Bowman’s Store: A Journey to Myself

Bowman’s Store gracefully weaves themes from Joseph Bruchac’s intimate knowledge of Native American cultures with the scenes from the past that have shaped his life.

Little Sonny Bruchac’s childhood was full of secrets. He didn’t know why he lived with his grandparents, who ran a gas station and general store, when his own parents’ home was just up the road, or why his grandfather was so defensive about his dark skin. The precocious, sensitive boy knew only that his grandparents nurtured his love of books and wild things as surely as they sheltered him from dangers real and imagined. As Sonny grew up, through experiences both searing and hilarious, he would find himself drawn to all things Indian long before he knew of his grandfather’s hidden Abenaki roots.

Bowman’s Store gracefully weaves themes from Joseph Bruchac’s intimate knowledge of Native American cultures with the scenes from the past that have shaped his life. For those who enjoy memoirs, Native American writings, and books about finding one’s cultural heritage – or just a wonderful read – here is a consummate storyteller unfolding his most personal and poignant story of all.