Customer Reviews

Rolling Thunder

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

I recommend this book to all those who wish to expand their own spiritual insights. From communing with nature, to unlocking the great depths of what spirit can accomplish. Rolling Thunder heals you body and soul.

This is a book you will not be able to put down and will want to read every word. Great book for really making you think about spiritual issues.

This book offers an easy going insight into a gifted medicine man, who worked on the Southern Pacific railroad as a brakeman. This man was a gifted spiritual leader and healer, and was loved by many. The folksy way this book was written was more appealing to me then other books about him. The setting seems to be in the sixties for the most part, which was an exciting time for me and others. Indian respect and tradition was more accepted by the young back then. I myself being from native American lineage can testify to this fact. I didn't get to meet the man but have the privilege to share an occasional phone call or e-mail with his son "Spotted Eagle" who is also featured in this book. As some one who shares the belief system associated with Native tradition, I recommend this book for some eye opening revelations.
-thunderhands

I just loved the book...read it about 5 years ago, and it was wonderful then, think I might read it again...

I have often searched for a comprehensive hands-on journey into native spirtuality. Rolling Thunder is respectful, readable, and insightful. One of those books that I will re-read over the years. Authenticity throughout. No New Age that we are all so weary of.

Rolling Thunder always gave from his change purse before he took anything from nature and was always abundantly rewarded for his effort! I was picking black berries and thought of Rolling Thunder giving before he took. I found I had no change with me, so I decided to give one of every four berries by throwing one to the ground. My three sons were picking on the other side of the berry patch using one quart baskets. I had a twelve quart aluminum pan. After giving, I picked over twelve quarts of berries, while my sons had only one inch of berries on the bottom of their baskets. When I walked around the end of the patch and the boys saw all I had picked, by my self, their eyes got as big as sauceres! I learned that day, that what Doug Boyd observed many times, certain truths work for us all!

When some turn to books written abut native American Indians in the hope of discovering a part of themselves of which they are not aware because the injury of the Indians and near extermination of them killed off a potential part of ourselves as well, they can be disappointed.

I do not believe that in this book one finds what one seeks. There is so much brouhaha, publicity seeking, radio and TV interviews, extensive travel for the purpose of being studied by academicians and wanna be writers, visits by celebrities, scientists with practically translucent eyeglasses, etc., etc. The book is so busy it's hard to get down to the meat.

And then there is Doug Boyd, being paid by the Menninger Foundation to practically haunt Rolling Thunder for several years, sticking his nose into every occasion, even when privacy is obviously called for. I suspect that Rolling Thunder had a monetary motive for allowing all this, since he died with relatives squabbling over his wealth, leaving a second wife who married him under dubious circumstances (and edited "Rolling Thunder Speaks: A Message for Turtle Island"), and he worked for the railroad - hardly an occupation with which to amass a large fortune.

Doug Boyd, throughout the book, extols another "advanced spiritual being", and often compares him to Rolling Thunder - Swami Rama, who also allowed himself to be extolled and examined by Menniger Institute staff. Swami Rama was able to control his bodily functions, including his own heartbeat. However, he was just about to go on trial for a criminal act when he died, and afterwards the young lady did win a sizeable judgment. Apparently, there were some bodily activities Swami Rama either couldn't or did not wish to control.

Now I am going to direct anyone who reads this review to a single female native American Indian pul by the name of Ruby Modesto. She did not attract hordes of self-seekers and sincere seekers. No scientific clinic studied her. Bobby Dylan never knew her name. She never gave a radio or TV interview, never lectured to big audiences at universities.

The only person interested enough to visit Ms. Modesto at her home at the Morongo Reservation was a lone ethnologist from the University of Riverside in California by the name of Guy Mount. He did not intrude himself into her story, but stood aside and let her tell it. And tell it she did. Quiety, deeply and truthfully. It will knock the socks off of you should you be so fortunate as to be able to get ahold of a copy (entitled "Not for Innocent Ears"). It is a brief book, a booklet really, but since it is reality condensed, it is all that is needed to provide what I believe is true nourishment. After its telling, Ms. Modesto quietly died. And her quiet story sits waiting to be read by all who care to find it.