Motorcycles & Sweetgrass

The story opens with a mythic, almost timeless scene: a young Anishnawbe woman and a mysterious man swim together in a secluded lake, their playful banter hinting at a deep connection. The man, whose identity is ambiguous, is both charming and otherworldly, and the woman is about to be sent away to a residential school, a fate dictated by colonial policies. Their separation is inevitable, and the man's jealousy of a new, distant figure—Jesus—signals the coming of change and loss. This prologue sets the tone for the novel's blend of Indigenous myth, colonial history, and personal longing, fores

Lesson 1: Trickster in the Lake

This principle from Motorcycles & Sweetgrass is backed by Drew Hayden Taylor's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 2: Lillian's Last Goodbye

This principle from Motorcycles & Sweetgrass is backed by Drew Hayden Taylor's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 3: The Return of John

This principle from Motorcycles & Sweetgrass is backed by Drew Hayden Taylor's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

How to Apply Motorcycles & Sweetgrass's Lessons

The real value of Motorcycles & Sweetgrass lies in its applicability. After reading, the most important step is identifying which of Drew Hayden Taylor's principles speak most directly to your current situation.

Consider keeping a journal while reading — noting where the ideas challenge your current approach and where they confirm what you already suspected. The friction of your own resistance often points to the most important insights.

Key Quote

"Trickster in the Lake" — Drew Hayden Taylor, Motorcycles & Sweetgrass

About the Author

Drew Hayden Taylor is the author of Motorcycles & Sweetgrass. The book reflects years of research, observation, and synthesis of evidence from multiple disciplines.