Touching+Spirit+Bear

=[|Tlinkit people]= =Summary: = The main character in Touching Spirit Bear, Cole Matthews, is an angry young man. Cole has been stealing and fighting for years. Early in the novel, Cole catches Alex Driscal in a parking lot where a fight ensues and Cole smashes Alex's head against the sidewalk. Now, Alex may have permanent brain damage and Cole is in deep trouble. Cole is offered Circle Justice, a system based on First Nation's traditions that attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender, the victim and the community. With prison as his only other alternative, Cole plays along. He says he wants to repent, but in his heart Cole blames his alcoholic mom, his abusive dad, wimpy Alex--everyone but himself--for his situation. Cole receives a one year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There, he is mauled by the mysterious white bear of First Nations legend. Hideously injured, Cole waits for his death, his thought shift from anger to humility. To survive, he must stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. Rescuers arrive to save Cole's life but is it the attach of the Spirit Bear that may save his soul.