The INKster has been a huge fan of Sherman Alexie since her old friend Alex Kuo, writer-in-residence and a professor of English at Washington State University, introduced her to him years ago. Among other things, Alex teaches creative writing and Native American literature and is often described by Sherman as his mentor.
A Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian, Sherman grew up on the reservation in Wellpinit, Wash., northwest of Spokane. After graduating from Reardan High School he attended Gonzaga University for two years on a scholarship. He then transferred to WSU, intending to be a doctor, and enrolled in pre-med courses. After fainting several times in human anatomy class, he decided to change his career path.
According to Sherman's recollections, that change "was fueled when he stumbled into a poetry workshop at WSU" and met Alex, who recognized early on that Sherman excelled at writing.
Shortly after graduating from WSU with a B.A. in American Studies, Sherman received the Washington State Arts Commission Poetry Fellowship in 1991. Just one year after leaving WSU, his first two poetry collections were published - "The Business of Fancydancing" and "I Would Steal Horses."
Sherman has continued to write prolifically, winning awards too numerous to mention. The INKster's favorite remains his first collection of short stories, "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven." One of the short stories in it ended up as the film "Smoke Signals," which debuted on the Palouse at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. Sherman attended, entertaining the audience afterwards with a delightful stand-up comedy routine.
So the INKster wasn't surprised to learn recently that Sherman struck again with his book of short stories, essays and poems titled "War Dances," an effort that won him the 2010 PEN/Faulkner Award for fiction.
In a recent mention of the award, Spokesman-Review columnist Jim Kershner wrote that in his opinion, one of Sherman's strongest stories in the book was told from the point of view of a young intern for a newspaper.
"Alexie did indeed work as an intern for this paper," the columnist noted.
The INKster didn't know of Sherman's stint as a journalist, but again, she wasn't surprised.
The INKster received an e-mail from Latah Democrats Chairman David Nelson announcing that Keith Allred would headline the Latah County Caucus and Pancake Breakfast at 9 a.m. April 17 at Moscow's Hamilton Indoor Recreation Center, 1724 E. F St.
After the breakfast, Allred will talk about his run for governor. The INKster received a letter a couple of weeks ago from former Idaho Gov. Cecil D. Andrus, who is appealing to people throughout the state to support Allred with their vote and money.
As is his style, Cecil didn't mince words.
"If you think politics in Idaho has changed since the 70s, 80s and 90s, you're right," he wrote. "It's gotten more partisan, more extreme and less civil. Progressive-thinking people, for the most part, have been shut out, as have respect, moderation and compromise."
The INKster couldn't agree more as she followed this year's Legislative session with her head hanging in shame to think she lived in a state that didn't appear to give a tinker's damn about its residents, especially the poor and medically needy.
Although the INKster hasn't met Allred, most anybody would be an improvement over our current governor. Allred is a fifth-generation Idahoan and appears to know what it is like to work for a living and among other things, believes in the importance of providing children with a decent education - not real important to the state's current leadership.
The INKster urges everyone looking for something better to go meet Allred and see what he is all about.
The other item on the April 17 agenda will be to elect 16 delegates to the June 11-13 Idaho State Democratic Party convention, which will be at the Coeur d'Alene Casino in Worley. To run as a delegate, contact Nelson prior to April 17, or at the caucus itself.
The INKster was saddened at the passing of Sheldon Vincenti and wishes to express condolences to his family. The former dean of the University of Idaho Law School died March 31.
A memorial service for Sheldon is scheduled for 11 a.m. today at the UI Law School courtroom.
... the blotter rests.
INK is penned by Vera White. To contribute to INK, call (208) 882-5561, ext. 251, or e-mail vnwhite@cableone.net.
