Selu: Seeking the Corn-Mother's Wisdom [Paperback]

Marilou Awiakta (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 19, 1994

In the life-giving story of the Corn-Mother, Selu, Awiakta offers us spiritual tools for facing the important issues of our times.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A collection of short stories, poems and essays reflecting the spiritual influence of the Corn-Mother.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Rooted in the stories of the Cherokee Corn Mother, Selu, and of the teacher of hunters, Awi Usdi (Little Deer), these stories, essays, drawings, and poems revolve around the fundamental Indian concepts of respect and balance. Awiakta, who grew up in the postwar community of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the product of Cherokee and Scotch-Irish Appalachian roots, tells how the stories of Selu and Awi Usdi can be applied in all areas of life, from political activism to interpersonal relations. Touching on issues like the Tellico Dam controversy (when the Cherokee's ancient capital was flooded), the reunion of the Eastern and Oklahoma Cherokee, science and technology, government, and diversity, this wide-ranging collection is occasionally repetitious but offers true insights into Native American philosophies and how to apply them to contemporary problems.
- Lisa A. Mitten, Univ. of Pittsburgh Lib.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Fulcrum Publishing; 1st Fulcrum Tr Ppbk Ed, Sept. 1994 edition (July 19, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555912060
• ISBN-13: 978-1555912062
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #808,528 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and brought up in Oak Ridge, Awiakta creates a unique weaving of her Cherokee/Appalachian heritages with science to express her basic theme: respect for the web of life. National and international recognition for her work began in 1978 with her first book, Abiding Appalachia: Where Mountain and Atom Meet. She has been featured in three TV films for PBS. Her third book, Selu: Seeking the Corn Mother's Wisdom, was a 1994 Quality Paperback Book Club Selection. A quote from Selu is engraved in the Riverwall of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall in Nashville, and her poem, "Motheroot," is inlaid in the Fine Arts Walkway at UCLA. Awiakta graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee in 1958 and recently received an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from Albion College in Michigan.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Corn Mother's Wisdom made me a better parent, November 27, 2000

By 

"klopezfitzgerald" (NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Selu: Seeking the Corn-Mother's Wisdom (Paperback)

As a woman with ancestors of many cultures, and now raising a child of my own, I found Marilou Awiakta's conversations about Selu precious. Several years ago, I used the margins of my book to add my epiphanies and questions, as Ms. Awiakta suggests. Looking back at those thoughtful notes, I am touched by the way that this book became a journal, weaving its wisdom into my everyday life. I still ponder Ms. Awiakta's words in quiet moments, perhaps having forgotten exactly where they began. The spiral of wisdom that passes through each woman who reads this book did not begin within these pages, but is as old as the Corn Mother herself. I joyfully urge every mother to consider these practical and powerful conversations.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an outstanding meditation on Cherokee culture, August 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Selu: Seeking the Corn-Mother's Wisdom (Paperback)

Marilou is an old friend of my mom, so my opinion is biased. But, if you want to get inside the thoughts that built the Cherokee worldview, this is a good place to start. Unlike so many so-called "Indian" books, this one is authentic, and has soul.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Journey, July 9, 2001

By 

APIMom1999 "wolfsky" (Memphis, Tn United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Selu: Seeking the Corn-Mother's Wisdom (Audio Cassette)

I love all of her work, and these books on tape just add another element to the experience of Selu.