Status
Available
Call number
Description
When Lucas Smoke learns the Ojibway art of carving from his grandfather, he proves to be a natural. He can literally make people come to life in wood. Then, Lucas's growing reputation attracts a mysterious stranger, who offers him a large advance to carve a spirit mask. This mask is to represent the master, but Lucas must find its face in his dreams. As his dreams become more and more disturbing, he feels himself changing. And the mask takes control of his life. Then a chance encounter with an old woman introduces him to the identity of the master. He is an ancient sorcerer named Him Standing, a powerful and dark wizard. The more Lucas works on the mask, the closer Him Standing comes to emerging from the dream world to walk the earth again. What follows is a race against time and the forces of evil in this supernatural thriller.… (more)
Genres
Collection
Publication
Rapid Reads (2013), 136 pages
User reviews
LibraryThing member TadAD
Richard Wagamese is one of those authors I've wanted to get around to sampling for a while, an Ojibway First Nation writer who has won a number awards for his fiction about Native Americans and Native American themes. When Him Standing appeared on the Early Reviewer list, it seemed like the
Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the result, but I can't decide if the difficulty lies with Wagamese — that he's simply not entirely to my taste — or whether making a different selection from his works would be more rewarding. I could feel the presence of a good story, but the actual execution was very shallow.
Orca's Rapid Reads program is "for a diverse audience, including ESL students, reluctant readers, adults who struggle with literacy and anyone who wants an[sic] high-interest quick read." I think Wagamese's tale suffered at the hands of that format. This was a story that begged to draw the reader slowly into the world of Ojibway mythos, gently letting him or her explore and taste the non-Western mindset. Instead, the story read almost as a synopsis of a real story, leaving you wanting to go find and read that book.
The subject is interesting enough to me that I will try another story by Wagamese one day, one of his longer works that gives him more scope to explore his themes. This one I'll leave for ESL students.
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opportunity. It's a story about a talented young wood carver who is asked to carve a spirit mask and, in doing so, is lured into Native American myth.Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the result, but I can't decide if the difficulty lies with Wagamese — that he's simply not entirely to my taste — or whether making a different selection from his works would be more rewarding. I could feel the presence of a good story, but the actual execution was very shallow.
Orca's Rapid Reads program is "for a diverse audience, including ESL students, reluctant readers, adults who struggle with literacy and anyone who wants an[sic] high-interest quick read." I think Wagamese's tale suffered at the hands of that format. This was a story that begged to draw the reader slowly into the world of Ojibway mythos, gently letting him or her explore and taste the non-Western mindset. Instead, the story read almost as a synopsis of a real story, leaving you wanting to go find and read that book.
The subject is interesting enough to me that I will try another story by Wagamese one day, one of his longer works that gives him more scope to explore his themes. This one I'll leave for ESL students.
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LibraryThing member catscritch
What we don't know can hurt us.
I blew through this short story during lunch hour. The premise of the tale held me until the very end. Although it is a quick read, it is one steeped in Ojibway culture where every detail is priceless. The seemingly never ending nightmare our hero experiences is
I blew through this short story during lunch hour. The premise of the tale held me until the very end. Although it is a quick read, it is one steeped in Ojibway culture where every detail is priceless. The seemingly never ending nightmare our hero experiences is
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frightening to anyone that enjoys lucid dreams. Where we understand little but appreciate the subtleties, you have to ask: who is sending the message? Definitely worth the time to discover interesting myths and legends from the “old ones.” Show Less
LibraryThing member HannahJo
I was looking forward to this title after reading Wagamese's powerful Indian Horse for CBC's Canada Reads.This book is indeed a rapid read, taking me an hour or so on a dark and stormy night. It is a thriller with a native spirituality twist, Stephen King with spirit masks. Quite a fun
The story follows Lucas Smoke, an Ojibway carver who takes on a commission from a mysterious stranger. The mask he carves has dark powers and is threatening to destroy him. The plot is somewhat predictable, with obvious good vs evil characters. I did find it thought-provoking, though, with themes of the loss and rediscovery of culture and language, places of light and dark, and the power of art.
As an ESL teacher, I appreciate another addition to my high-interest, low reading level library, and I am interested to explore more titles in this Rapid Reads series.
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page-turner.The story follows Lucas Smoke, an Ojibway carver who takes on a commission from a mysterious stranger. The mask he carves has dark powers and is threatening to destroy him. The plot is somewhat predictable, with obvious good vs evil characters. I did find it thought-provoking, though, with themes of the loss and rediscovery of culture and language, places of light and dark, and the power of art.
As an ESL teacher, I appreciate another addition to my high-interest, low reading level library, and I am interested to explore more titles in this Rapid Reads series.
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LibraryThing member DNBrown
“Him Standing” by Richard Wagamese is an interesting story about a young Native American woodcarver and his brush with the mystical. I enjoyed the story, but felt that the “Rapid Reads” format did not do the book justice. This is a story that would have benefitted from a long, slow burn,
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rather than a quick, bright flash from start to finish. It seemed that Wagamese, in the editing process, had lost a lot of the story he really wanted to tell, and the final version reads a bit like a book report. I would be interested in reading other works by Wagamese in the future, as long as he’s given more room to stretch his legs. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mrs.Scholey
Despite being a "rapid read", this book hits all the fundamental parts of a good story and progresses at the right pace. Him Standing, written in a first person narrative, felt like a story told in a very traditional sense of storytelling, like the kind of tale that would have been passed down
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around a campfire long ago. I look forward to reading more of Wagamese's work. Show Less
LibraryThing member gypsysmom
I was very excited to hear that I had won this book through the Early Reviewers March contest. I read Indian Horse last year and just finished reading One Native Life a few weeks ago. I am a huge fan on Richard Wagamese now. This book came in the mail yesterday. Since I had just finished reading my
Lucas is an Ojibway living in some unnamed city (either Toronto or Vancouver would be my guess). He makes his living by doing knife tricks. At least that's what he calls it. This is a fuller explanation:
"I can look at a perfect stranger for, like, maybe a minute, then turn around and carve his likeness into a hunk of wood."
When a man all dressed in black offers him a substantial amount of money to carve a mask Lucas takes on the job. What Lucas doesn't know is that he is opening a portal into the spirit world. The spirits are both good and evil and the man in black represents an evil shaman who wishes to return to the real world.
This isn't a long book. In fact Raven Books bills it as a Rapid Read. And it certainly is that but that doesn't mean it lacks depth. This is a pretty powerful story and I'm sure I'll be thinking about it for a while.
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previous book I picked it up for my bedtime reading last night. It didn't quite keep me awake but I knew I had to finish it when I woke up. Very powerful story about the forces of good and evil.Lucas is an Ojibway living in some unnamed city (either Toronto or Vancouver would be my guess). He makes his living by doing knife tricks. At least that's what he calls it. This is a fuller explanation:
"I can look at a perfect stranger for, like, maybe a minute, then turn around and carve his likeness into a hunk of wood."
When a man all dressed in black offers him a substantial amount of money to carve a mask Lucas takes on the job. What Lucas doesn't know is that he is opening a portal into the spirit world. The spirits are both good and evil and the man in black represents an evil shaman who wishes to return to the real world.
This isn't a long book. In fact Raven Books bills it as a Rapid Read. And it certainly is that but that doesn't mean it lacks depth. This is a pretty powerful story and I'm sure I'll be thinking about it for a while.
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LibraryThing member jbealy
Him Standing by Ojibway writer Richard Wagamese, is part of Orca Books' Rapid Reads series. Their Rapid Reads books are “short novels and non-fiction books for adult readers intended for a diverse audience, including ESL students, reluctant readers, adults who struggle with literacy and anyone
They have hit the mark with Him Standing. In some ways, it is more like a short story and I devoured it on a rainy weekend afternoon. In writing the story of Lucas Smoke and his natural talent of bringing life to the wood he carves, Wagamese tells a story both engaging and engaged. He pits light against dark, creates possibility in the mysteries of the spirit world, and has us quickly turning pages to discover what happens next. Read this book. You won't be disappointed.
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who wants a high-interest quick read...(focussing) first and foremost on strong writing and storytelling.” They have hit the mark with Him Standing. In some ways, it is more like a short story and I devoured it on a rainy weekend afternoon. In writing the story of Lucas Smoke and his natural talent of bringing life to the wood he carves, Wagamese tells a story both engaging and engaged. He pits light against dark, creates possibility in the mysteries of the spirit world, and has us quickly turning pages to discover what happens next. Read this book. You won't be disappointed.
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LibraryThing member Wosret
I really enjoyed this book, and will echo the sentiments of other reviewers in that I really wish it was longer. I found the author's style to be engaging, but he didn't allow enough room in some parts for tension to really build, or for me to become more emotionally invested in the characters or
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scenes. I'd really like to see this as a full-length novel. I would definitely read more by this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member poetreegirl
A woodcarver finds himself pulled into the world of spirits after being comissioned to bring a legend to life. An intriguing quick read.
LibraryThing member bibliovermis
This was a fine little book (really a short story). It was suspenseful and interesting, but very simple in plot and writing. It's like an early-reader chapter book for adults. I think it accomplished what it set out to do.
LibraryThing member Bcteagirl
A fun, fast paced book pulling First Nations mythology into modern day city life. This book lives up to its 'quick reads' title. While I was able to identify with the main character, I wish I had had more information about both the other characters. An additional few chapters would help to flesh
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out this book. I did find this a fun read, and a good idea for a travel book. Recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member shabacus
If you have read and enjoyed anything by Charles DeLint, you'll probably enjoy this story as well. It's short, barely more than a novella, but it's packed with interest.
I did have a few quibbles--the dialogue was a little cheesy at times, and I've have loved some more development on the culture. I
These are surface flaws in an otherwise compelling read. I could easily see it being adapted into a film--the structure and the characters are already there, and lengthwise it would be a perfect fit. I look forward to further stories from this author.
I did have a few quibbles--the dialogue was a little cheesy at times, and I've have loved some more development on the culture. I
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believe that the author has a deep understanding of Ojibway culture, but not nearly enough was communicated to me.These are surface flaws in an otherwise compelling read. I could easily see it being adapted into a film--the structure and the characters are already there, and lengthwise it would be a perfect fit. I look forward to further stories from this author.
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LibraryThing member laVermeer
HIM STANDING is a short, quirky novella that offers a unique take on urban fantasy. Lucas Smoke, a street-side carver, receives a very expensive commission to produce a spirit mask. Little does he know that in doing so he's about to revive a lost ancient power.
HIM STANDING may have been written
HIM STANDING may have been written
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for easy reading but it's not a story to consume quickly; it's a story to read slowly and reflect on. I was sorry it was such a short book because I wanted more! It's written in an accessible "street" voice but loaded with literary and spiritual references, as well some language play. I found it an eerie, chilling reading experience — and one I enjoyed and will likely revisit. I'm also looking forward to reading more from Richard Wagamese. Show Less
LibraryThing member monnibo
I received this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. Him Standing is part of Orca Books "Rapid Reads" line, which is an awesome concept. The stories are for a more mature audience (think teens and up) but at a lower reading level for struggling readers. I think they're really
Richard Wagamese is an incredible writer, and I was left wanting more—because this is a Rapid Reads story, there are some simplifications to the background and detail provided. The story is heavily based on action, whereas Wagamese excels at the atmospheric, especially when dipping into magical realism.
Him Standing is a story with First Nations characters dealing with contemporary issues, as well as a legend involving good versus evil. Lucas learned to carve from his Ojibway grandfather, but his grandfather died before being able to impart valuable wisdom of an elder. Due to the urbanization of his family and culture, Lucas does not fully understand the power of his talent. Lured into a gig by a weird stranger, Lucas and his girlfriend are pulled into a struggle of good versus evil.
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great and respectful. I think the Rapid Reads program recognizes that just because your reading level is below the average for your age range doesn't mean that you don't still want to read interesting and engaging stories.Richard Wagamese is an incredible writer, and I was left wanting more—because this is a Rapid Reads story, there are some simplifications to the background and detail provided. The story is heavily based on action, whereas Wagamese excels at the atmospheric, especially when dipping into magical realism.
Him Standing is a story with First Nations characters dealing with contemporary issues, as well as a legend involving good versus evil. Lucas learned to carve from his Ojibway grandfather, but his grandfather died before being able to impart valuable wisdom of an elder. Due to the urbanization of his family and culture, Lucas does not fully understand the power of his talent. Lured into a gig by a weird stranger, Lucas and his girlfriend are pulled into a struggle of good versus evil.
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LibraryThing member andrewreads
Him Standing is definitely more of a novella or a fairly long short story as opposed to a novel. It's only 129 pages long and the margins/print are HUGE so the page count is misleading. This, of course, doesn't impact the quality of the work; it's only a statement about the book itself.
Simply put,
Because the time commitment to read this book is so low and because this story provides a window into a culture that has not received the largest of audiences, I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a nice story.
Simply put,
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(and without spoilers) this story details the misadventures of a young woodcarver when he is taken advantage of by an evil shaman. Him Standing reads almost like a myth/fable providing a nice (but brief) glimpse into the richness of the folklore and mythology of the Ojibwe people. The writing style is very straightforward and the pacing is quick providing an easy, easy read. However, Wagamase's simple prose should not be mistaken as being stunted or overly-simplistic. His words seem to accurately reflect the gritty/simple lives of his characters and he does still manage to fit some beautiful passages/imagery into this work.Because the time commitment to read this book is so low and because this story provides a window into a culture that has not received the largest of audiences, I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a nice story.
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LibraryThing member fiverivers
Another in Orca's Rapid Reads series, Wagamese delivers a novella drawing from his own rich Ojibwa heritage, this time sketching the story of a wood carver commissioned to carve a mask. The story which unfolds is a classic power-play between dark and light, good and evil, in this case of a dark
Guided by an Ojibwa elder, the carver discovers the power of his own ancestors, and a way to defeat the emergence of an ancient and destructive power.
Again, a bit naive in its delivery, and with a definite feeling of being rushed through the story, I felt Wagamese was unable to deliver his usual rich world-building and story-telling ability.
Still, a good read, and one which would certainly appeal to a younger audience.
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shaman who wishes to resurrect an evil shaman of old. Guided by an Ojibwa elder, the carver discovers the power of his own ancestors, and a way to defeat the emergence of an ancient and destructive power.
Again, a bit naive in its delivery, and with a definite feeling of being rushed through the story, I felt Wagamese was unable to deliver his usual rich world-building and story-telling ability.
Still, a good read, and one which would certainly appeal to a younger audience.
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Language
Original language
English
Physical description
7.25 inches
ISBN
1459801768 / 9781459801769