North America Books


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North America Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

North America
Sacred Fireplace (Oceti Wakan): Life and Teachings of a Lakota Medicine Man
Published in Paperback by Clear Light Books (1999-10-01)
Author: Peter Catches
List price: $14.95
New price: $9.54
Used price: $2.09

Average review score:

A must read about Lakota Medicine.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-10
This is a fine book about the life of Peter Catches. This is a must read for anyone studying Native medicine. You will not be disappointed.

Scared Fireplace
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-25
I like this book, it is very enlightening. It tell about the struggles our people went through, and their hadships. Thanks for the wake-up call. Dianne

A Book of Peace.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-18
This book is great for those who wish to know the truth about the traditional Lahkota values and ceremonies. Ceremonies are explained with great care and love. The author conveys the wonderful sense of peace that he has found with following the rituals and the love he has for the Creator.

GREAT BOOK
Helpful Votes: 22 out of 22 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-01
This is a MUST have book. I was fortunate enough to meet "Grandpa Pete" before his death and was so excited when I saw this book. Not many have been through more than him, and he expresses his beliefs wonderfully in this book. even if you are new to Lakota spirituality, he explains things in a way anyone can understand. He was a great man, and left a great legacy with this book.

Sacred Fireplace [Oceti wakan]
Helpful Votes: 26 out of 26 total.
Review Date: 2000-01-31
This book is a must read for anyone interested in Lakota spirituality. The author tells many stories from his life, the stories are so real and touching I could not put the book down.Just the chapters describing the various Lakota ceremonies, inipi,sun dance ,hanbleceya etc are worth the price of the book. I finished the book feeling uplifted and warm.The author's love and caring for his people,the earth and allits creatures is very apparent.Buy the book.lcossutt@hotmail.com

North America
Seashells of North America (Golden Field Guides)
Published in Hardcover by Golden Books (1969-09)
Author: R. Tucker Abbott
List price: $23.93
Used price: $4.11
Collectible price: $23.93

Average review score:

I love this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-27
I have always loved seashells and this book helped me to identify them. Because of this book I have a HUGE collection of all kinds of seashells!

Ultimate shell reference!
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-13
Whether for a valuable collection at home, or a sight while swimming or scuba diving, this will prove very reliable in the field. A MUCH more advanced field guide than the Golden First Guides, this lists over 600 shells in all and will quickly identify any strange seashell you happen to find beachcombing. This guide contains: Augor shells, chitons, whelks, limpets, and many other valuable collectibles. Each shell species entry has a description added to the side, explaining: abundance, range, and habitat. After the first Golden Guide to Seashells intrigues you, try your luck out with this field reference.
There are several editions made of this guide, from cheap paperback to hardcore turtleback. The paperback and hardback are the best to buy, as they are both great deals and cost less than the turtleback, which is also durable. Any edition will serve you very well in shell collection ID or snorkeling discoveries.

This is the book that got me started.
Helpful Votes: 16 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-18
Yes it's way out of date. Yes the super rare shells listed in the book are often no longer even mildly rare. Yes it is drawings only. Sigh. But this is the book that got me and all too many others hooked into this area. 30 years later I still love the hobby. Give it to a child and watch him/her grow.

Seashells
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-12
This was exactly the book on shells that I was looking for for my grandson. I remember the "Little Golden Guides" when I was a child and was so happy to see that they still exist. Good illustrations and compact easy to carry size.

For the Ageless Avid Beachcomber
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-28
If you like to collect seashells, then this handy key to the typical shells found on a beach may be of interest. It comes in a handy soft cover and is pocket sized, so it will easily fit in one's bathing suit's waist. It is slender, although several of the easy to find shells are listed, photos are reasonable and of good quality. It is similar to other such books, although not quite a book and not quite a pamphlet. It's in a league of its own!

North America
Selu: Seeking the Corn-Mother's Wisdom
Published in Hardcover by Fulcrum Publishing (1993-10-06)
Author: Marilou Awiakta
List price: $19.95
New price: $9.51
Used price: $4.30
Collectible price: $19.95

Average review score:

Maizeland
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-03
I really enjoyed this book. It was written in such a way as to really personalize the story of corn. It really brings a stark reality to what has been done to corn today by Monsanto. Totaly disrespect for the plant and the spirit of the plant. We all love corn and can learn a lot from it. Every American should read this book as corn is very special to this land.

A Authentic look at past and present American Indian spirituality
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-16
In SELU, Awiakta engages the reader to critically think about the role of women and Native sprituality from that of Native understanding. It is not the usual garden variety of new age romanticism, but a honest look at the role of the feminine in Cherokee, and I think the authors point, everyone's life. If you have a keen interest in American Indian Studies, this book is of great interest to you.

Wonderful Journey
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-09
I love all of her work, and these books on tape just add another element to the experience of Selu.

The Corn Mother's Wisdom made me a better parent
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-27
As a woman with ancestors of many cultures, and now raising a child of my own, I found Marilou Awiakta's conversations about Selu precious. Several years ago, I used the margins of my book to add my epiphanies and questions, as Ms. Awiakta suggests. Looking back at those thoughtful notes, I am touched by the way that this book became a journal, weaving its wisdom into my everyday life. I still ponder Ms. Awiakta's words in quiet moments, perhaps having forgotten exactly where they began. The spiral of wisdom that passes through each woman who reads this book did not begin within these pages, but is as old as the Corn Mother herself. I joyfully urge every mother to consider these practical and powerful conversations.

an outstanding meditation on Cherokee culture
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 1999-08-07
Marilou is an old friend of my mom, so my opinion is biased. But, if you want to get inside the thoughts that built the Cherokee worldview, this is a good place to start. Unlike so many so-called "Indian" books, this one is authentic, and has soul.

North America
Ski North America: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Published in Paperback by Ultimate Sports Publications Ltd (2003-09-09)
Author: David Holyoak
List price: $51.55
New price: $33.53
Used price: $1.18

Average review score:

One of the Best Resort Guides Ever
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-22
I really enjoy this book. I've checked it out at least five times. Each resort section has alot of helpful information. It makes planning a trip a breeze. David Holyoak really nailed it.

Ski North America
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-09
Very informative but dated. The lift ticket prices listed are significantly below the actual rate in some cases (i.e. Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Moutain). They should be updated.

A MUST FOR ANY SKIER OR SNOWBOARDER
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-14
David Holyoak's Ski North America Guide is first class. Nothing like this has been published before. This stocky, well-illustrated guide to all the significant North American ski resorts contains intelligent, un-flowery text and good practical advice. A must for any skier or snowboarder seeking the reality behind the American dream, I wish I'd written it myself.

Arnie Wilson, ski author and editor, Financial Times ski correspondent for 18 years who, in 1994, became the first person to ski for 365 consecutive days (Guinness Book of Records), including more than 100 resorts in North America

The Best ( USA ) Ski Travel Book You Can Find
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-15
This book by far surpasses excellent. If you are planning a ski trip and are interested in going somewhere new this book seems to have it all. It lists every major ski area in the United States. Every ski resort mentioned is chronicaled by state and gives you area and mountain facts and most have their trail map pictured as well. It also lists local airports, directions from most areas to the ski resort as well as lodging suggestions. I could go on and on about the other little tidbits within the publication but you'll just have to read it yourself.

If you know what it means to wait for snow
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-20
Being new to the States as well as a crazy skier I spent hours on the net trying to collect information about different resorts. This book is the first, and so far the only book, that gives very detailed, professional overview while providing non-biased information about resorts. I visited many resorts in the States in the last 2 years and compared my impressions with the reviews in the book - you can relay on the book! Great advantage of this edition is a an amount of illustrations such as aerial photos, maps of the area, etc. I wish there will be similar book about skiing in Europe.
On the down side I would expect more info about resorts on the NE (for example, my favorite Whiteface is not included).

North America
Slave Counterpoint: Black Culture in the Eighteenth-Century Chesapeake and Lowcountry (Omohundro Institute of Early American History & Culture)
Published in Hardcover by The University of North Carolina Press (1998-04-27)
Author: Philip D. Morgan
List price: $75.00
New price: $25.00
Used price: $34.44

Average review score:

Excellent Read
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-01
I had to read this book for my History of Slavery class, thought by the author. Dr. Morgan gave excellent insight in addition to his book. I would suggust this book to anyone for anytype of reading, pleasure and required.

superior analysis with an exhausting amount of information
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-04
Morgan's analysis will give anyone who wants to know more about slavery an immense amount of material. Comparing the Chesapeake and Lowcountry areas of the American colonies during the eighteenth century, Morgan discusses the economic and cultural sides of the different slave institutions and discusses black-white encounters. No matter how one may try to define slavery in one, distinct way, Morgan shows there is always an exception to that definition. I know Morgan worked for many years to produce this book and that this book is the culmination of an immense amount of research and analysis, but this book would make a larger impact if it was shorter. By the time I was done reading this mammoth book, I had a hard time remembering all the topics he brought up. For any history student, like me, it is worth reading, but make sure you give yourself plenty of time to understand it.

A Review of Slave Counterpoint
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-17
I had the pleasure of listening to this author lecture to in class during my senior year of college. Having the opportunity to discuss this book with the author made Slave Counterpoint come to life. Slave Counterpoint makes the topic of Antebellum slavery captivating for those interested in learning about the early days of slavery in the Cheasapeake Bay region. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has a sharp curiosity about early colonial history and wishes to be engaged in an honest account of events(I would recommend reading this book a couple of chapeter at a time).

Excellent.
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-07
Philip D. Morgan's exhaustively researched and extremely detailed text seeks to compare and contrast the social structure and overall formation of the slave systems of the Chesapeake, VA and Lowcountry, SC regions during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Morgan does not adopt a narrative approach: he offers numerous discussions-all of which are deftly integrated into his descriptive analyses-of how black cultures changed over time. Morgan spends the 700-odd pages eschewing monolithic portrayals of black culture at almost every opportunity, preferring to investigate complexity and contradiction rather than to resort to pithy judgment. This is an excellent, important read.

superb
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-26
I have read no better detailed study than this book. Long but worth it due to the rich detail.

North America
The Snowboard Guide: North America
Published in Paperback by Low Pressure Publications (1997-07)
Author:
List price: $29.95
New price: $5.95
Used price: $1.87

Average review score:

Must have for North Anerican riders!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-01
Great book outlining various ripping locations across North America. A bit outdated as it was published a decade ago, but def has its relevant points that are still valid. I still pull it off the shelf every time I plan a trip. It's very well laid out, organized, and to the point info. It even caters to all types of riding, pointing out the ropes from novice areas to the best spots to find the pow for those advanced riders. No riders handbook would be complete w/o a section on the night life. Once again, a must have for the rider who likes to explore the resorts around North America... or Europe in the European edition.

Snowboard Guide: North America
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-25
After 7 years of snowboarding, mostly in the rockies and the sierras, I have yet to find a more organized and informative snowboarding guide. This book breaks down the different mountainsbased on location(Pacific, Mountain West, East Coast, Alaska and Canada). And it breaks them down in terms of freeride, carving, freestyle(park riding)and backcountry. It also tells a good bit about the town lodging, restuarants and things to do.
It gives detail history of snow amounts and all the statistics of the mountain.
Oh yeh, if you are a visual person this is the book. Lots of pictures. It has a mini-map of all resorts slopes.

The real authors
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-13
Just a quick note to say that Ali Hannan was our co-ordinator/text editor and the publishing editors/authors were Tim Rainger, Bruce Sutherland and Ollie Fitzjones. This is also the case for The Snowboard Guide: Europe. Thanks for buying the book and I hope it gets you into some freshies!

Still great after all these years
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-30
This is THE book of resorts in North America. Stop looking now and buy this book! I recieved this book as a Christmas present in 1999. Although the cover is missing, the pages are stained and torn I love it. I still get it out every time I plan a snowboard trip. It should be required reading for anyone who is planning a snowboard trip. This book has taken me all over Vermont, Quebec, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. An updated version would be VERY nice, alot changes at these places in 7 years.

Thanks for buying the book - here's some feedback we've had
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1998-03-10
"Thanks again for doing such a stupendous job on the book, we are very pleased with the results and our placement is great." Amani King, Switch Manufacturing USA "Let me start by saying that the Snowboard Guide: North America is incredible!..... The best ever." Sonny Mayugba, Heckler Magazine "Possibly the sickest snowboarding travel book avaliable........ they'll make you amped to ride. " Melisa Larsen, Transworld Snowboarding "I'm going to take it home and play with it." Kevin Kinnear, Transworld Snowboard Life "That North American book is siiiiiick.... it makes me homesick. Keep up the good work." Trey Cook, Switch Manufacturing Europe "You should all be stoked on such a solid piece of work." Barry Duggan, Burton USA "Excellent - bursting with informtion." Sean Newsom, The Sunday Times "I would say that if you are thinking of going to the states then this would be the compulsory travel companion." Chris Nelson, Asylum Magazine

North America
Spirit Walker
Published in Hardcover by Doubleday Books for Young Readers (1993-09-01)
Author: Nancy Wood
List price: $22.50
New price: $26.23
Used price: $1.99
Collectible price: $22.50

Average review score:

Special collectable artwork
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-07
Stunning in every way; beautiful heartfelt poetry, glorious colourful native american indian style artworks. Definately a collectable book, a coffee table book, or a book to contemplate in your own peaceful moments. Loved it's unique wisdom.

Another impressive effort!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-21
Not only is the poetry very appropriate and full of wisdom of the Elders, etc., but the images by Howell are some of the best pieces of art I've seen depicting the culture and heritage of the Native Americans. This is one of my author/poets of all time. Very well done!

Spirit Walker
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-02-07
This is a "to the point" review. This book is beautiful - in every way. It relaxes me after a dificult day, or when I need to come back to "Spiritual reality". I'm so sorry it isn't being published any longer - along with several other books by the same author & illistrator. the only one I have is "Spirit Walker"; dreaming I owned all the rest as well.

I love this book!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-04
this is the best book of poetry that i have read. I am 15 years old and i have read this book many times. i got it from my grandma when i was little. reading this book helped me though my fathers death in sept. my fav poem is three sisters. i think that people should read this book. now i am tring to get my mom to get me her first book.

Returning to the Beginning Place
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 1999-11-15
Like Dancing Moons, Spirit Walker is a set of jewel like reflections on what matters most, written with the sensitivity and sentiment of Native American wisdom which captured Nancy Wood some time ago. This book is not just for young adults as it is classified; it most certainly is for anyone who wants to hear the rhythms of the world a little more clearly. A great book to supplement one's morning meditations, prayers, etc. The paintings by Frank Howell are spellbinding. This is a rare gift for those who need to slow down, to listen, to heal.

North America
Star Medicine: Native American Path to Emotional Healing
Published in Paperback by Sterling (1997-06-30)
Author: Wolf Moondance
List price: $14.95
New price: $5.50
Used price: $1.63

Average review score:

Very Magical Book!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1998-12-09
I really got a lot from this book. I learned about the emotions and the walk around the Rainbow Medicine Wheel and I will always be on the look out for King Coytee, Thanks Jeff Long

Heart felt writing!
Helpful Votes: 18 out of 18 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-03
This author's work is now a part of my counseling office. As a natural healer I had been looking for something to use in my daily practice. Wolf Moondance's ceremonies have changed many lives. Some of my patients now use her work with their whole family. I now center my entire office around her work, and strongly recommend that you buy her books and get on the road happiness. The books are a successful and truthful way to create harmony in the lives of everyone. All it takes is buying the books. Keep them coming!!!!!!!!!

Check out the books and then the web page!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-05
Wow, this author is outstanding. I recommend these books to EVERYONE!! Now you can go to her homepage at wolfmoondanceauthor.com --I strongly suggest that you buy all 4 (yes, a new book is now out) of this author's work!! THANKS for the great writing!!

A must read!!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-18
Wolf Moondance must be congratulated!! She is the author of 3 books that promote change and healthy attitudes in a difficult world. Her stories are interwoven with an exciting blend of lessons, ceremonies, and a beautiful guidance story. These books are a must to anyone wanting to create a more fulfilling life. My only hope is that her next book comes out soon!! Thanks, Wolf Moondance!! Your work is excellent.

I think this book changes lives!!!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-09
Wow, what a great author. I would suggest these writings to everyone. There are many things to be learned Wolf Moondance. After reading all three of this author's books, I could honestly say that they have changed my life. I have now chosen to walk the red road towards my complete wholeness. I hope that this author delivers many more of these fantastic guides for becoming a more complete person. GOOD WORK WOLF MOONDANCE!!!!

North America
Stats 1999 Minor League Scouting Notebook (STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook)
Published in Paperback by STATS Publishing (1999-02)
Author: John Sickels
List price: $19.95
Used price: $0.61

Average review score:

A must have book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-11-21
I refer to this book on a nearly daily basis, and it is a must for any serious baseball fan. If you're in a fantasy, roto or sim league, you need to have this book.

Don't miss it.

When's the new one coming out?

The primer for minor league talent
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-09-22
John Sickels does a tremendous job. The book is well organized, well written, thorough, and doesn't cloud the joy and anticipation of baseball. The best of the STATS books, and always on my 'must-buy' list every year.

required reading for Roti-Baseball fans!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-01-17
there is no better, more accurate source for minor league future stars and role players available at any price. John Sickels is the best!! He spends his winters watching baseball, and he spends his summers also watching baseball. he talks to coaches, managers, players and scouts. his seven skill approach is the most accurate forum for determining future success. I learned the importance of strike-zone judgement, and noone can convince me it's not the single most important factor in determining future success. My roti-team is stocked with Sickels reccommendations. Eric Chavez, Gabe Kapler, and Matt Clement for starters. it's easy to say now, what great players they will be, but John told me FIRST!!!

Essential, from willworkman@hotmail.com
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-16
I'm writing this because Sickels deserves it. After years of roto info overload I now prepare for Draft Day with only three books: Sporting News Baseball Register (so i can see the statistical history of every player on the 40-man rosters), and the masterpieces from Benson and Sickels. The key in a competitive league is all timing, and Olkin gives you a better feel for WHEN a player will bloom than anyone else. John, thanks for helping me win 5 out of 6 league titles in the last two years. But I'm worried now that my competitors will start noticing your book at my side...

Essential Book for the Serious Baseball Fan
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-01-05
If you're a serious fan like me, especially if you do fantasy baseball, purchase this book. It is the most comprehensive text on the top prospects in baseball and a must have!

I constantly refer back to it throughout the baseball season.

North America
Stealing Benefacio's Roses: A Mayan Epic
Published in Paperback by North Atlantic Books (2006-06-07)
Author: Martin Prechtel
List price: $18.95
New price: $11.31
Used price: $9.39

Average review score:

Metaphor For Our Time
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-24
Martin Prechtel is perhaps the most capable of sacred story telling of today's authors. His respect for the power of language is immense and this book where he is retelling an ancient Mayan myth as it parallels his own experience is stunning in its capacity to illuminate todays world in all its contrasts. It is the third in an autobiographical trilogy. However, if you have not yet read the first two, don't worry, it stands completely on its own. This book was previously released under the title "The Toe Bone and the Tooth".

A suggestion
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-27
It might help readers to know that this book and "The Disobedience of the Daughter of the Sun" are written to be read aloud. When you do this the prose has a rhythm that is part of the meaning of the book.

Profound and touching
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-26
You wouldn't think it possible to say "this is Martin Prechtel's best book yet" because they are all so exceptional. If you are interested in current Mayan culture, indigenous peoples, love, life, Central American politics... this book is a tour de force. Martin Prechtel is one of the most truly amazing, talented, gifted, wise, insightful people you might ever hope to meet. On top of this, he is an extraordinarily gifted writer. Buy the book. Buy them all.

The Great Story
Helpful Votes: 29 out of 30 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-27
"In much wisdom is much grief" says the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, "and he that increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow." There is much wisdom, grief, knowledge, sorrow, and finally joy in Martin Prechtel's new book. You don't have to read his previous three, *Secrets of the Talking Jaguar,* *Long Life, Honey in the Heart,* and *The Disobedience of the Daughter of the Sun* to understand and appreciate the message of *The Toe Bone and the Tooth* - but it helps.

This is a story about keeping the Great Story alive - "An Ancient Mayan Story Relived in Modern Times: Leaving Home to Come Home."

It starts out with Martin's return to Guatamala in 1992 after many years in exile from his adopted country, where his village of Santiago Atitlan had been destroyed and 1800 of his friends and villagers slaughtered by American-backed death squads in the 1980s. He was picked up at the airport by three teenage boys (who had been small children when the devastation took place) and smuggled back to the village under a truckload of Mayan squashes. Along the way, the boys were eager to hear the story of the Toe Bone and Tooth that had been outlawed (as well as their language) by the various and many invaders of their country. Landmarks of the Story were everywhere (much as Australian Dreamtime stories are dependent on the land for the telling).

Martin was welcomed in Santiago Atitlan as the Shaman and healer that he was for many years. He had had a Mayan wife and three sons there (one son died) and his little family had barely escaped with their lives.

The ancient story of the Toe Bone and Tooth is inserted here - the Story of a mortal, Raggedy Boy, who fell in love with the Water Goddess, the story of her death after bearing him two corn children and being forgotten when her husband returned to the mortal world. When he did remember her through dreams, he had to re-member her, gathering her bones with the help of Coyote (who had the toe bone and tooth) and descending into the underworld to retrieve her heart. He was helped by an old magical couple. Re-membered, she became an ordinary woman and he became an ordinary man, and from them, all humans are descended.

The next few chapters chronicle the story of Martin's first arrival in Santiago Atitlan - how he'd been lost in a blizzard in his American homeland of Northern New Mexico in his youth, and how he was saved by a mare named Morningstar and an old Spanish lady who cured him of an almost fatal fever with bear grease and herbs. During his convalescence, he had 11 dreams of Santiago Atitlan and Nicolas Chiviliu Tacaxoy, who was to become his teacher, friend and mentor and who had called him through dreams for three years before he finally arrived in the village. Says Prechtel, "Though I was blond and born far away, we were the old and young generation of throwbacks from other times and layers of existence in which a humble dynasty of people in service to the remembrance of the Dismembered Goddess was continued from century to century."

Another chapter tells of Martin's defense of a young Mayan seminary student, Gaspar Culan, who was accused of worshipping idols because he had participated in an ancient Mayan sacred ceremony involving Holy Boy, whom the Catholic Church had branded as a devil but is actually a Christ figure. Martin (who speaks English, Spanish, and Mayan fluently) was to be Gaspar's advocate. Holy Boy had been called a Jew by the Church. Martin pointed out that they had dubbed the deity a Jew (and a devil) because Jews were at least considered to be human and therefore were subject to the 16th Century Inquisition. Mayans hadn't been considered people before that, so if their God was a Jew, the Inquisition could persecute and prosecute them. Martin won his case, and Culan was ordained as the first Mayan Catholic priest.

Several chapters are devoted to the Prechtel family's nothing-short-of-miraculous escape from Guatamala. Martin's teacher had ordered Martin to stay alive at all costs so that he might carry the seed of the story to the U.S. and preserve it for the Mayans whose history and culture had been outlawed.

When Martin got back to the U.S. and his old homeland in New Mexico, he and his family lived in poverty and difficulties for several years, but in Santa Fe he met a homeless couple who were like the old couple in the Story. Here, the narrative goes into the third person as the old couple tell Martin's story and do for him what he had done for countless people in his life - re-membered him for the holy amnesiacs (all of us). Martin's story mirrors the Great Story - "the story of ordinary people, extraordinarily in love and the story of the struggle of what it takes to be graced with such love is the story from which all humans are descended."

The author dedicates this book to the "deer-eyed daughter of the mountain, the mother of the great diversity" and to "all those peoples, plants and animals who have been and continue to be forcibly uprooted, rerouted, relocated, corralled, cut, branded, burnt out, burned down, burnt up, crushed, eradicated or driven from their homes in infinite diasporas of all types, to live where they may be unwelcome, while still trying to keep alive their seed capsules of cultural memory in hopes to regrow a home again. May their descendants be carved by the inherited grief of their ancestral loss to become feeders of what is holy in the ground, dedicated to something bigger than their need for justice and the pursuit of revenge."

This is a fantastic, exciting but true story, and in my opinion, this is a life-changing book. Read it!

The One You Keep
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-16
TV, more than any other medium, has become America's storyteller. Sometimes that's not so bad; other times it presents shallow and false values to impressionable minds. When I'm hungry for ultimate truths, I've often found it best to go to other cultures and borrow their stories. One of the very, very best is "Stealing Benefacio's Roses." Within this story you will find your heart and be surprised at how strong and lovely it is. You will find your soul and come to know your true self. It's a story that works on the surface level of "Once upon a time . . ." yet also touches the deeper realms of mythology, spirituality, psychology, history and the many varieties of love. The writing is superb. Here's a quote: "Onto the floor I dropped to sleep, drifting on the tossing sea of my aching heart in a little canoe of Gustavo's friendship, into dreams filled with the unkillable perfume of Benefacio's roses." To understand and savor the last five words, buy the book and enjoy the revelations. This is the one you will keep to reread over time.


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