Tiana is the most incredible characters I've ever read about. Reading this books made me feel like I was stepping back in time to the days when the Cherokee were free and powerful. Luicia St. Clair Robinson does a remarkable job in researching the people and their culture. In this book you learn about Sam Houston, the development of the Cherokee Syllubus, Tecumseh, and the strengh of a Cherokee Woman.

This was an excellent book, I read years ago. One that changed my life. Who Tiana Rogers was and the way she is portrayed in the book, gave me a role model to follow, in a time when I really needed one. This is a book that touched my soul, and I highly recommend it to anyone who's attention it called. It's a beatiful story and one that you'll never forget.

This book gives you the insight of what it was like to live as a Cherokee in that part of the country. They were loving, beautiful people who lived their life according to what their ancestors had taught. It also gives us the ability to understand what they were forced to leave behind so the White settlements could prosper. And the unfairness that they endured. Tiana is an incrediable character who touches our heart and leaves us remembering her or what she represents, years after the book has been read.

I think it was a very good book, especially if you are interested in Indian crafts or building a bow and arrow.

Outstanding Book for anyone intersted in making their own bows.
Another seasoned Boyer called this the best book going!!!!

Robert

Al Herrin is a living Cherokee national treasure, based on his knowledge of the Cherokee bow, its use and construction. This book gives the reader a great insight into the thinking of the Cherokee people. If you wish to make your own bow or just want a better understanding of Native American bows ... this book is a must read.

These historical figures will haunt your memory for weeks after you have finished this book. David Wilkinson's abilities to craft a "soul" from words is unsurpassed by todays authors. In Oblivion's Altar, he tells a compelling story of the Cherokee people which will have even the toughest skinned reader hooked by the end of their first hour of reading. Once you've read this book, you will look at all History with a more critical and decerning eye. The virtues and vices of human nature are excellently displayed, and their resulting conflict, as one nation is born and another begins to die.

The writer of historical fiction is confronted with an exceedingly difficult task. If he is to succeed, he must reach not only those with an interest in the history of which he writes, but those to whom plot and character development are everything and history an afterthought. David Wilkinson has succeeded on a grand scale with his book. This superbly crafted story of the great Cherokee Nation and the forces which drove its people from their lands in the southeast along the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma brings to life one of the more sordid and shameful episodes in American History. Much has been written of this tragedy, but we seldom see the faces of its victims. Wilkinson has brought them to life for us in a way that is both fascinating and unforgettable. Probably as impressive an account of the Native American struggle as anything written since "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee."

It was almost surreal reading this exceptional story of courage, frustration, dispair, hope and struggle. Although the events depicted in the book occurred some 200 years ago, they could easily be translated to recent times. I have met and seen the Kah-nung-da-tla-geb's of modern times. Proud people who are struggling to teach their children the old ways, yet realizing, as difficult it is to accept, that assimilation is a necessity to survive, to succeed. The Cherokee "exceeded all the Americans' expectations" in this regard and learned to use the "civilized ways" to their advantage, and it wasn't enough. In my little community, many have become educated, successful and assimilated, and, like long ago, it isn't enough. We are still considered "a thorn in their heel". This is a must read book for anyone who has struggled and dispaired, and who has loved family, heritage and country. I am not a "reader" but, like his previous book, NOT BETWEEN BROTHERS, I couldn't put it down. To David Marion Wilkinson, thanks - with respect and admiration.

I am a Foreign Language Major in California. I bought this book awhile ago, and even though my Latin studies defer me from studying Cherokee, I've retained most of what I've learned, which is good for me because there are no Classses to avail in California. The language is not an easy one, but you dont even notice it's difficulty, due to the Comprehensive structure. I feel it is greatest for available for Beginners. The only problem is a lack of more entertaining exercises, which do allow for a better retension. it is to a form, as is the form of learning a Classical Language (i.e. Latin). Audio Cassettes to accompany are also available.

This is the best primer on both spoken and written Cherokee. There have been other attempts to write language instruction in Cherokee; all the others that I have seen are too complex...attempting to teach too much, too fast.
Cherokee is so unlike English, in terms of grammar and syntax, that learning the language is difficult; however, the difficulty is minimized by starting slowly and building vocabulary first. The optional accompanying cassettes should be a big help.
One caveat: this book teaches the dialect common in Oklahoma. Eastern Cherokee is slightly different, but if you learn the western dialect, folks in North Carolina will be able to understand you.

I began learning Cherokee with this book over a decade ago. Growing up in Illinois, I didn't have a Cherokee community around that I could learn from. Over the years this book has became absolutely invaluable to me. I have read almost all the Cherokee language books written, and this is definitely one of the best. When I finally did get to Oklahoma to work on my Master's, I was actually able to talk to Cherokees in Cherokee largely through the rules of grammar, sentence structure, etc. that this book taught me. I also learned the syllabary through this book. Well worth a look.

This book tells the story of American ethnic cleansing against the Cherokee nation through an admirable combination of primary documents and the editors' analyses. Perdue and Green begin with a short but sophisticated history of the Cherokee from their first interaction with Europeans to their expulsion from the region where Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama meet. We are then directed through a variety of documents commenting on several important themes: the "civilizing" of the Cherokee (i.e. their adoption of European culture), Georgia's leading role in pressuring the Cherokee off their land and pushing the federal government to remove them by force, the national debate between promoters and opponents of expulsion, the debate within the Cherokee nation, and a brief look at the deportation itself.

Hearing the voices of those who framed the debate and the Cherokee themselves allows the reader to appreciate exactly how complicated the situation really was. Pro-removal Americans make racist judgments of the Cherokee but cast their arguments in humanitarian rhetoric. Pro-emigration Cherokee harshly criticize the Cherokee leadership as corrupt and disdain traditional Cherokee culture. American defenders and the Cherokee leadership deploy legal and moral arguments in a futile effort to forestall American violence.

Yet the situation was even more complex than the editors convey. They ignore the very real class divisions within Cherokee society: the land- and slave-owning elite afraid of losing their property in the expulsion; the "middle class", resentful of elite privilege and hoping to seize leadership after emigration by betraying the nation and negotiating a sham treaty with the Americans; and the less Europeanized majority simply seeking to avoid forced deportation from their homes. Perdue and Green also ignore the larger political situation in the United States, namely the struggle between pro-Jackson Democrats and the emerging Whig opposition that resulted in a surprisingly close 102-97 House vote on the issue (try to imagine a vote that close over the latest example of government violence in pursuit of resources, the coming Iraq war). Particularly disappointing is a lack of any internal documents from the Jackson administration that might give insight into the motivations of the ethnic cleansers themselves.

Despite these deficiencies (and despite the editors' insistence on "modernizing" capitalization and punctuation), the book provides a good overview of the US-Cherokee conflict and a taste of what it's like to work with primary sources. It opens our eyes to how some of the most prominent Americans could embrace ethnic cleansing and revives the voices of those Americans and Cherokee who stood up against imperialism even when there was no hope of victory.

I read this book as part of my Native American History class and I truly enjoy this book. "Cherokee Removal" brings its readers, chronologically to the inevitable "Trail of Tears" where the government brought in troops and forced the Cherokees into stockades where they walked to Oklahoma, in terrible conditions, insufficient food, and a lot of the Cherokees died during the journey.

This books gave its readers access to primary documents, such as treaties, and letters written by Cherokees themselves, and it presents both views, from Euro-Americans who supported removal, who opposed removal and likewise for the Cherokees. By examining the primary documents, we can gain insights into how leaders like Andrew Jackson thought of the removal as a crucial step for Cherokees "survival".

The state of Georgia, defying the Supreme Court's rulling in Worcester v Georgia, in favor of the Cherokees, brought in troops, seize the Cherokee's printing press, etc.

By reading this book, one can't help but feel that greed, ethoncentricity can bring people to be blinded by their own prejudice and make mistakes that bring such tragic consequences.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about the Cherokee Removal as other native american tribes suffered basically the same.

Theda Purdue is generally recognized as the pre-eminent Cherokee authority, but Ms Purdue lets the people who lived the events tell the story of the The Cherokee Removal. She, along with Michael Green, who is really more of a Creek Indian expert, uses contemporary letters, essays, and editorials to draw the reader into the plight of the Cherokee.

For example, in a chapter on United States Policy she uses Lewis Cass' justification of removal, and Andrew Jackson's State of the Union address to illustrate what the mind of the leaders of our country were like at the time of this great tragedy.

Perdue begins the book with a twenty-plus page introduction that tells the story of their civilization from the first man and woman to the removal from the Cherokee Nation in 1838.

When Purdue does interject her own opinion, it is well thought out and objective. After a discussion of the terms "Half Breed" and "Quadroon," she states "The concern with blood quantum reflected racist nineteenth-century thinking that linked ancestry and culture." Well said, and on the money...just like this book.

I found it very hard to close this book! I was riveted to Chief Mankiller's every word and finished her book still wanting more. Her knowledge of Cherokee history and legend is vast and taught me many things I never knew. Also, her strength and enduring spirit is inspiring to me as a Cherokee. She succeeded, through her own life story, in instilling a new sense of pride in me that has made me become more involved in keeping native american culture alive and well. After reading her book I truly felt proud to be Cherokee. She should be an inspiration to us all. Highly recommended reading!

I spent a whole weekend not just reading but absorbing this work of Wilma Mainkiller.On Sunday I could only describe feeling wonderfully enriched by the experience both personally, as a Euro- and Native American person and also as an American. All of us have been denied major parts of our comon American history with the repression of Native American History. The mid section of the book is purely historical, and so much of it was news to me! (I thought that I knew Native history and yet it would prove that I had alot to learn that weekend.) The interection of Cherokee and African American history is fascinating ! It is a reoccuring theme. What history books cover that? The focus is usually Euro-American to Native American, or Euro-American to African-American. At a personal level the experience was tremendous. Putting personal information together with her history, I learned that I have a matrilineal clan affliation (bird). I feel that as the result of her work I myself ,my family, and descendents have connected with something that would have otherwise been lost. Generations ago, two orphaned Cherokee boys were adopted by a white family in Georgia. One later went "white' the other "red". This is not just my personal background. This is a metaphor for so much of American history. Truely, Cherokee culture is the best kept secret in America today, as the author writes. It is our common cultural heritage, like jazz, like democracy. I relish reading other works by this author ! Doris Hale

First of all, I would encourage anyone who is interested in the history and culture of the Cherokees to read this book. The average American is taught very little about the native peoples who inhabited this land before the white men took over. The first reviewer, gsibbery from Baton Rouge, LA, shows the mentality of most whites today. The native Americans have been trying to share their views and feelings for years but most people do not care to listen, and in general, do not care about the circumstances these people have had to endure. I commend Mrs. Wilma Mankiller for the effort and time she spent in writing this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it and have shared it with others. I think we all need to try to see things from another's perspective sometimes. It was a great book!!

Into the Green by Cherokee Paul McDonald is a great book. Into the Green is filled with action, suspense,and interesting clues as to what a soldiers life is like. This book is perfect for males like myself who require some action, and lude humor to keep them tied to a book. Not only does the book portray an accurate picture of what soldiers experienced during the Vietnam war,it also does so in a way that will make you feel as if you were there. McDonald's short, yet deep chapters are filled with emotions like fear, and anger, which are hard to find by simply reading a book, but he pulls it off. McDonald uses impressive imagery when describing the lush jungles of Vietnam. Cherokee Paul McDonald's struggle through the jungles of Vietnam is a rough awakening to the effect war has on a soldier. Overall this a very well written, interesting novel which will keep you hooked the whole way. I highly reccomend this book whether you are an avid war reader, or have never read a book about war.

This was one of those books that I read slowly, savoring the content and the word pictures given to me. As a former Army Aviator, who flew combat missions in Vietnam in the very same Area of Operations (AO) described, and in the very same time frame, I felt as though I was living the Vietnam experience all over again.

This time, I could reflect upon the memories, the vivid and accurate portrayals of combat and daily life of an Army combatant; without the constant cloud of fear that was always there, mostly just pushed into the background. The portrayals of the news media, political tactical decisions and the enemy were right on target.

Extremely well written, exciting, and heart rending when he received the typical Vietnam veteran homecoming reception. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to see what the Vietnam War was really like.

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This is a great book because it takes a different approach from most war memoirs. Instead of giving a day-by-day recount of events, McDonald shares his experiences through short snapshots of episodes which are more easily digested than long winded narratives. He also includes simple and poignant details that allow the reader small insights into the emotional turbulence that affected everyone involved in Vietnam in a different way. If you don't think you like reading about war, try Into the Green. I think its humanity will appeal to most people, and it helped me gain a better understanding of a very misunderstood time in America's history.

This is a reference book. It is not amusing or entertaining. I was looking forward to learning more about my new home, and I did learn a few things. However, the consumer should be warned: this is a dry, factual scholarly work, not a piece of light reading.

This is a wonderful collection of ancedotes and historical tidbits about Philadelphia's streets. The street names are listed alphabetically, with a few paragraphs about how each street got its name. Some listings have more content than others. There's also an interesting section on house-numbering, which didn't start until the late 1700s. Another section lists when specific roads operated as toll roads between 1711 and 1918.

In the book's introduction, which I also found interesting, the author explains some of the obstacles in doing this project--particularly the 'lack of cohesive record-keeping by the city' and the misinformation and erroneous data in the 'seemingly authoritative newspaper clippings.'

I would've liked to have seen longer descriptions and some street maps included for reference. Overall though, it's an excellent book for anyone interested in Philadelphia. In addition to teachers, I think it would also benefit anyone putting together local tours or a 'historical neighborhood' association.

If you have ever wondered how a street got its name, this is the book you! Robert I. Alotta did an impressive amount of research and has compiled a fascinating little resource on Philadelphia street names. While most Philadelphians can easily figure out who Ben Franklin Parkway or John F. Kennedy Boulevard is named after, how about some of the more obscure names? Even the streets that aren't named after people have interesting historical facts. Presented in alphabetical encyclopedic style order, this book makes a better reference than an interesting read. However, I found it to be good fun to look up familiar street names and discover the meanings behind them. For the interested, this book is well worth the investment.

Francesca Lia Block's books aren't exactly set in the most idyllic atmosphere. Her books are set in New York City or Los Angeles, and sex and drugs are always undertones of the story. But somehow, Block's description of the big city seems to suggest a completely different atmosphere, one of nature and beauty. That and the awesome characters of the stories penetrate the harshness and business that potentially resides in these cities otherwise. Cherokee Bat and the Goat Guys, for all it's drugs, sex, and disturbed emotions, remains the most heartfelt book I have read this summer. But it must be noted that if you want to read this, you'd better read Weetzie Bat and Witch Baby first. Those two will give you a sufficient introduction to the characters. I think there's another book in between Witch Baby and CGG, but I haven't read it :). This, I think, is a book for the Francesca Lia Block fan to cherish.

I've read the whole Weetzie Bat series except Baby Be-Bop and they are all really good. But my favorite is the one with Cherokee. Its about Cherokee Bat and her band, the Goat Guys. Its like nothing I've read before.

Any work by Francesca Lia Block has always managed to fill me with satisfaction and joy. Every one of her books is beautifully creative. This one in particular comes in the middle of her Weetzie Bat series and is just as wonderful as each other book in the collection. It has a focus on musical magic and teenage problems (such as love, drinking, smoking, etc) that just about everyone can relate to and understand. Pick up the whole series (5 books) and read them -- you won't regret it.

An interesting look at the rural south in the 1920s. I could picture the red clay dirt, the houses and people, but felt little about the characters, their struggles, fears, and pain. The author's frequent repetitiveness of words and phrases was distracting and detracting. It needed better editing.

Through meticulous attention to historical detail, Charlotte Miller has given us a picture of 1920's rural Alabama that is precise, from clothing to cars to speech patterns. Her research is exacting and faithfully transcribed to the pages of this beautiful novel. There is a need for stories that explore the class distinctions of the past. The generational stigmas and privileges that were passed from father to son are detailed in her intriguing plot. For the southern reader, it will be a reminder of the tales told by grandparents. For readers in other parts of the country, this book is a journey to a brutal, hauntingly beautiful southern landscape of place and time.

From the moment I picked this book up, I could not put it down. Written in a flowing and highly readable style, this novel presents characters that grab your heart and your interest and will not let you go from the first page through the last. Don't miss this book.