This is a review I wrote up a few years back for Ojibwa author Basil Johnston's book, The Manitous: The Spiritual World Of The Ojibway (available at Amazon):

Summary of this book:

Exactly what it says: the mythology of the Ojibwa Indians, also known as the Chippewa, a tribe that lived in the Great Lakes region of the United States--the same area that I myself live in. Growing up not too far from Mackinac Island, which was a sacred place to the native Algonquin tribes, I've always wanted to learn more about the local mythology, and this book does a wonderful job of describing it for those who are new to the subject. I had heard before of Manabozho and the Wendigoes, but I knew very little about Manabozho's three brothers, the Flying Skeleton Pauguk, and other such "manitous" (loosely translated, spirits) of the region. Johnston's book outlines the stories of the primary manitous of the Ojibwa in a manner that's easy to read and very entertaining.

The chapters include:

Kitchi-Manitou: The Great Mystery
Muzzu-Kummik-Quae: Mother Earth
Maudjee-kawiss: The First Son
Pukawiss: The Disowned
Cheeby-aub-oozoo: The Ghost Of Rabbit
Nana'b'oozoo
The Manitous Of The Forests & Meadows
Personal Manitous
Nebaunaubaewuk & Nebaunaubaequaewuk: Mermen & Mermaids
Manitoussiwuk: Little Manitous & Sprites
Auttissookaunuk: The Muses
Pauguk
Weendigo

There is also a helpful glossary of names and terms used.

I rate the book content PG-13 as there are references to certain violent acts, which were all too common back then as they are now.

This type of book is good for:

Learning about Ojibwa mythology and culture. Seeing as the tribes are related, this book can also help you learn about the beliefs of the Ottawa and Pottawatomi and other Great Lakes Indians.

I especially liked:

The way the mythological figures were brought to life through dialogue and character interaction. Especially with the stories about the four half-manitou brothers, Manabozho, Mudjikawiss, Peepaukawiss, and Chibiabos, you felt that these were real people, flaws and all, that you were reading about. I was actually saddened by some of the stories, as they were so tragic. (See especially the stories of Peepaukawiss and Chibiabos, and try not to feel the pain of the characters involved.)

I didn't like:

The variant spellings of the names used. I myself am used to Manabozho rather than Nana'b'oozoo, Chibiabos rather than Cheeby-aub-oozoo, Wendigo rather than Weendigo, etc. However, this is a common occurrence in books about mythology, no matter which culture is being written about. I also wish there was more reference to the myths specific to the Mackinac Straits area, such as the Mitchi Manitou and the cannibal Geebis!

When I finished reading this book I wanted to:

Write to the author and ask him to write a sequel telling about yet MORE of the manitous! Any ideas how to contact him? :)

This book made me feel:

Prouder of the region I grew up in; it's really something to know of the rich mythology that sprang up right around where I live. I also felt inspired to continue writing my serial Manitou Island, and to work on a sequel--now the second sequel, in fact!

The author of this book:

Is Basil Johnston (please note that Amazon misspells his name as "Johnson"), an Ojibwa scholar living in Ontario, Canada. He has written numerous other books about Ojibwa myth and culture, including Ojibway Heritage, which I also own...and in which he spells the names differently yet again! ^_^

I recommend this book because:

It is a good, easy, and entertaining way to learn about the spiritual beliefs of one of our native peoples, no matter what region of the US you may (or may not!) be from. I also believe that mythology is a good way to help enrich our own writing through the use of dynamic, archetypal characters--and Manabozho et al. are anything but ordinary!

I don't recommend this book because:

There is no reason not to recommend this book. I would not be wasting my time writing a book review if I didn't want to recommend it, would I? :)

Further comments:

I actually went on an Ojibwa/Algonquin mythology binge in an attempt to bring more life to my series, Manitou Island. I started writing with a very limited understanding of the mythology; this book and others have helped clarify some of my misconceptions, and have led to further ideas. Two sequels have followed so far, both of them focusing more on the myths described in The Manitous; so even if you do not read my writing, I still recommend Johnston's book!