Rolling Thunder [Paperback]

Doug Boyd (Author)

Book Description

Rolling Thunder, the subject of this book, is a keeper of tribal secrets-a modern medicine man. After witnessing one of Rolling Thunder's healing rituals at a conference sponsored by the research department of the Menninger Foundation, Doug Boyd decided to open his mind fully to the mysteries of such secret healing powers as might be revealed to him. Boyd's book is an account by a contemporary white man of the inner experience of American Indians, an exploration into what some accept as the "real" world. To the believer or to the skeptic, Boyd's experiences form a penetrating and challenging story of a world that is little known to most Americans.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Delta (January 15, 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038528859X
• ISBN-13: 978-0385288590
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #933,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A meditation on life, December 10, 2000

By 

David - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rolling Thunder (Paperback)

Rolling Thunder was written in a way reminiscent of the Castaneda books, but to me it was fresher, more concise, and more believable.

We see Rolling Thunder, a.k.a. John Pope, a medicine man of the Cherokee tribe, from the perspective of Doug Boyd, a researcher from the Menninger Foundation (in Topeka, Kansas-my hometown). In 1971, Boyd sought out Rolling Thunder to ask for his help in a study on mind-over-body control that began with East Indian mystic Swami Rama. In the process, he was drawn into the world of the Native American, fighting against violations of rights and treaties, seeking harmony with others and the earth.

Rolling Thunder is a remarkable man. To him, speaking with the animals and affecting the weather is within the realm of possibility. Boyd takes us on a sober ride, describing events simply as he observed them. As any true student of self and nature knows, though, it's not the powers that matter, but rather the way of life, harmony with oneself and others, and the deeper energy in things. And from Rolling Thunder's mouth we receive some words on all of these things-on paying attention, on living in accord with surroundings, on having a good attitude no matter what happens. Not only does all of these seem more accessible than Castaneda's writings, but combined with the effort to raise awareness of the plight of reservation Indians, and the call to stop harming the earth, it seems more relevant.

The book is a series of episodes and dialogue, written in such a way that the language conveys the spirit of simplicity and doesn't get in the way. The plainness may deter some readers, though, if they are looking for action and demonstration of powers. The voice is quiet and hopeful; the book is almost a meditation.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life-altering Book, July 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Rolling Thunder (Paperback)

I have bought Rolling Thunder 3 or 4 times. I tend to loan it out and forget who borrowed it. In reading the book almost 30 years ago, I began to see minute things in a different light. I have taught my sister and my niece how to pick blackberries right off the bush with dozens of yellow jackets on them. I've learned that not everything you see is what's truly going on. What wonderful life lessons!

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Remarkable Biography, June 13, 2003

By 

Jay "Jay" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rolling Thunder (Paperback)

Doug Boyd's observations were a little tendentious but I don't blame him. Rolling Thunder was and is a singular individual. And his ability to communicate with the Earth paled only to his ability to connect with other people. There's a strong environmental theme in this book. But its much more spiritual. Although it won't try to 'convert you' to anything in particular. Its more an attempt to awaken the reader. Get them to connect their interests and their spirit, like RT, to the Earth. Boyd is a skilled writer. Some would say he's a little too 'in love' with the subject he's writing about to be considered a scientist ( social or otherwise ). But its the qualitative analysis that makes this book engaging. Boyd is a soothing author. He creates an experience so vibrant that I feel like I've actually heard RT's voice, seen his face and felt the warmth of the fire during a healing ceremony I've only actually experienced in print.