Right from the beginning of the story, readers are thrust into the world of a Native American region. Specifically, it is the Spokane Indian Reservation located in Washington State. The Native people of the Reservation are relatively isolated, not geographically, but socially and spiritually, as demonstrated by the arrival of a stranger on the outskirts of the Reservation. The author writes, "The entire reservation knew about the black man five minutes after he arrived at the crossroads. All the Spokanes thought up reasons to leave work or home so they could drive down to look the stranger over" (3). This quote not only shows how shielded the Native American people are from the rest of society but it also shows just how simplistic their way of life really is. They have become so used to their own way of life that the arrival of a strange black man causes a tremendous ruckus that disrupts life all over the reservation, if even for a short time. The reaction to something so simple and insignificant leads me to believe that the book is going to be about the repeated and growing conflict between modern society and the old way of life that many Native Americans still cling to.
     In this early section of the book, I've already begun to see several topics that could potentially develop into themes as the novel progresses. One of my favorites that I found involved happiness and especially laughter. It's often said (to death) that laughter is the best medecine. I truly believe that there is some truth to this. Not only in terms of physical health, but also it help to improve one's mentality. The narrator reports: "[Father Arnold] was impressed by the Spokanes' ability to laugh...What did they have to laugh about? poverty, suicide, alcoholism?" (36). Even when they are stricken with some of the most crippling societal ailments, the Spokane Indians manage to stay above all the negativity thanks to one thing; laughter. Laughter not only physically releases endorphins that make you feel better, but when you're laughing, all earthly worries evaporate from your mind, if just for a moment. Laughter should be an important part of everyone's life, and the Native Americans on the Spokane reservation seem to know just what is up.