'Spirited Encounters: American Indians Protest Museum Policies and Practices,' by Karen Coody Cooper

Book review - by Dale Carson

Everyone with an interest in anything ''American Indian'' or ''Native American,'' or in museums in general, and has a heart, must read this book.

I am usually cautious of being asked to review a book by someone I know thinking that just because I like them, I'll be tempted to say nothing but good things.

I do know the author of ''Spirited Encounters,'' a fun-loving, upbeat, kind, intelligent person, always with a great smile on her face, never ''down'' or negative.

I've known Karen Coody Cooper since the early '80s in many of her various capacities as an educator, historian, curator and friend.

When I started reading this book, I said to myself, ''Wow, I had no idea she was such a good writer, and so incredibly organized.'' My head hurt from nodding in agreement every other page or so, or thinking, ''Really? I didn't know that!''

She covers every Native experience with regard to museums and institutions and manages to explain protests, cover-ups and mistakes, and progress toward understanding in a straightforward way that keeps you right there, interested.

Every important aspect of the subject is covered and explored. The politics involved in the display of sacred objects, human remains, art, Columbus, Thanksgiving, and the effect protests have had on these and other subjects are carefully and clearly explained in a flowing, concerned manner without finger-pointing malice. Here are the facts presented in an interesting way that makes you want to understand the hows and whys of Native actions past and present. I couldn't be more honest or blunt when I say, ''Run, don't walk, to the nearest bookshop and get this book.''