I have a very short list of heroes.  John Trudell is on that list.  He is a man of courage, strength, and grace.  I cannot imagine the arduous pain Trudell has had to endure because of a monstrous crime thrust upon him and his family. It was through this pain he evolved into the eloquent writer he is today.

Trudell’s second book, Lines from a Mined Mind, is a culmination of the cataclysmic path, which has been Trudell’s plight.  His poems evoke anger, frustration, love, laughter, and tears.  His journey has been

the motivation for the stories which fill this book.  His Native American experience is, at the least, the underlying spirit and, at most, in your face, while experiencing page after page of this unique book.

Injustice and Greed

Trudell’s bold look at injustice and greed is honest and disquieting. His earthy and sensual side conjures up a place of primal reflection. And, Trudell’s delightful sense of humor intertwined among the pages of prose sneaks-up and gives a bit of a tickle.

I spent a few months with his book in order to indulge one work at a time. I can’t say that I am a poetry votary, but I am a fan of truth and revelation.  And, I am in awe of the gift entrusted to a few chosen souls to weave a tale in such a way that leaves the reader to ponder the precept; never quite sure if the writers intention is the reader’s understanding.

And, so, Trudell’s passionate Lines from a Mined Mind will ignite a legion of ideas, feelings, questions, and desires. I highly recommend this book.  It is a gift for the senses.

Another Opinion

“…blends delicate lyricism with passionate political criticism and left me determined to hear Trudell perform the poetry as songs.”