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I read Dr. Isern's book, The Dakota Circle, and found it was a great departure from most history books that spew facts and information at the reader. This book is done in a narrative style. The book talks about the bond of the people of North Dakota. He describes the "Dakota Circle" as a gathering that everyone feels welcome. North Dakotans are very friendly people, and this rings true through out the book. I thought his best chapter was the chapter called, "Montana Caviar". I found this chapter the most interesting, because I actually have caught paddlefish before. I am from around the Williston area, and paddlefish has become a unique niche industry in Northwestern North Dakota and Northeastern Montana. I also liked the chapter on the stereotypes of North Dakota. My favorite saying is the one that goes,that a definition of a small town is one that doesn't have a bar. In my experience as a native North Dakotan, this one rings true. The smallest town in North Dakota has a bar.

These stories and experiences come together to make a single story of North Dakota. These stories show that Walter Webb's theory of how environment shapes our culture is correct here. I think the biggest example is how basketball, especially "Class B" basketball , is a staple of North Dakota winter culture. People will drive 10 miles in a blizzard for a game, and as North Dakota native, I have experienced this.