Living Stories of the Cherokee

In the Cherokee language time is not divided into the past and future so much as an ever unfolding present. This collection of stories speaks to this concept of time and provides continuity between the people, their past and their future. For people interesting in understanding the depth of continuity in Cherokee culture, despite all the enormous changes brought about by colonialism, the degradation of the status of women and the removal this is an excellent resource. Well written and readable, the editor does an excellent job of setting the stories in an accessible context.

This is a book full of wonderful stories. It has many stories already familiar to those that read Cherokee tales as well as many new stories that I have never seen writen down before. The editor tries to stay as true to the story teller's own words as possible and manges to even keep the story tellers' rhythms. There are short introductions on each story teller and even the same story told by several different story tellers to compare the styles of each. This marvelous book is equally enjoyable for those interested in a good story and those interested in the Cherokee culture.

This book is full of wonderful stories told by various Cherokees. It teaches why these stories are important and why they are passed down from generation to generation. Anyone can gain knowledge about Cherokee culture from this stories. There are myths and legends from long ago and there are stories that are from personal experiences. The story tellers tell how they learned each legend and in some cases why the story reflects life today.

The first 27 pages of this book are dedicated to making the reader understand the storytellers and their purpose. The reader will gain knowledge in varied areas by having different storytellers tell the same stories in their unique ways following the introduction. This book is well researched and seemingly comes alive as you read the verses on its pages. There are so many lessons to be learned in life and the Cherokee have a gift when it comes to bringing those lessons to their young ones. We, as a public in general, stand to gain a wealth of knowledge by reading the stories held within the binding of this book. So, take off your shoes, get a cup of French Vanilla, curl up in your most comfortable chair...and escape. Let the lessons of life be branded on your heart as you read!