An American Sunrise

An American Sunrise is an homage to the author’s Creek heritage and history. An American Sunrise is also about the diaspora of "The Five Civilized Tribes" known as The Trail of Tears. Harjo’s ancestors were forcibly evicted from their homeland in Alabama by the United States government in the mid-1830s. This is a dark history of America, of diaspora, of pain; but Harjo also writes of returning to her ancestral lands and renewal.Can sorrow and beauty exist at the same time? Yes, and Harjo’s poetry serves as testament to these conflicting emotions. There was barely a moment in reading the book when I didn’t stop to breathe deeply after reading Harjo’s words and reach for a tissue to blot my eyes.An American Sunrise is exquisitely penned. Heart-breaking, heart-healing, poignant prayers for the past, present and future. This is a book I will return to again and again.

Joy Harmony’s American Sunrise amazed me through evoking powerful feelings of loss, grief, resignation, anger, acceptance of life and self-determination, and finally renewal. The masterful use of language pushes and pulls the reader/listener into a dream state of vision and reality mixed together and called a history of our life.I experienced tears too often. I was surprised by laughter at times. I felt loss and pain. I appreciate renewal of my spirit. I now better understand self-determination.This book led me to a poet, author, and performer I am sincerely enjoying through her published works. My life is enriched.

It is perfect Joy Harjo is now our poet laureate, and this beautiful new collection of poetry shows why. Both personal vision and historical reflection, An American Sunrise takes in the troubled events that brought us here and makes from an unflinching gaze a healing prayer. “Through the immense and terrible echo of injustice, a meadow bird sang and sang.” This book is that song.

As you are reading page to page poem to poem you begin to feel and understand her soul I didn’t understand all of the poems because I don’t know her completely may she be blessed the rest of her life

Beautifully eloquent and thought provoking especially in our current political climate. The perspective of others is more important than ever for anyone and everyone to read

I don't normally read poetry, but was hooked on this from the beginning. Witty, poignant, inspiring (I normally hate that word) and a wonderful read. I was truly surprised how much I liked it.

I'm not really a poetry guy. I am a Joy Harjo Poetry guy.What poetry is supposed to do, how it's meant to affect, where it's supposed to lead.....that's what this amazing Artist drops behind her every lyrical step.Read.

Joy Harjo is a perfect choice for Poet Laureate of the United States. Her honest, sincere and lovely voice is welcome amid the storm of insanity and inanity we are suffering through at the moment.