Synopses & Reviews
Jimmy McClean is a Lakota boyandmdash;though you wouldnandrsquo;t guess it by his name: his father is part white and part Lakota, and his mother is Lakota. When he embarks on a journey with his grandfather, Nyles High Eagle, he learns more and more about his Lakota heritageandmdash;in particular, the story of Crazy Horse, one of the most important figures in Lakota and American history. Drawing references and inspiration from the oral stories of the Lakota tradition, celebrated author Joseph Marshall III juxtaposes the contemporary story of Jimmy with an insiderandrsquo;s perspective on the life of Tasunke Witko, better known as Crazy Horse (c. 1840andndash;1877). The book follows the heroic deeds of the Lakota leader who took up arms against the US federal government to fight against encroachments on the territories and way of life of the Lakota people, including leading a war party to victory at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Along with Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse was the last of the Lakota to surrender his people to the US army. Through his grandfatherandrsquo;s tales about the famous warrior, Jimmy learns more about his Lakota heritage and, ultimately, himself.
Review
"The Lakota have a wisdom that transcends the ages, and Joseph Marshall delivers it with grace and power." —
Marianne Williamson
"Wise words by an authentic representative of Lakota culture...[An] inspirational book of a high order." —Kirkus Reviews
Review
STARRED REVIEW
andquot;This powerful introduction to a great warrior and leader invites readers to ponder the meaning of and#39;hero.and#39;andquot;
Synopsis
Joseph M. Marshall’s thoughtful, illuminating account of how the spiritual beliefs of the Lakota people can help us all lead more meaningful, ethical lives.
Rich with storytelling, history, and folklore, The Lakota Way expresses the heart of Native American philosophy and reveals the path to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Joseph Marshall is a member of the Sicunga Lakota Sioux and has dedicated his entire life to the wisdom he learned from his elders. Here he focuses on the twelve core qualities that are crucial to the Lakota way of life--bravery, fortitude, generosity, wisdom, respect, honor, perseverance, love, humility, sacrifice, truth, and compassion. Whether teaching a lesson on respect imparted by the mythical Deer Woman or the humility embodied by the legendary Lakota leader Crazy Horse, The Lakota Way offers a fresh outlook on spirituality and ethical living.
About the Author
Joseph M. Marshall III, historian, educator, and storyteller, is the author of many books, including The Journey of Crazy Horse and The Lakota Way: Stories and Lessons for the Living, which was a finalist for the PEN Center USA West Award in 2002. He was raised on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation and his first language is Lakota. Marshall is a recipient of the Wyoming Humanities Award, and he has been a technical advistor and actor in television movies, including Return to Lonesome Dove. He makes his home on the Northern Plains.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Let the Wind Blow Through You
1. Humility - Unsciiciyapi
2. Perseverance - Wowacintanka
3. Respect - Wawoohola
4. Honor - Wayuonihan
5. Love - Cantognake
6. Sacrifice - Icicupi
7. Truth - Wowicake
8. Compassion - Waunsilapi
9. Bravery - Woohitike
10. Fortitude - Cantewasake
11. Generosity - Canteyuke
12. Wisdom - Woksape
Afterword - Wicoiye Ihanke:
The People
Walking the Circle
Index