Selu

I really enjoyed this book. It was written in such a way as to really personalize the story of corn. It really brings a stark reality to what has been done to corn today by Monsanto--total disrespect for the plant and the spirit of the plant. We all love corn and can learn a lot from it. Every American should read this book as corn is very special to the Americas.

In SELU, Awiakta engages the reader to critically think about the role of women and Native sprituality from that of Native understanding. It is not the usual garden variety of new age romanticism, but a honest look at the role of the feminine in Cherokee, and I think the authors point, everyone's life. If you have a keen interest in American Indian Studies, this book is of great interest to you.

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

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.

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.