About the book
Growing up in South Dakota, Josh Garrett-Davis knew he would leave. But as a young adult, he kept going back -- in dreams and reality and by way of books. With this beautifully written narrative about a seemingly empty but actually rich and complex place, he has reclaimed his childhood, his unusual family, and the Great Plains.
Among the subjects and people that bring his Midwestern Plains to life are the destruction and resurgence of the American bison; Native American \"Ghost Dancers,\" who attempted to ward off destruction by supernatural means; the political allegory to be found in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; and current attempts by ecologists to \"rewild\" the Plains, complete with cheetahs.
Garrett-Davis infuses the narrative with stories of his family as well -- including his great-great-grandparents' twenty-year sojourn in Nebraska as homesteaders and his progressive Methodist cousin Ruth, a missionary in China ousted by Mao's revolution. Ghost Dances is a fluid combination of memoir and history and reportage that reminds us our roots matter.
Editions of Ghost Dances
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780316199841
- EBook
- ISBN 9780316199858
Read an Excerpt
Growing up in South Dakota, Josh Garrett-Davis knew he would leave. But as a young adult, he kept going back -- in dreams and reality and by way of books. With this beautifully written narrative about a seemingly empty but actually rich and complex place, he has reclaimed his childhood, his unusual family, and the Great Plains.
Among the subjects and people that bring his Midwestern Plains to life are the destruction and resurgence of the American bison; Native American \"Ghost Dancers,\" who attempted to ward off destruction by supernatural means; the political allegory to be found in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; and current attempts by ecologists to \"rewild\" the Plains, complete with cheetahs.
Garrett-Davis infuses the narrative with stories of his family as well -- including his great-great-grandparents' twenty-year sojourn in Nebraska as homesteaders and his progressive Methodist cousin Ruth, a missionary in China ousted by Mao's revolution. Ghost Dances is a fluid combination of memoir and history and reportage that reminds us our roots matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ghost Dances about?
Growing up in South Dakota, Josh Garrett-Davis knew he would leave. But as a young adult, he kept going back -- in dreams and reality and by way of books. With this beautifully written narrative about a seemingly empty but actually rich and complex place, he has reclaimed his childhood, his unusual family, and the Great Plains.
Among the subjects and people that bring his Midwestern Plains to life are the destruction and resurgence of the American bison; Native American \"Ghost Dancers,\" who attempted to ward off destruction by supernatural means; the political allegory to be found in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; and current attempts by ecologists to \"rewild\" the Plains, complete with cheetahs.
Garrett-Davis infuses the narrative with stories of his family as well -- including his great-great-grandparents' twenty-year sojourn in Nebraska as homesteaders and his progressive Methodist cousin Ruth, a missionary in China ousted by Mao's revolution. Ghost Dances is a fluid combination of memoir and history and reportage that reminds us our roots matter.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Ghost Dances?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Ghost Dances?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780316199841
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Ghost Dances?
Josh Garrett-Davis
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Ghost Dances is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780316199841) and ebook(ISBN 9780316199858)
Where can I buy Ghost Dances online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Ghost Dances from below
Where can I buy Ghost Dances?