Penucquem Speaks: A Look at Our World From a Different Culture [Paperback]

Ronald Thomas West (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 2006

EXTRAORDINARY MEMOIR: I found PENUCQUEM SPEAKS totally fascinating, unlike anything else I've ever read. I don't know of anyone who has had the unique experience Ron has had, of living in two cultures, and therefore being in a position to learn from that. Quite an amazing trajectory, from Vietnam to Blackfeet culture. And Ron's analysis of Whiteman thinking, Whiteman culture, fundamentalism, the difference between Jesus and Paul -- all very interesting to me. Ron West brings us back to what Indian culture cherished, the equality of women, the preservation of nature, everything that 'progress' and 'civilization' have corrupted. HOWARD ZINN

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ron West is a retired investigator that had worked primarily in Human Rights and is published in that field together with Dr Mark D Cole under the title "The Right of Self Determination of Peoples and its Application to Indigenous Peoples in the USA: The Mueller-Wilson Report" ISBN 3-7890-7023-8

Product Details

• Paperback: 314 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (August 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419646745
• ISBN-13: 978-1419646744
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,383,813 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A cultural landmark, October 13, 2006

By 

Michael Margolis (New York, New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Penucquem Speaks: A Look at Our World From a Different Culture (Paperback)

Ron's work is a true landmark!

The book provides a striking balance between cultural ethnography, personal confessional, and mythic parable all rolled into one. You will be entertained by West's singular humor, frankness, and perspective regarding life at the intersection of two distinct worlds. Its a book that's hard to put down in its unflinching look at life in Indian Country, within the context of modern America.

There is a subtle presence that lives within this book, with powerful truths both concealed and revealed throughout its pages, in layers of meaning and insight waiting to be revealed to the right eyes and ears.

Ron West is also an investigative journalist and legal historian who has chronicled to unparalled depths the true story of Indian-American affairs and the unfortunate deceits of history.

Much wisdom and mirth lies in these pages!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique Book, September 17, 2006

By 

M. Briese "Strange Buffalo Robe" (Berlin, Germany) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Penucquem Speaks: A Look at Our World From a Different Culture (Paperback)

Over the last 200 years Ron West is one of the few whites to get an unfettered inside view of the Native American world. He does not look in from the outside, but was directly taught by widely known and respected healers. He became a part of it. His transition from western civilization to the ancient Oral Tradition Indian world allowed him to acquire a unique knowledge. You discover the outcome in this book, a deep insight into this world from the Native perspective. The attentive reader will find information unavailable to this time because westerners were not allowed this knowledge, forbidden to outsiders. Dr. Karl Schlesier mentions in his foreword the chapter on the Stick Game divination is the best ever written in literature. Why has this happened now? You may find the answer in the very first sentences of the book, in Medicine Man Pat Kennedy's words:" I want the whole world to know". These words invite the reader to see and understand. With much Indian humor and sharp words of truth, westerners should bear in mind this is not only a book to explain the Indian worldview. You're also going to see your own civilization from the Indian eyes. This is sometimes a painful thing, even to the open minded. To those who are deeply rooted in western society and believe ours is the only road to walk, it could be a hazard to read this book.
Be that as it may, let's go on a journey with Strawberry (my favorite chapter) and keep in mind everybody is welcome to become the 23rd generation.

5.0 out of 5 stars Correct Action, August 29, 2010

By 

Michael Willing (Helena, MT United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Penucquem Speaks: A Look at Our World From a Different Culture (Paperback)

Penucquem Speaks takes the reader on a walk into way of thinking and being that is inherently contrary to the Western Worldview. Experiencing life with the Blackfeet in the last part of the 20th century, Ron is immersed in the knowledge of living of the last old ones. I recommend anyone wanting to understand right thinking and right action, learned from a Native world-view, read this book.