I had to read this book for English class. The main character in Touching Spirit Bear, Cole Matthews, is an angry young
man. Cole has been stealing and fighting for years. Early in the novel, Cole
catches Peter Driscal in a parking lot where a fight ensues and Cole smashes
Peter’s head against the sidewalk. Now, Peter may have permanent brain damage
and Cole is in deep trouble.
Cole is offered Circle Justice, a system based on First Nation’s traditions that
attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender, the victim and the
community. With prison as his only other alternative, Cole plays along. He
says he wants to repent, but in his heart Cole blames his alcoholic mom, his
abusive dad, wimpy Peter — everyone but himself — for his situation.
Cole receives a one year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There, he is
mauled by the mysterious white bear of First Nations legend. Hideously injured,
Cole waits for his death, his thoughts shift from anger to humility. To survive, he
must stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. Rescuers arrive to
save Cole’s life but it is the attack of the Spirit Bear that may save his soul.
Although a bit gross in one part, Touching Spirit Bear is a really good book with a great ending.
man. Cole has been stealing and fighting for years. Early in the novel, Cole
catches Peter Driscal in a parking lot where a fight ensues and Cole smashes
Peter’s head against the sidewalk. Now, Peter may have permanent brain damage
and Cole is in deep trouble.
Cole is offered Circle Justice, a system based on First Nation’s traditions that
attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender, the victim and the
community. With prison as his only other alternative, Cole plays along. He
says he wants to repent, but in his heart Cole blames his alcoholic mom, his
abusive dad, wimpy Peter — everyone but himself — for his situation.
Cole receives a one year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There, he is
mauled by the mysterious white bear of First Nations legend. Hideously injured,
Cole waits for his death, his thoughts shift from anger to humility. To survive, he
must stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. Rescuers arrive to
save Cole’s life but it is the attack of the Spirit Bear that may save his soul.
Although a bit gross in one part, Touching Spirit Bear is a really good book with a great ending.
