Messengers of the Wind [Paperback]

Jane Katz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 5, 1996

"Messengers of the Wind goes beyond the autobiographies of everyday women. These are women who have long been an invisible part of American culture. Their stories are haunting, frightening, encouraging, and courageous. . . . Katz is a faithful guide."
--The Minnesota Daily
In Messengers of the Wind, Native American women, old and young, from a variety of tribal groups, speak with eloquence and passion about their experience on the land and in urban areas; about their work as artists, activists, and healers; as grandmothers, mothers, and daughters; as modern women with a link to the past. And as each woman, renowned and obscure, tells her remarkable personal story, it is clear that each has tapped into the power that comes from within and has reached back into a history that brings with it courage and hope.
" 'Giving energy to Mother Earth' -- Yes. That is our duty as women, as Natives, and as human beings. Messengers of the Wind is a way of doing just that. It is not a dance, feet patting our mother, but it is an offering, the voices of the women sent to comfort her. Thank-you, Jane Katz, for your offering. It is a special and much-needed gift."
--Paula Gunn Allen
Author of Voice of the Turtle
"COMPELLING. . . INTIMATE."
--The Cleveland Plain Dealer
"A RICH COLLECTION OF PERSONAL STORIES. . .REWARDING. . . These are powerful women with important stories to tell."
--Kirkus Reviews

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Ramona Bennett (Puyallup) established a clinic that serves 9000 Native Americans. Faith Smith (Chippewa) is cofounder of Native American Education Services, a national network that operates colleges in four states. These women, among the 25 Katz (I Am the Fire of Time: The Voices of Native American Women) introduces, are artists, craftswomen, teachers, healers and leaders who have made significant contributions to their tribes and to humanity. Most grew up in poverty and many were abused as children; all have shown a remarkable resiliency and commitment to native culture. These stories are an inspiration to their sisters everywhere and a welcome addition to the literature of women's studies. Photos. Author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

In this new collection, editor Katz (I Am the Fire of Time: The Voices of Native American Women, 1977) taps into the very heart of contemporary Native American women's lives. Katz has done an impressively restrained job of interviewing a wide variety of Native women and allowing them to speak for themselves, rather than filtering their voices through non-Native interpreters, as is often the case. Each woman talks about what is important to her, and the topics are wide-ranging, covering everything from political activism and childhood memories to feelings about the environment and religion. The 25 women run the gamut from full-blood to mixed-blood, from famous author to high school girl, from Tulalip to Miccosukee. Most interviews are illustrated with a photograph of the woman speaking. For public libraries. (Index not seen.)-Lisa A. Mitten, Univ. of Pittsburgh Lib.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: One World/Ballantine (March 5, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345402855
• ISBN-13: 978-0345402851
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #935,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Insight! into Native America Culture and Feelings!, July 22, 2000

By 

Laurie J Walton (Lancaster, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Messengers of the Wind (Paperback)

This books truly shows identifies the disconnect between the Indians and culture of the Americans who took everything from them. Great insight into the perspective by American Native women. Retells the history of the Native Americans and their struggle to find a place of their own (one that American's had not already taken). Wonderful historical information and references at the end of each chapter. A true recollection of what happen throughout the United States during a difficult time in history and it continues today through sterotyping and prejudice. Very good reading. I couldn't put it down.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on social action that I have read., December 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Messengers of the Wind (Paperback)

Felt like I knew these Native American Women as I read their stories. Must admit I needed a box of kleenex handy. They told of their experiences and each personal story told of their strength and choices they made and their past history. How they had survived tore at your heartstrings. Another plus was that a photo was included for most of the women. Each story was special and I learned so much about Native American Women by reading this book. Sometimes their words seemed so powerful you would quit reading and think about that woman's remarks before reading more. Highly recommend this book.