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NEW COVER (2nd Edition) ~~~~~~~~~~ Evolved Publishing brings you a rare glimpse into ancient Native American culture, in the Historical Novel, "Circles," by Ruby Standing Deer. ~~~~~~~~~~ With much of the world still undiscovered, a small band of people live a peaceful life, until the dream vision of a young boy, Feather Floating In Water, changes everything. Only nine winters old, Feather's dreams turn his seemingly ordinary childhood into the journey of a lifetime. He must help his people face a terrifying destiny from which they cannot turn away. He must find a way to make his people listen. Bright Sun Flower, the boy's grandmother, guides his beginnings, teaching him about the Circle of Life, and how without it, no life can exist. But he needs a bigger push, and gets it from a grey wolf and a Great Elder. The boy's journey leads him to discover that the Circle of Life involves all people, all living things, and not just the world he knows. In the end, an ancient People guide the boy in his visions, toward an unexpected place hidden from outsiders. This story is steeped in American Indian life, in their beliefs and humor, and in their love of family. It shows how we might benefit from the old ways today.

228 pages, Softcover

First published January 4, 2012

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About the author

Ruby Standing Deer

7 books46 followers
Nature Lover, NEED animals in my life. 1/2 Cherokee 1/2 Irish/Scottish. Love to walk on the prairie. I hear nature, whispers from the Spirits. I have learned to listen to much most people do not hear.

Circles came to me in my dreams. Dreams are important in understanding yourself.

Animals have taught me more about myself that humans. They love you no matter what.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly Kinrade.
Author 26 books686 followers
February 25, 2012
This is a book full of lost wisdom, engaging characters and a beautiful story of one boy's journey from boyhood to manhood to Holy Man. Told from multiple points of view, Circles takes us back to a time of the Native Americans, when the world was simple and they lived off the land and honored the ancestors and passed on wisdom through the generations.

You will be transported to this way of life, and feel as if you are walking along side these people as the story slowly unfolds. Ruby Standing Deer has touched on a very powerful human experience and created characters that live beyond the pages of her book. If you enjoy a slow immersion into another time and place; if you enjoy meeting people of the old world and old ways; you will love Circles.
February 10, 2012
Circles is an invention for a modern time that is played out in the past. We visit a time before the Europeans discovered America. We see the world through the eyes of a young boy ‘feather floating in water’ who is often awoken by disturbing dreams telling of bearded men who will kill his people and ravage his land. Feather is a young child who finds himself faced with a great responsibility to save his people and lead them to safety. Along the way we are introduced many characters, both human and non-human who take on important roles and serve various purposes.


It seems almost as if Circles takes place in another dimension – often because of its simple and sometimes not so simple lessons that people often forget; but often haunt us because we have forgotten them.

Sometimes we find an interesting book that we have a hard time putting down; sometimes. Circles was one of those. While reading I am reminded of the modern 'concept' of community and how much that idea has changed. Circles served it's purpose and deserves it's place on my virtual shelf.

Well written, a well played out story with enough drama, action and excitement to fit a modern readers perspective is several genres.
1 review
February 3, 2012
I found Circles to be a rather intriguing story that flowed well and was chock full of interesting characters that are easily identifiable and quite interesting.

The story follows 'Feather Floating in Water', a young boy who discovers through his often frightening dreams that he must save his people at the age if just 8 years. Feather lives with his grandparents; his grandmother is a patient woman answering many of Feather questions and as well has teaches him about life.

Circles emulates a time before the Europeans arrived in North America, and Feathers dreams warn of bearded men that will soon arrive, disturbing their lives and the world as they know it.









Profile Image for John Chapman.
Author 14 books248 followers
May 10, 2012
A beautiful story of what should have been.

Circles is the story of a young Indian boy who lives his life at the time of the first appearance of Europeans in North America. His tribe are known as the Fish People and live their lives peacefully in a canyon hunting, fishing and gathering without metals and where the horse is unknown.

The boy has been given the name 'Feather Floating on Water'. When we first meet him he is eight years old and lives with his grandparents, Hawk Soaring and Bright Sun Flower, and mother, Makes Baskets. They have a beautifully touching relationship and live in harmony with the world around them, giving as much as they take.

Feather is bothered by dreams however. His dreams warn of impending disaster as bearded men make their appearance in their world killing, enslaving and disturbing the harmony of the world as they go in search of gold. His grandmother, a wise woman of the tribe, helps him understand these dreams and guides him through his steps through childhood to an early manhood at age 14. The author takes pains to explain that not all of the bearded men are evil but most do not understand how to live in harmony.

Many in the tribe know Feather is a special boy and this belief is strengthened as Feather makes friends with a wild wolf and becomes a protégée of a holy woman fleeing with her group from the Europeans. Feather takes on a new name 'Shining Light' and leads his people, and other tribes, to a new land where they will be safe.

The story is strongly written and will appeal to those who believe that mankind should live in harmony with nature. If you expect savagery and blood - look elsewhere.
Profile Image for S.M. Blooding.
Author 31 books583 followers
May 16, 2013
I was on the fence when I started reading this book. I was prepared to be disappointed. I don’t know why. Probably because I AM a slightly shallow the person the cover didn’t scream “commercial fiction”. I don’t know.

I was ridiculously surprised. The story was well crafted and well written! With as many books as I read, or attempt to read because I don’t finish them all, when I find one that is crafted and written well, I feel as though I’ve found a treasure! This one IS for sure! Ms. Standing Deer did an exceptional job with this book!

The story starts with Feathers as a small boy, learning what it means to live and exist in a world much bigger than himself. His grandmother is walking him through the canyon after a night of fitful dreams of a future that just doesn’t make sense. It’s just so peaceful in this moment between her and Feather, in this place, this time.

I was instantly struck by the feel of the setting. Setting is so much more than just things in the background. It’s about how the characters feel in that background, how they interact with it. The voice lends to the feel that this setting is majestic and comfortable and serene in it’s simplicity. I wasn’t awestruck, necessarily, but I was happy to be there.

The characters develop easily. Just the way that Ms. Standing Deer wrote them makes them easy to sync with, easy to get know, and a joy to read.

Once it’s time for the plot to take over and propel the story forward, we (the reader) are already comfortable with the setting, place, time, and characters.

This is a book that you should definitely read no matter your genre preference. This story simply made my heart happy. Read it.
Profile Image for Lane Diamond.
Author 60 books147 followers
January 9, 2012
I had the pleasure of editing: Circles, by Ruby Standing Deer.

What drew me to this book can best be summed up in two words: The People. I fell in love with the characters, and I found their ancient culture more than just a little intriguing.

This is not a rock ‘em, sock ‘em, edge-of-your-seat action book. This journey will carry you inside the hearts and minds of a deeply spiritual People, who loved the Earth they inhabited and those who shared their space. Their quick wit and easy sense of humor will endear you. Their naïve innocence, isolated in a little corner of the world where they’ve been free and secure, will almost make you wish you could go back and enjoy those simple times with them. Yet it will also cause concern, for the world is not now, nor was then, without its dangers.

The small Native American band, The Fish People, praise their Creator for their plentiful gifts, commune with the Spirits to guide them on the path they walk, and seek to understand the Great Mystery that is their very existence.

All the while, they fear those who would destroy their way of life, and they seek to find a peaceful means by which to hold on to that most dear to them--family, friends, their cherished community.

Glance back at this lost civilization--smile at their joyful way, and weep that they are gone.
1 review1 follower
April 4, 2012
Circles was like a timeless tradition that was once forgotten but is now found once again. There are lessons that each of us need to, perhaps, relearn.

The story follows a young boy who's fate is to save his people. There are many unique characters and adventures. Some will have you reminiscing of your own childhood or that of your children's and others will have to on the edge of your seat hoping for the best.

I finished this book rather quickly, if only because I could not put it down for long. I loved the ending! I really did not expect it.
Profile Image for David Litwack.
Author 8 books240 followers
April 21, 2014
Circles is a beautifully written story depicting the lives of the fish people, a small -American Indian tribe at the time of the Europeans’ arrival to the continent. The characters are richly drawn and endearing, especially the young boy, Feather Floating in Water, whose powerful dreams foreshadow the impending threat to his people. As he grows, these dreams force him at too tender an age into leading his people through a time of crisis .

I’m not qualified to say how accurately the culture or history is portrayed. Since it’s a work of fiction, it doesn’t matter. Suffice it to say that the culture is spiritual but in a way that differs from our own, with deep ties to nature. Animals have names and serve as spirit guides, elders are honored, and dreams are visions that guide the tribe through difficult times.

If you’re looking for a western action-adventure, Circles will not be your cup of tea. The author takes you inside the hearts and minds of an almost mystical people, who live their lives in innocence, at peace with everyone and everything around them, lives filled with humor, mystery and wonder.

Some reviewers have worried about the long (and sometimes changing) names. These require a bit of work on the part of the reader but this so-called problem puts Circles in the same realm as books by Murikami, with unfamiliar Japanese names, or Garcia Marquez, whose Hundred Years of Solitude has many characters with identical names across generations. The brief introduction at the beginning of the book is worthwhile and can facilitate the understanding of the characters and culture.

Circles possesses a lyrical style, reminiscent of a book like The Little Prince, but with a unique view of American Indian culture. If you enjoy dwelling for a time in the hearts and minds of those with a different yet beautiful relationship with the world they live in, you will enjoy this book. It does what all good books do—it allows the reader to see a special world through different eyes.
Profile Image for Terri.
468 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2016
What an amazing story!
1st let me say, I read / listened to this book in audio format via audible.com. I pick up audiobooks as much as I can as they have more adventure to them over reading a book myself. There is proper pronunciations and loads of emotions & excitement. Also with audio, I can do the yard work, housework, take a drive and still read my book too! I highly recommend everyone try an audiobook of your favorite book & see if the story did get better than before!
I loved this book - Circles! It was exciting and refreshing! To hear about life of the Indians and their way was great. I loved Feather & his mother Mixed Baskets. I loved how the story was told by the great Feather (the boy's point of view). I learned a lot more about Indian times and their ways from this book than I did in history class in school. What an adventurous life Feather had. So young and so brave, yet so old for such a little boy!
Ruby Standing Deer captured my attention from the very beginning of the story & held my interest through out the book! The plot was fantastic! The way she wrote the book & the wording made it feel very authentic too!
The narrator, Karen Rose Richter read amazingly. OMG this woman & her multiple Indian voices, made the book so real! She sounded like a real little boy, like a real grandma, like a real Father! The way she spoke so slowly & clearly made me feel like I was watching Indians talk & tell their story for real!
If anyone is thinking about reading this book, I say go for it. You would not believe how good the book really is. It is hard to put it into words, but the book has a real "Feel Good" feeling to it. If you really want an adventure, read it in audio!
Profile Image for Susan.
760 reviews33 followers
December 7, 2012
Ruby Running Deer pens "Circles", a Native American story, in a plot filled with emotions, spirituality and a touch of humor. With characters that are realistic and believable you can not help but feel you are one with them. I love that there really was no war and fighting but a story about a boy who takes a journey from boyhood into adulthood. Pay attention to the moral of the story, it is something we all need to remember in this modern world. A highly recommended must read for all..

This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Angela.
326 reviews72 followers
October 10, 2013
It has been a long time since I have read a good historical fiction novel focused on Native Americans. Circles was a fantastic way back into this genre.

Ruby Standing Deer writes a wonderful novel with a strong plot and interesting characters. The language choices are deliberate and convey the mindset and spirit of the People. This is a book to be savored rather than devoured quickly. The pacing of the novel allows for reflection on the story that transfers to contemplation of one's own life.

I am very much looking forward to reading the next book, Spirals.
Author 15 books29 followers
July 30, 2012
Ruby Standing Deer as creatic an epic American Indian tale about Feather, a boy of the Fish People, who at a young age becomes a respected and wise 'elder' of his people. His visions prepare him to lead his clan and several others to a new home to protect them from less peaceful people who are coming.

The writing is lyrical and mesmerizing. Descriptions of the people and their connection to the land and animals are clear and engaging.
3 reviews
July 31, 2014
what a wonderful read about a time long gone Silby Grant gave me this book to read and I am so glad It is a book that makes you think that we should take time to listen to nature around us and feel the peace of life thank you.
Profile Image for Holly.
280 reviews6 followers
May 17, 2012
A wonderful read, one I could not put down.
Profile Image for Michelle.
9 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2012
Very good glimpse into Native American beliefs of the past.
Profile Image for Lucy McCoskey.
384 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2012
A Native American story told with a Native American voice. the message is one we Hairy Ones should heed. we too have the power but ignore it.
Profile Image for Nai.
162 reviews14 followers
January 7, 2015
Full Review is up here: http://wp.me/p1gkrF-WC

Circles – The Beginning of Change
I met someone online through a group of book bloggers. (Surprise, Surprise?)
She was a breath of calm when I needed it, and her books spoke volumes.
Then my students in an English for Academic Purposes class at Assiniboine Community College’s Adult Collegiate started asking me questions about Aboriginal people in Canada.
I played dumb, it was nearing the end of class, and what they had asked of me warranted an entire lesson, if not course on. I’ve taken courses devoted to Aboriginal studies, I don’t claim to understand it in the way a scholar would. I don’t claim to speak for any one, or their beliefs. I wanted to be respectful, and if nothing else, point my students in a direction where they could have a conversation, or seek more answers from local resources themselves.
I needed something they could read, something they could talk about & something that had unique vocabulary to study.

Then, I saw a post on Facebook came in the Google+, and weirdly contacted the artist/writer/author through Facebook. This G+ thing happens to me frequently – the interesting stuff is on Google+ lately, but Facebook still seems to hold messaging power. Groups seem to be complete vacuums in space time. Facebook is the new classified section of my daily newspaper.
(It’s interesting, the word artist always comes to mind first when I think of Ruby Standing Deer.)
I assigned them all Chapter 1 & 2 to read – these are all highly talented skilled students, many of whom have degrees in things I will never understand (like physics, or computer science). Some who were so amazed that we didn’t just design our cities better. . . they don’t make sense!
Each of them has an entirely different perspective on North America, many of they not knowing any of the history of Canada, but some of them quite familiar with the Americanized popular history of North American Colonization.
Here’s the thing, these are all smart people. We could have a really good discussion about colonization, the lenses of western civilization, historical perspective etc., etc. The only difference between them and I was a language barrier.
When I talked first with Ruby, it was to ask her if she was open to the idea of conversing with my students about what the book meant to them. She graciously answered that it was no problem, and I read the book with my students.
After them reading Chapters 1 & 2 in class they asked me so many questions I really do think we should teach a course all about First Nations to English as a Second Language students. Not because they don’t understand, but simply because the history is so rich, beautiful and often sad.
I jotted down a number of questions from throughout the book that the class asked. Her are a few of the more important ones (at least they seem like the more pertinent ones at the moment).
The important questions are usually the ones that just pop out.
Why are the names so many combinations of words? Is it like words in our languages that don’t quite translate to English so you have to describe them?
I answered, sometimes yes. Sometimes though, it has to do with the way it’s told in the story, how Feather got his name, how animals guide us. Sometimes the answers are not straight forward – like filling out millions of pages of immigration paperwork in a foreign language, and wondering if it will really all be worth it.
At this point, we meander a bit, and I ask them if it really was worth it. Their answers vary, but for most they are happy to be here.
Were there really people like that in this area, did it used to be like that here along the Assiniboine River? Were they the same people? Or different ones?
We started at the link above, and had a great discussion, looked at maps and talked about migration.
Then the class got good.
If the words aren’t easily translated to English, why do we use the English alphabet?
HA! We struck the linguistics chord. :D
Why does the book talk so much about dreams? Are dreams something that’s important across cultures? (I am cleaning up their words some, but these are the questions we discussed.)
I told them a story, a story about how my grandmother on my dad’s side used to talk to me about dreams. I had very vivid dreams as a child, often nightmares. I continue to have those type of dreams to this day. There are a number of cases where dreams have been meaningful forms of guidance.
I told them about the eagle she wore around her neck. It was something my dad picked out for her on a family trip to South Dakota, and made of Black Gold. I think my dad has that necklace now. Wherever it is, and whomever it is with, I hope it guides them too. I talked about the history of the Aboriginal people in that area, and how it was yet again, the same but different even from their own countries.
I have her pencil, a small gold plated mechanical pencil which while no longer in working order serves as a beautiful reminder to do the things we love most, and to make time for them.
I stopped at some point, realizing that what had happened was exactly what the book meant to happen. My stories meandered, my answers more like questions to my students. Yet throughout the entire three hour class they sat and listened, spoke, asked questions, read and learned. They even learned from the lessons in the book, and talked about how the read their children stories and tell them stories to teach them lessons.
One of the very curious, and younger students who is also sort of devilish (in a very good way) asked the last question I’ll share.
It brings us full circle anyway.
Do people really talk about bad times coming again, are there witch doctors and elders here who fear the same things the elders in our communities fear?
The way he asked it was much more impish, and I can’t do it justice. It made me laugh out loud, and the twinkle in his eyes is something I’ll remember forever.
This was my answer:
I think if you listen, and if you are open to the conversations around you, the sense of danger and fear is among some. There is still hope for the future I think, but for those of us that dream, there is darkness to be mindful of.
His question reminded me of this part of the book:
“The Circle Changes. Like a spiral it moves, ever shifting due to all that affects it. It changes now, and we must move with it. It will go to seek out the Spirits, in a Vision Quest, when my father returns. I have said my words with a straight tongue.” (pg 145)
This post was different, and doesn’t use humor the way I normally would in a post. It’s one of the few books that’s touched me lately. If you click on the book cover, it will take you to Amazon, where you can and should check out Ruby Standing Deer’s amazing work.
The editing is great, the covers are beautiful, and whether you read on an e-reader, or in print the series is worth every penny. I’ll be reviewing the other two books in this series soon, and will focus those posts more on the content, but what’s beautiful about these books is the content isn’t the driver, it’s the characters, the stories, the descriptions and the conversations that are seamlessly interwoven.
May the spirits, or whatever you believe in guide you, and may your path be the only one meant for you in 2015 and beyond.
Profile Image for Lissette.
Author 26 books103 followers
December 8, 2012
Feather Floating In Water’s life has always been peaceful. He’s proud to be a member of the Fish People and lives his life to the fullest. He’s young and carefree and has been taught to appreciate the world around him. Every day he gives thanks for the bounties that Father Sun and Mother Earth have provided for him and his family. Things have never been better for him, yet he cannot help but feel a tad disturbed by the unexpected dreams that surface every night.

For as long as he can remember, Feather has been plagued by visions he cannot explain. His spirit guides have shown him things that have not yet happened, but which he knows will come to pass. He knows he’ll need to make sense of the situation when the time comes, but he doesn’t quite know how. Never-the-less, he’s determined to remain strong in the face of such adversity.

As the moons pass and he grows older and stronger, he comes to understand that there’s a far greater purpose for him and his people than he ever imagined. His dreams are full of meanings he does not yet grasp. Dreams that tell him of his people’s future, one he knows is right around the corner for which they must prepare for.

When it becomes apparent that he’s not the only one that's had the disturbing dreams, Feather comes to understand that he has a destiny he must fulfill. Danger is coming and he is destined to lead himself and others to safety. Deep inside, he isn’t sure if he can do just that, but he’ll do his best to complete the mission the Spirit guides have given him. Granted, not everyone believes in his visions, but he’s determined to keep his people together, at all costs.

With his grandmother by his side and his beloved family instilling the needed values for him to make use of the dreams he’s had his entire life, they soon prepare for what's come. The path to safety and prosperity is littered with obstacles they must all overcome. Feather knows he must find the courage within himself to succeed.

He knows he’s not alone in the path he’s now treading. There are others alongside him that will give him the support he needs in order to find their promised land. The Circle of Life takes him and his people, along with those they find along the way, through a journey that will change their lives forever and bind them together in more ways than one. A journey none of them will ever forget that cements their place within their people’s lore for as long as they live.

Steeped in Native American legend, Circles is a story that will give the reader further insight into their beliefs and their way of life. Each of us here on Earth has a purpose, whether we want to believe such a thing or not. Utilizing such vivid descriptions, Ruby draws you in to a world where the simplicities of life are all that's needed to live a peaceful and fulfilling life. Granted, there are dangers around every corner.

Through these wonderful characters we're able to live their lives and feel their pains, passions, and uncertainties with every turn of the page. No matter your beliefs, this story is a spiritual journey full of good values and morals that's sure to keep the reader fully engaged within the story itself, be they young or old.
Profile Image for Melissa Storm.
Author 123 books3,775 followers
Read
December 13, 2012
I've been a bit baffled over how I should review Circles. This book is unlike anything I've ever read before, and I mean that in the absolute best way possible.

Circles is not a book you read quickly and then forget. Its words dance circles around your head, absorb into your heart. And the best word I have to describe it is not entertaining, thought-provoking, illuminating, or any of the other words you might expect to find in a book review--but rather peaceful, calming, tranquil.

I live with a lot of stress bubbling just beneath the surface. My brain refuses to shut off, and at night I'm plagued my nightmares. I've tried reading self-help books to help me find peace, but they actually make me feel worse in most cases.

When I sat down to read Circles, I thought I'd be reading a nice work of fiction about a Native American tribe. I love learning about other cultures and happen to have 1/16 Cherokee in me, so I was excited for this journey.

What I got out of it was so much more.

I didn't read this book, I lived it. Circles never felt like fiction to me. The trials of Feather, Bright Sun Flower, and Bear Tracks were my own. I was welcomed into a culture I've only ever observed from a distance, and what I found there was... peace.

Strangely enough, I haven't had a single nightmare in the week since I read Circles--and I've had them almost every night of my life since the age of six. I even had one dream that was so pleasant that I woke up crying tears of joy.

I've also decided to respect my own body and eat more holistically, take care of what Nature/God/The Universe has given me by treating it like it deserves.

This may seem like a lot to get from a work of fiction, but I know without a doubt that Circles did these things for me.

So take some time to really live this story, examine the world of the tribe, contrast it to the one we live in today, and try to learn something. Find your peace. I'm so glad I did!

Note: I cannot assign a star-rating to Circles, since I am doing some publicity work for the author. I hope my text review speaks for itself!
816 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2015
Regardless of the time period or the culture, it is not always straightforward for a boy to become a man. Even before he was born, others knew that Feather Floating in Water was destined for great deeds. He would lead his, and many other peoples to a new and safe land. He was not left alone to achieve this; he had the wisdom of several elders and the words of his ancestors and spirit guides to teach him.

This story is set around 1500 in an un-stated North American location. For most of the story I pondered which tribe these people might be and where they lived. After I finished reading, I finally realized that it didn't really matter; it wasn't a narrative of a specific tribe, rather that of a way of life and of a belief system that could be applied to many peoples.

The Band of Fish People are peaceful. Their way of life shows respect for the animals that provide for them. Through his dreams, Feather Floating in Water, learns that he must lead his tribe and others that will come to follow him to a new land. His belief in the ways of his people is strong and he trusts that the elders and those that have come before will guide him. I was impressed with how Ms. Standing Deer conveyed this belief system and made it feel real to me. She had me carefully reading the words of the ancestors.

While it took me a few chapters to get into the gentle tone of the book, but the closing chapters, I was totally involved with the characters and was fearing for their continued safety. This is a gently told story which was a good reprieve from the business of my everyday life.

This story should appeal to a wide audience from chapter reading grade school children on up to seniors.
Profile Image for Patricia Kemp Blackmon.
503 reviews58 followers
December 14, 2012

Feather Floating In Water lives with his grandparents and his mother. Feather is a dreamer, he is a very special young boy. He is older than his age. He will be a very important person to his people. He sees things that will change his life and that of his people. His grandmother, Bright Sun Flower understands what he is going through because she has the same dreams.

Feather has a very special companion. It is a grey wolf that has chosen Feather. He is a very wise wolf.

Feather has the respect of his people's Holy Man. The Holy Man knows about Feather's dreams and wants to help train him to be the leader he is destine to become.

I really enjoy reading books like Circles. The history and lifestyle of the people are fascinating hearing the stories that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The author kept my attention while reading this story. The character Feather had such a loving and supportive family. They encouraged him to be the person he was meant to be for his people. A true leader. The grandparents were depicted as most grandparents very proud and protective of their young grandson and his future.

Even though I had a situation going on that kept pulling me away from the book I was still drawn to get back to the book to learn more about Feather and his future.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free digital copy of this book from Evolved Publishing/Innovative Online Book Tours for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Teressa.
500 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2014
"The Truth Of All That Exists "
I think this is a beautifully told story of the Native American way and the true way of all Life as it should be. This story has many messages but most importantly that the Earth is our Mother and she should be respected and honored by us as humans only passing through. I love Feather and his wolf White Paws and how they met. Truly amazing. One of my favorite lessons in this book is about The Pipe of Truth and its true meaning of how it teaches us about the joy of life. The greater good. And Flying Raven, while referring to the lodge said it was like the womb of the Mother and when entering you must say "All my relatives enter with me. This means our animal brothers and sisters, our ancestors, ALL_ OF_ LIFE". There were no wasted words in this book. Everything has a meaning. Overall Life is a Circle. Ruby Standing Deer is such a phenominal author.
Karen Rose Richter did the most amazing job with this book. She has such a diverse voice. She nailed every character's stance and voice. Feather's voice was perfect. Impressive! This is the second time I've had the pleasure of listening to her work.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
April 26, 2013
"Circles is an historical novel about indigenous Americans during the infancy of European contact appealed to me because it beautifully and predominantly portrayed the spiritual life of these people. While violent confrontations were incorporated appropiately -- with other tribes and the Spanish -- they were described by inference rather than graphically. The protagonist tribes were peaceful by preference but were willing to do whatever was necessary to preserve their way of life.

It is difficult to write truthful novels about indigenous people without acknowledging violence which was a natural state often, but not exclusively. The people had peaceful times as well, having fun, playing games and loving one another. Although I don't object to violence when it is a necessary element of the story and would not make sense without it. I do appreciate books that feature the spiritual lives of native Americans and Ruby Standing Deer did this beautifully. I hope she writes more books like this.
Profile Image for Rose Gardener.
1 review3 followers
March 15, 2012
The Fish People (as the tribe call themselves) bring Native American culture to life, allowing the reader to observe their day to day experiences and listen to the wise voices of the spirit guides first hand. Feather Floats on Water takes us back to an innocent age where family bonds, nature and spirit guides were a way of life. Maturing from a boy of eight to a young man destined to lead his people, he steers us through more turbulent times as the modern world impinges on their ancient one.

Individual characters stay with you after the story concludes, but it is the deeply insightful nature of these people which will linger longest after you close the book.
Profile Image for Jeannie.
50 reviews9 followers
July 8, 2012
This was a great book. Native American, Early peoples. It was reminiscent of The First North American series by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear. Feather is a boy who has dream visions and he has powers that he never dreamed of. The story had good pacing, and it unfolded just enough to keep you moving in the story. I just didn't want it to end when it ended. I wanted to continue the story and see how it played out. I love the lessons given in this book, and they are lessons we can take in our lives today. About everything depending on everything else. This was a great book and I can't wait to read more from Ruby Standing Deer.
Profile Image for Barry.
Author 6 books10 followers
November 9, 2014
Enlightening & entertaining.

I’ve always been fascinated by native peoples and how attuned to nature they are. This well-crafted tale of a tribe of American Indians facing the upheaval caused by the expansion of white settlers goes a long way to explaining their beliefs and the way they and their world are interconnected. We could learn a lot from such people.

The characters are clearly drawn, each one likeable in his or her own way, each one with something to offer to the tribe. There is a message here for all of us, and the author has done an excellent job in providing a warning in an entertaining and interesting manner.

Thoroughly enjoyable.
Profile Image for T.G..
Author 58 books589 followers
May 20, 2012
I loved the introduction to the Native American culture and the insight into their history. The novel tells about a culture of innate goodness, love and respect. And of the finality of change.
By now means is Circles a fast paced read- I found myself stopping often to ponder the teachings of this long lost culture and how much we need those morals and values in todays uncertain times.
This book will appeal to all ages.


Profile Image for Kathleen.
9 reviews
April 22, 2021
Where do I start? I loved this book so much. Great read for Adult or child. This is one that will be a permanent resident on the bookshelf.
Profile Image for Richard Robbins.
Author 4 books1 follower
March 1, 2019
Circles takes you on a journey through a beautiful, magical world where the appreciation of nature is holy, and your tribe and elders are revered. The story focuses on the adventures of a tribe of Native Americans as they draw on the spirits to deal with the challenges of encroaching modernity. The story is beautiful, uplifting, and enlightens the reader to view the world in new, inspiring ways. It stayed with me long after finishing it.
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