Free Downloads Blue Horses Rush In: Poems And Stories (Sun Tracks)
Wrapped in blankets and looking at the stars, a young Navajo girl listened long ago to stories that would guide her for the rest of her life. "Such summer evenings were filled with quiet voices, dogs barking far away, the fire crackling, and often we could hear the faint drums and songs of a ceremony somewhere in the distance," writes Luci Tapahonso in this compelling collection.Blue Horses Rush In takes its title from a poem about the birth of her granddaughter Chamisa, whose heart "pounded quickly and we recognized / the sound of horses running: / the thundering of hooves on the desert floor." Through such personal insights, this collection follows the cycle of a woman's life and underlines what it means to be Navajo in the late twentieth century. The book marks a major accomplishment in American literature for its successful blending of Navajo cultural values and forms with the English language, while at the same time retaining the Navajo character. Here, Luci Tapahonso walks slowly through an ancient Hohokam village, recalling stories passed down from generation to generation. Later in the book, she may tell a funny story about a friend, then, within a few pages, describe family rituals like roasting green chiles or baking bread in an outside oven. Throughout, Tapahonso shares with readers her belief in the power of pollen and prayer feathers and sacred songs. Many of these stories were originally told in Navajo, taking no longer than ten minutes in the telling. "Yet, in recreating them, it is necessary to describe the land, the sky, the light, and other details of time and place," writes Tapahonso. "In this way, I attempt to create and convey the setting for the oral text. In writing, I revisit the place or places concerned and try to bring the reader to them, thereby enabling myself and other Navajos to sojourn mentally and emotionally in our home, Dinétah."
Series: Sun Tracks (Book 34)
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: University of Arizona Press (May 1, 1997)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0816517282
ISBN-13: 978-0816517282
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 8.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #656,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #46 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Regional & Cultural > United States > Native American #770 in Books > Literature & Fiction > United States > Native American #1597 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Specific Demographics > Native American Studies
Luci Tapahonso delivers another beautiful collection of poems and stories centered around her Navajo culture. Like most of her works, her emphasis is on family and community, and on the ties that bind us invisibly and lovingly to each other and to our homeland. The stories and poems are at times touching and funny, revealing the human being behind the sorrows and joys of everyday living. If you like happy endings, family values, and good old-fashioned heartfelt love, this will become your favorite book. It is at once beautiful and familiar -- these are your experiences and emotions as much as the poet's, whether you are a Navajo or not. Don't skip "In Praise of Texas," in which the narrator reflects the thinnest hopes and dreams which live in all of us, and which "blossom without any urging on our part" (13)
Not a fan of poetry, I was surprised to find this book quite interesting. It helped me see the world from a different point of view. It is well written and I would suggest it to readers whether they are familiar with Native American culture or want to broaden their horizons.
Ms. Tapahonso writes some great poetry and short stories. I would recommend this book to anyone especially those that are interested in the Navajo culture.
Very beautiful thought proving writing. I enjoyed it ver much. I will be creating a quilt inspired by one of the poems.
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