying Superman Comics again after a 35 year lapse. I thought I had outgrown Comic Books until I read Kurt Busiek writing. This story is such a grabber that I had read it 3 times in less than 7 months before I broke down and bought it. And then I read it again and even had my Wife read it, she doesn't even like "Graphic Novels", but she likes this one. I highly recommend it and encourage people to buy it, because it is and will become classic reading in the annals of illustrated books. Way to Go Kurt Busiek!!! Definately one of your Best!!!

Comic Books Don't Get Anymore "Super" Than This.......2007-07-19

Yes, it is an "Elseworlds"-type story set in an alternate universe (a non-superpowered "real world" like our own...). And yes, it doesn't star the "Man of Steel" that we're all familiar with, but another boy named Clark Kent. After reading the re-imagining of Superman's origin in Mark Waid's "Birthright," I was expecting a similar "Superboy"-type story here. Not the case, though--what we have is simply the best Superman tale ever told. This is Superman's equivalent to "The Dark Knight Returns." The artwork is amazing, and the story itself is at turns exciting, sad, and wonderful. One of the top ten comic books ever produced, in my opinion.

Great alternate-reality Superman miniseries.......2007-05-06

This is a thoroughly engrossing, tightly scripted, rather intense Superman story, set in an alternate-ish reality where -- like our own world -- Superman is a fictional character, not a real person. At least that's the case until a young man named Clark Kent (named that as a joke by his lame but well intentioned parents) develops superpowers that exactly mimic those of the fictional man of steel. Is it a fever dream? A fantasy? Has he been brainwashed? Well, no. He really has become Superman, but is his world ready for a real, live superhero? Like many super-books of recent vintage, this story places a metahuman character in the midst of a hostile, invasive political system -- the government simply can't leave Clark alone, so he has to grapple with constant intrusions and attempts to curtail his freedom... In the meantime, he finds love, builds a family and grows old. Kurt Busiek has crafted a powerful tale, backed by rich, realistic artwork -- a real saga that will draw you in from start to finish.

This is a very good read -- highly recommended!

Secret.......2007-03-16

This is very well written and the story flows.
It is a new take on what it means to be Superman.

One of the Best!.......2007-02-26

I'm not a big fan of Superman, but this book is great even for those that don't care for anything in the "super-hero" genre. Busiek writes a story that tries to take a truly realistic take on superheros - what would it be like if someone one day actually woke up with powers?
Clark Kent grows up in a world like our own, where superheroes only exist in comic books, and is constantly ridiculed for the irony that a mild-manner boy from a small town in Kansas is named after a powerful comic book character of the same name. After Clark one day realizes he actually has Superman's powers, the story portrays its bittersweet nature, balancing the bad - having to worry about the government, being afraid to go public or share your secret with those you love, and the effect that such power can have on good people - with the obvious benefits of having super powers as we see different stages of Clark's life.
The art is good, but it is Busiek's excellent ability to help us sympathize with his main character and convincing storytelling that makes the book outstanding. I'd recommend it to anyone!

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Secret Identity :Superman Volume 1
Kurt Busiek
Manufacturer: DC COMICS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WOVVC0

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Secret Identity :Superman Volume 2
Kurt Busiek
Manufacturer: DC COMICS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Secret Identity :Superman Volume 4
Kurt Busiek
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Binding: Paperback
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Superman: Secret Identity #2 Metropolis

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Secret Identity :Superman Volume 3
Kurt Busiek
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Superman: Secret Identity

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ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1417669772

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Superman: Secret Identity #2 Metropolis
Kurt Busiek
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WWQA32

Book Description

When Akiko’s Smoovian friends, Poog, Mr. Beeba, Gax, and Spuckler Boach, swing by to pick her up in an astroshuttle, she’s feeling bored with her “normal” life and more than ready to go—anywhere. What she doesn’t know is that King Froptoppit has enrolled them all in the Intergalactic Space Patrollers Training Camp on Zarga Baffa. Every planet in the universe relies on patrollers for protection, but no one from Smoo has ever graduated. Akiko and her crew are the planet’s last hope.

After a freak accident at nearby Virpling Canyon, Akiko’s crew faces the ultimate final exam. Will Akiko go home, leaving the rescuing to others? Or will she stay and risk everything?

Customer Reviews:

Consistent pleasure.......2006-11-02

Another good addition to a fun series. Interesting characters, mixing adventure and humor, offer a pleasurable bedtime read for both parent and child. The whole series is full of wonderful fantasy fit for boys and girls 7-12.

Akiko.......2006-02-21

We consider this a true "find." My 6 year old daughter picked up the first book, the Planet Smoo, and fell in love with the ridiculous characters and nutty planets. Then all of a sudden, the 8 year old son was hanging around, enthralled by each adventure. We've enjoyed every book in the series and recommend it to kids between 4 and 12.

Back and better than ever!.......2005-03-25

This is another great book in the excellent "Akiko" series. The first thing you'll notice is that Akiko has a new, more mature look and personality. The changes are realistic, though, so it feels more like she's growing up along with you, instead of like she's become someone unfamiliar. In this chapter of the series, Akiko, along with her friends, is sent to a tough training school on the planet Zarga Baffa. There, she must survive challenges such as Humbling Week, Yoodoo Egg Rescue, and Nagnog Lizard Riding. The plot moves at a fast clip (I finished it in 2 1/2 hours), and the tone is consistently upbeat and humorous, making it a smooth, enjoyable read for kids, teens and adults alike. It's also important to note that this can be read even if you don't have any prior experience with the series, since it starts off as a new adventure and ends neatly and happily. I would reccomend reading the other books first, though, because you'll be more familiar with the characters. Overall, this is a wonderful book for all ages and reading levels.

Book Description

In this book, Satyam shares with us how this shift is affecting all "seekers" afflicted with an intense longing to finally go "home" and know the thoughts of God. But the problem in becoming a "finder" is that the reality is buried under the confusion of thousands of years of concepts around this whole idea of enlightenment.

Customer Reviews:

Another enjoyable read from Satyam Nadeen.......2006-02-07

I remember reading this book a few years ago and just feeling really good afterwards. It is light mind freeing material.

Both this and his first book 'From Onions to Pearls' are fun reads with a nice free feeling of spirtual depth.

Not for everyone, but I liked and would recommend them both.

Get onboard the Consciousness train..........2003-12-10

The author declares that we are in the beginning stages of a monumental "Shift" in human consciousness and awareness. He states that more and more of us are awakening to the supreme beatitude of knowing who/what we really are: the awareness in which all things rise and fall,i.e. consciousness itself! I agree with his thesis that a transformation is apparent and ongoing in the experience of more and more people every day. The ancient knowledge which had to be taken on faith is now just over our individual horizons awaiting our Yes. This book has the feel of authenticity about it, as if it could have been spoken by a modern American Maharshi or Nisargadatta. The language here is very clear and his ideas are easy to follow. If you are at the point in your journey where you've begun to question your true identity, then this book will resonate pleasantly and perhaps take you a step or two further. In this game of awakening there is everything to gain and nothing to lose except your fear and alienation. The book ends with several pages of quotes from the marvelous Ashtavakra Gita...."striving or still the fool never finds peace, but the master finds it just by knowing how things are...the master goes about his business with perfect equanimity...because he knows his own nature, he does what he has to do without feeling ruffled...his sorrows are at an end".

Shocker.......2002-05-02

The best minds of humanity have puzzled over the meaning of consciousness and the change of consciousness we call enlightenment. It is true there are hundreds of explanations, and some theories are confusing if you have no frame of reference either in philosophy, theology, or psychology. My thought is the question: what if all these references were true, but simply evolving at different levels?
Some of you may have guessed that in the back of my mind is Ken Wilbur's "Spectrum of Consciousness." Specifically, for you Virgos (all others ignore): page 143, figure 3. Wilbur states there is no merging with the Center. We are always merged with the Center (the Source, One Taste). "It is rather an understanding of this eternal union Now and not the manufacture of it tomorrow." As Nadeem's "Source" comes up in an individual's experience, it is made objective, no longer confused with the Real Subject until, he says, there is only the Real Subject.
Satyam Nadeem is one real tough cookie. He views life nakedly, without any lenses to blur or distort his perspective. Similar in function to the Erhard Seminars Training (est), he takes a hard look at our state of (un)consciousness, and like the blow to the head a Rishi uses to awaken his students, so Nadeem uses the shock value of his words. I agree with him that there is an enormous increase of energy ("Shift," he calls it)towards a previously unknowable level of consciousness opening to the modern person.
There are, however, many who are unable to handle this energy and who will not make the Shift. These are neither good nor bad souls, merely those who were not ready. This matter of readiness is where I disagree with Nadeem. We have free will and we can choose to work towards and be prepared for the change. It is a beautiful work like the dreamworld or an art work available to any human willing to make this their own artwork.
The problem I feel with the New Age concept is that they see only bliss, joy, happiness, but no work! Sorry. That's not true. Humans are designed to work and to face challenges, and also to cease work, to relax and find the silence.
As a shocker, I rate this four stars.

The Meaning of Life.......2001-10-06

I just can't say enough about the positive impact of this book upon my life and those closest to me.

At last, I know the meaning of life - who I am and why I am here. Not just the mechanical interconnectedness of life's events that so many other books speak of, but the reason and purpose for them.

Satyam makes you laugh and marvel at the glory of "what is, as is".

Not Everyone's Mystic.......2000-07-31

Satyam Nadeen is a self-admitted Type A. He writes like an ad agency account exec. In this book, he still believes that group discussions (satsangs) are valuable and doesn't seem concerned that most degenerate into rants and ho-hum ego trip sessions. (Well, maybe those led by him don't.) He likes the idea (how could he, after being a Rajneeshi! ) of creating a spiritual organization with newsletters, etc. (At least, as of this book, he did.) Nevertheless, if you're not totally in his groove and find his means of expression overly hip for you, he may still have plenty to offer, simply because he doesn't wax ethereal. He is for real and to the point, Poonja-like. He describes the process of enlightenment in a unique and highly candid light from his and his students' own experiences. He has an interesting take on New Age seekers.

On Page 146 he responds to the ancient query of "Why suffering?" in a way most people won't want to hear but that probably is the bottom line on a topic that he says can't be understood by the mind. Yes, his gung-ho-ness might get to you if you're over 25, but there's no denying--if you've read his first book, FROM ONIONS TO PEARLS--that he knows whereof he speaks in regard to what he calls the "Shift." This book is a valuable companion to his first, and a "wake up call" that will ring bells for the open-minded. For tired, chronic do-ers, it is another dandy reminder that fixing life isn't possible at any level.

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Seekers and Finders.(The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage )(Book Review): An article from: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life
Wilfred M. McClay
Manufacturer: Institute on Religion and Public Life
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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ASIN: B0008G9EJE
Release Date: 2005-07-31

Book Description

This digital document is an article from First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life, published by Institute on Religion and Public Life on December 1, 2003. The length of the article is 2036 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Seekers and Finders.(The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage )(Book Review)
Author: Wilfred M. McClay
Publication: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life (Refereed)
Date: December 1, 2003
Publisher: Institute on Religion and Public Life
Issue: 138 Page: 41(4)

Article Type: Book Review

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