Böcker av Beverly Waters McBride

Without A Paddle follows a young Native American man, Paulie, living in "Maryville" in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, as he struggles to find his roots and his "place in the world." He transitions from teenager to husband, father, employee, traveler while he listens and learns from experiences at home in Maryville, then the world, drawing on his instincts when danger threatens. It is the story of his search of identity, meaning, and balance with both his Western and Native values. His young wife, Luvenia and their infant son figure prominently as he tries to do the right thing for them. In Book Three, familiar characters return having a place in Paulie's story: Dan Walkin from Book One, Beth Morrison from Book Two, and Big Man all have a part in Paulie's growth.

There is a saying that it is possible for a Native American to travel down the smooth river of life with one foot in each of two canoes, one canoe representing tribal heritage and way of life, and the other "western" thinking and living, committing fully to neither, as long as the river is smooth without rocks, challenges or bends. But when adversity strikes or a proverbial bend in the river appears, a person must then jump into one philosophical canoe or the other, embracing their own culture or denying their heritage. The alternative to making a choice is to float, swim or sink, drowning in the river of life.

The story of Beth Morrison, a modern Native American woman, reveals her quest to find her voice and passion, overcoming abusive situations and life's limitations to grow into a vibrant artist and a woman of strength and substance. Beth's story revisits characters and settings introduced in Book One from her very own perspective, actions, and intentions, expanding with new insights and observations both Tribal and non-Tribal modern life and challenges. She rediscovers Dan Walkin, her childhood love, and develops new close friends in DC, Miami and Maryville, her hometown in Upper Michigan. "Up the Creek" is the second of seven in the "One Foot in Two Canoes Series."