On Sept. 19th, the Brown Baggers of Central Library discussed David Grann’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”.  Published in 2016, the book has been in high demand at the library recently due to the 2023 highly acclaimed film version by the same name. 

To most of our group, the story of the Osage tribe, their extreme wealth in the 1920s due to oil reserves and the subsequent local murder spree was new history.  We discussed how certain parts of US history have been historically untaught/neglected in education.We keep learning about new instances of racism and greed that were previously unknown.  

The idea of whites having guardianship over the Osage family’s wealth was shocking, but not surprising given the paternalistic way whites viewed Native Americans at the time.

 Our readers enjoyed the descriptions of clothing, food, and rituals of the Osage tribe. 

While there were many despicable characters to choose from, most agreed that William Hale was the worst!  We also learned much about the founding of the FBI and J. Edgar Hoover-who held on tight to his power of life and death over people.

 We felt the maps and photographs within the narrative were helpful.  And we were impressed by the amount of detailed research the author did to put this narrative together including being able to speak to primary sources.

Overall, our readers were glad they read this true story of courage and good battling evil.