Customer Reviews

The Lakota Way: Stories and Lessons for Living (Compass)

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book because I was interested in the Lakota way of life, and their belief system. Not only was I enlightened in that aspect, but I gained some insight into the kind of life that I want to live, and the person I want to be. Joseph M. Marshall III, does more than simply list the qualities that are important to the Lakota people. He draws the reader a picture of each quality with stories that have been passed down to him through his family. Not only do these stories show that strength and tenacity of the Native American People through all their hardship at the hands of the whites, but they show people overcoming human weaknesses, and their lives being richer and happier for it. Marshall also describes the outcome of the Native American struggle against the whites differently than I've ever heard it described, that the Native people in this country were never defeated! Through everything the whites put them through, they emerged whith a strong sense of where they came from and where they are going. I highly recommend this book.

This book is an outstanding resource for parents of Lakota children and for teachers, teacher education professors, journalists, counselors, social workers, or anyone who works with Lakota people.

Joseph Marshall is an authentic voice bringing back old stories and contemporizing them for his readers as a way of sharing and passing on Lakota wisdom and values for future generations. So many "experts" on the Lakota culture are really just scholars who cannot reach the true center of the culture because they haven't lived it. Joe is the real thing,and his voice is both humble and eloquent as he relates his life to the stories his grandparents told him.

I used the book in my summer course for teachers and they have taken it back to their classrooms to use with their students as a way of encouraging Lakota children to write their own stories. I just can't say enough about how great this book is. There is also a CD of Joe reading some of the stories, which is extremely helpful in a classroom setting.

His other short story collections "The Dance House" and "On Behalf of the Wolf and the First Peoples" are excellent also.

If I were still teaching my native language: Lakota, I would use this book in my classroom. I recommend this book to all of my family and friends. It is a must for all, especially to my people as a lot of us need to relearn these ways or to learn them new! I have read "Dance House" also and can only applaud Mr. Marshall for his great writing. Pilamayaye ksto!

this is one of the most enlightening books about not only the native path but everyday interaction. I purchased the book and have re-read and re-read. For those of native heritage it quietly and forcefully moves you to reawaken your heritage and for others shares insight into our beliefs. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to live a better life.

I live near and work on a reservation in SD. I wanted to read this book to understand the viewpionts my Native American friends better. The way Marshall is able to explain the virtues from a historical, traditional perspective and relate them to modern day is wonderful and easily understood. This is a great book!

I am not Lakota, however, I do have an interst in their history. This book was a suggested title through a reading program at our church. While the book contains many traditional stories from the Lakota people, it contains many lessons for life for everyone.

It is good to see that this traditional stories have been recorded. As culture has changed, fewer and fewer of our stories are being passed from generation to generation. Stories such as these are timeless. They are relevant now and will be in the future, they are relevant for both Lakota and non-Lakota alike.

I don't normally read anything that isn't put infront my face, I have 3 pages left to this book and I do not want to finish it yet, it's that good. This book is a reminder of how we should live and treat other beings. It has great Native American stories/history ages old and new ones by the author. Whether you just want something to read, interested in history, or want motivation - this book is definitly what you are waiting for!

Joseph Marshall is quietly bridging the gap between his Lakota people and the rest of the world.

My favorite is The Story of No Moccasins, which illustrates in a remarkable way that behind every good man is a greater woman.

Joseph Marshall is an extraordinary story-teller. There are plenty of writers who can take you for a ride, the whole point of it being the ride. Marshall delivers you to a moral, introspection, or a profound thought.

I also loved The Dance House, Marshall's short story collection from Red Crane Books. Oliver's Silver Dollar, which is being considered for a film, is the true story of one man's incarceration in a state mental hospital, all because of a misunderstanding and the division between two cultures.

There has been and continues to be a dismissal by whites of the Indian way as pagan and unenlightened. Prepare to be enlightened.

The wealth of virtues discussed in this book through the legends of the Lakota tribe are presented in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. A wonderful book that is enjoyable to read, and educational as well. This book now sits on my top shelf, with the few other books that I re-read regularly. This is a place of honor, and speaks to the greatness of Mr. Joseph M. Marshall's explanation of the traditional legends, and their connection to modern life. You don't have to be a Native American to enjoy this book. Read it, and re-read it. See how your personality and character develops into something you never would have imagined!

This book can change you if you are open to it. It made me rethink a few assumptions I had about myself. I think all of us know the dictionary definition of virtues such as generosity and wisdom, but Marshall shares stories and personal insights that teach how to weave those qualities into the fabric of your life. This book is warm-hearted and inspiring. Its organization is well suited for discussion groups. The Lakota Way should be the way of our leaders, neighbors, family members and our hearts.