Girl Warrior: On Coming of Age

In this lyrical memoir, former U.S. poet laureate Harjo (Washing My Mother’s Body) offers candid reflections on her artistic development and stirring inspiration for young Native women. In short chapters that address the reader directly, Harjo weaves profound personal experiences—including her grief over the death of her daughter, her struggles with crippling stage fright, and her memories of transformative musical experiences—with concise wisdom (“Your spirit doesn’t tell you what to do. It shows you the story. What you choose to do is up to you”). Throughout, she remains consistently focused on the importance of creative expression, noting that writing is “part of carrying on voice, a voice that is full of stories that [give] us strength to survive, create, and keep going.” She also soberly considers the challenges facing her fellow members of the Muscogee Nation, conceding that she “doesn’t have the words to help” the community’s problems with addiction or poverty, only “questions, tears, and anger,” though “some questions can pry open a corner where light can shoot through.” Elegant and worldly-wise, Harjo’s ruminations linger long after the final page is turned. This offers valuable guidance for readers of all stripes. (Oct.)