This well written novel really allows those native to America to better understand the differences in Indian and American culture. We get a good explanation of where the young man gets his name, i.e. his namesake. We also see the struggles between the parents wanting to maintain a connection to their native customs and their children wanting to break away and be 'american'. My book club thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think we gave it a 4.5 out of 5 and we are tough graders.