Imzadi Forever (Star Trek, The Next Generation)

Book Description

Imzadi: to the people of the planet Betazed, including Counselor Deanna Troi of the Starship Enterprise,™ it means "beloved" and denotes that which can never be truly broken.

Yet to whom does Deanna's heart truly belong?

Commander William Riker was the first Deanna called Imzadi. Long before they served together on board the Enterprise, they shared a tempestuous love affair back on Betazed. And even now, many years later, Riker will embark on a desperate journey across time and space to save Deanna's life.

But Riker is not the only Starfleet officer to capture Deanna's heart. Lieutenant Commander Worf, the fierce Klingon warrior, is also drawn to Deanna's gentle and caring nature. Brought together by fate, he and Deanna share an unexpected passion that tests the bonds between Troi and Riker -- even as a deadly Romulan conspiracy threatens them all!

Bonus: An Exclusive Interview with the Author

Customer Reviews:

The Best Trek Has to Offer & a Master Storyteller.......2007-04-25

I'll let other reviews cover the subject matter of this particular book and focus on author Peter David instead. He is, without doubt, the premier author of Trek fiction and you are well-advised to seek out all his other fiction, both Trek and non-Trek.

What makes David so unique? Not only does he know every single detail in the series, his books reveal an deep compassion and concern for each story, going beyond casual story-telling into motivations and character development that can only be produced by someone who thinks with depth and understanding about each character and who loves his material.

And what do you get in this novel? No less than the best Trek novel ever written (Imzadi) and an absolute joy to behold, as it takes the skeleton of a story barely hinted at in the series and molds it into a pulse-pounding character-based lovefest that will deeply satisfy the casual and series fan alike. And note that in a David book, there are no throw-away characters or scenes - everyone who shows up, right down to the smallest part, gets a full examination by the author, transforming pulp fiction into absolute artistry.

Kudos!

Imzadi Forever, is just about Perfect!.......2006-11-04

This book is extremely well written,using the background stories from the Star Trek series to great effect, both of the stories in this omnibus are captivating and really pull you into the relationships between Deanna and Will, then latterly Deanna and Worf,as a fan of all the Star Trek series and the books, I was delighted with this book, and would read any of Peter David's future novels, as he really captures the world of Star Trek.

Read the description people!.......2006-03-23

If you had bothered to read the description of the book, you might realize it is reprinted material.

The original Imzadi is one of the best books (Star Trek or other) that I've ever read. I would give it six starts, vaulting it from loved it, to changed my life status. I grew up on STTNG (laugh all you will) and I always wanted more of an explanation into the Riker/Troi relationship. Imzadi gives you all that you could hope for and more.

Imzadi Two: Triangle is good, albit a bit akward since it takes place after the crash of the Enterprise in the first TNG movie. PD had to scramble a little to fit what he wrote into what the writers of the show/movie had done in the interm, but he pulled it off. He also added Thomas Riker, aka bad Riker and Sela to add to the basic love story and help muddy the waters.

I have both books in hard cover and have read each several times. PD has a great way with words and I really enjoy his view of the STTNG universe.

Rip Off - Republished two old stories in one new Title.......2005-05-04

If you have "Imzadi" and "Imzadi II" .. there's no need to waste your money. I hate getting ripped off by authors and publishers!

Great story, again.......2004-03-24

I was expeting this book to be a continuation of the Imzadi story line. If you've never read either Imzadi or Triangle, you are in for a treat. If you have read them, nothing new here, except for the name and the cover. Too bad, the story line has great potential for a continuation.

Imzadi II: Triangle (Star Trek The Next Generation)

Average customer rating:

Good. Amusing. Interesting. But not great.
A very good read.
The first Imzadi was by far better
ST-TNG: Triangle, Imzadi II
I was a little disapointed, but not too much

Imzadi II: Triangle (Star Trek The Next Generation)
Peter David
Manufacturer: Star Trek
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

High Tech | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Space Opera | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0671025384

Book Description

lmzadi: to the people of the planet Betazed, including Counselor Deanna Troi of the Starship Enterprise™ it means "beloved" and denotes a special closeness that can never be truly broken. Or can it?

Once William Riker was Deanna's imzadi, but now the ship's counselor has embarked on an unlikely romance with Lieutenant Commander Worf. At first glance, they cannot be more different, but over time they have discovered hidden reserves of courage and compassion within each other. Yet does Worf's future truly lie with Deanna, and whom shall Troi ultimately call "imzadi"?

Even in the 24th century, three Is definitely a crowd!

Download Description

At first glance, they cannot be more different. She is an empath, gentle and acutely sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. He is a fierce Klingon warrior. Brought together by a common need to care for Alexander, Worf's troubled, motherless son, however, Deanna Troi and Worf discover hidden reserves of courage and compassion within each other. Soon mutual respect leads to stronger emotions as they embark on an unexpected courtship and over-the-top adventure.

Customer Reviews:

Good. Amusing. Interesting. But not great........2004-04-27

I've always been a big fan of Peter David's writing, and I seem to recall saying of the first "Imzadi" novel something along the lines of, "In spite of the fact that I've never been that fond of these characters, the novel was wonderful; Peter David could make a recipe for tapioca interesting."

I can't say that about this novel.

I'm not entirely sure why; the style is unmistakably Peter David's usual style, which I've always maintained was the optimal style for a Star Trek novel: plenty of action, plenty of drama, but still managing to inject more than a bit of wry humor into the story. His style is reminiscent of some of the best episodes from the original series: "Trouble With Tribbles", "A Piece of the Action", "Shore Leave", "I, Mudd". This story fits that mold perfectly. Yet somehow, it just didn't connect.

There are two possibilities as to "why": either there are some stories that just don't lend themselves to this style, that need to be told straight, without the sly and ironic bits of humor (can you see the third movie, "Search For Spock", being told in this style? I can't) or else his style simply gets tiresome if one is overexposed to it, and needs to be rationed. After all, the above-mentioned episodes were fun, but the series really wouldn't have been as good if ALL of the episodes were in that style. Perhaps I've just been reading too much of Mr. David's work, and need to cut back for a while.

I don't think so, though. I'm inclined to believe the first explanation. There are some stories that simply do not lend themselves to humor. This was one of them.

A very good read........2003-04-13

I for one enjoyed the book. A fascinating read. Although it is not as good as the first one but a definite purchase. I really like how Peter David explored the relationship between Worf and Deanna Troi. Something that wasn't truly explained in the TV series.

The reason I gave it four stars (and it might be me just nit picking). There was reference to money or purchases of things on Earth. If anyone can correct me on this be my guest. But in the ST universe I had thought money and finances on earth was no more. I had thought people on earth gave up money for the pursuit of higher knowledge and to better man kind. There was no need for money because everything was plentiful on earth and that no one ever starved and had shelter for all.

But that point is minor. It's a fantastic read with twist and turns. I for one could not put it down. I especially liked the last chapter about Worf in an emotional side I have never thought was capable (for a Klingon).

I hate to admit it but it left me kind of choked up for the guy.

That alone was worth getting this book. So pick it up.

The first Imzadi was by far better.......2003-01-07

I read Imzadi in one day, loving every bit of it. It was by far the best ST:TNG book I've read. And while Imzadi II captures the characters perfectly to their TV series portrayals.. the plot is disapointing, and the ending even more so. I found myself saying "What the heck?" and "You gotta be kidding me" at the ending. It was ridiculous and made Riker and Troi seem impulsive, indecisive, immature, selfish, when their relationship aboard the Enterprise (during the TV series) was much more secure and understood between them both than in this book. The ONLY part of the book I found thoughtful of the author was the part about Picard trying to get Will's "twin" back on the moral track by using a Dicken's book (which was actually a shape shifter..bad plot there). So 2 stars for the effort of trying to follow an amzing book, I would still read an Imzadi III in hopes it would live up to the first Imzadi.

ST-TNG: Triangle, Imzadi II.......2002-12-04

Star Trek-The Next Generation: Triangle, Imzadi II written by Peter David is a book devoted to the love triangle between Deanna Troi, William Riker and Worf.

The book starts out with Worf holding his love and wife Jadzia Dax and bellowing into the heavens for her arrival. This book is one of the better Star Trek books in that, the author, Peter David does a really good job of character development and fills in a lot of loose threads, making the fabric of this book richly appointed.

This book has three major characters and the interwoven plot that takes all three on an action-packed adventure, but also, an exploration into their relationship between themselves. As you know, the term Imzadi to the planet of Betazed means beloved and denotes a special affection, a closeness, a compassion that is only felt between two.

As with all good stories, a love triangle can be fatal for one of the parties involved, but this isn't an Earth love triangle... it's far greater than just that. This love triangle is between Wolf a part Klingon/Human, Riker all human and Deanna Troi Betazed/Human.

There are good storylines and the relationship between these three can get a little strained, but all in all, quite civil. Nevertheless, the narrative flows with relatively no incumberments. Fast paced and never lost for words, the author, makes this story come alive as you get genuine feeling for the characters.

The resolution of this love triangle works out, but that is all I'm going to tell you about, the whole relationship and how it affects the characters... otherwise I'd reveal too much and it would not be a good read for you.

Peter David caputures the character's personality and it is true to form with the Star Trek genre.

I was a little disapointed, but not too much.......2002-10-05

There is a lot of action, suspense, and some seriously complicated relationships are explained in-depth. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first book. Several charachters are brought in that were not in the last book, even Thomas Riker(if you remember that transported accident in which Riker was duplicated) which adds quite an interresting plot. There were still a few questions which I don't think were answered well enough but the book contains betrayal, romulans....and I thought of writing more but don't want to ruin the reading experience of discovering it for yourself.

Average customer rating:

A work of Art-!HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Imzadi
One of the very best Star Trek novels
Gets Very Good At The End
David is great

Imzadi (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
Peter David
Manufacturer: Star Trek
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0671026100

Book Description

Years before they served together on board the U.S.S. Enterprise. Commander William Riker and ship's counselor Deanna Troi had a tempestuous love affair on her home planet of Betazed. Now, their passions have cooled and they serve together as friends. Yet the memories of that time linger and Riker and Troi remain Imzadi -- a powerful Betazoid term that describes the enduring bond they still share.

During delicate negotiations with an aggressive race called the Sindareen. Deanna Troi mysteriously falls ill...and dies. But her death is only the beginning of the adventure for Commander Riker -- an adventure that will take him across time, pit him against one of his closest friends, and force him to choose between Starfleet's strictest rule and the one he calls Imzadi.

Customer Reviews:

A work of Art-!HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!.......2007-10-01

Where do I start. Well,I won't get into the plot,because you simply have to read it and be amazed.But I'll say this-you will agree with me when I say that this Novel is one of the best Star Trek Novels ever written.

Especially if your favorite character is Commander William Riker.This is the only work of fiction that made me actually cry.It's amazing how much you feel for Riker and the journey he goes through.And his past with Deanna Troi is simply amazing and that alone is worth getting this Novel.You run into the evolution of other Star Trek Characters like Wesley Crusher who plays a big role in the Novel.What I like about this Novel the most is that the plot is perfectly blended between character development and action.And unlike alot of other Novels that dwell into a character's past,you're actually excited and not hesitant reading about it.

By the end of the Novel your simply speachless.You can't believe you were lucky enough to get to experience this fantastic piece of literature.And you feel sorry for those who haven't.Peter David is one of the premiere Star Trek Novelist bar none.And you'll see why after reading this perfect work of art.

I cannot recommend this Novel more highly and you would be hard pressed to find a more engaging,emotional and suspense filled Star Trek Novel or Sci Fi Novel period.

Imzadi.......2007-05-09

This is the best Star Trek book I've read to date. True to the series and characters. The story, plot and effective writing style make this a can't put down book. I wanted it to go on forever!

One of the very best Star Trek novels.......2006-08-28

When this novel begins, Will Riker is an admiral stationed on a backwater Star Base doing routine tasks. Deanna Troi has been dead for decades and he has been but a shadow of his former self since her death. Lwaxana Troi is on her deathbed and she has requested that Riker be there before she dies. Captain Wesley Crusher takes Riker to Betazed and he finds a bitter, spiteful Lwaxana who still blames him for Deanna's death. After Lwaxana dies, Will learns that in a final act of revenge, she wants Will to go through her possessions.
We get a hint that all is not right when there is a scene where Data is at the Guardian of Forever, reviewing when Kirk had to chose to let Edith Keeler die in order to save history as he knew it. Riker relives the moments when Deanna dies and then we are taken through the beginning of Riker's relationship with Deanna Troi.
He is a young lieutenant in Star Fleet and commander of a small Star Fleet garrison on Betazed. Some Sindareen mercenaries raid a museum on Betazed in order to steal some Betazed artwork and Riker is tasked with stopping them. Deanna is taken hostage and Riker orders that the ship containing her be fired upon. It is destroyed, but Deanna survives the crash along with the Sindareen commander. Riker moves out into the jungle and fights the Sindareen commander and rescues Deanna.
The action is dramatic and the relationship between Riker and Deanna is intense. After some sputtering beginnings, they go hot and heavy, but then they part. The story moves to the obvious conclusion that time has been disturbed, so Riker violates Star Fleet orders and goes back in time to repair the damage. There is a series of climactic scenes where Deanna, a shape-shifter, Admiral Riker, Commander Riker, Captain Picard, a past and a future Data, and Lieutenant Worf all interact. I laughed about one of the scenes where Admiral Riker reminds a flustered Captain Picard that he is the senior officer present. The final rescue of Deanna involves a Data, who is not malfunctioning, going back in time to kill Deanna. He disables the Data back in time by hitting his power switch and taking off his head. Riker finds the "old" Data and since he doesn't have time to reattach the head, Riker runs through the corridors carrying Data's head while Data controls his body from a distance. It contains one of the best and most unusual climactic scenes of all Star Trek ventures.
This is an excellent book, not only do you learn a great deal about the history of the relationship between Riker and Troi, but the action is non-stop, even when it is relational in nature.

Gets Very Good At The End.......2006-07-12

The first three-quarters of Imzadi is average Star Trek fiction. It deals too much with the sexual attraction and thoughts of young Will Riker and Deanna Troi as they meet for the first time on Deanna's home planet of Betazed. Deanna is shy, reserved, and virginal. She is under her dominating mother's thumb. Will is a brash ladies' man who never felt this way about anyone . . . you get the picture. They have a steamy affair in the jungle . . . at one point I thought even I could take a stab at writing Star Trek fiction.

The other part of the story is darker and more compelling. Moving at a slow pace for the first three-quarters, but speeding up and becoming intense, complicated, and gripping in the last quarter, is the story of the old Will Riker of the future. Riker lost Deanna when she died a mysterious and agonizing death just before she was to attend a pivotal peace conference with the confrontational Sindareen. Riker was never the same.

I won't reveal more of the plot except to say that at the end Will is pitted against his old friend Data in a life-or-death race against time. Excellent and well-thought out writing in the last pages of the book.

David is great.......2005-10-31

In reading novelizations of TV series, you find many fall flat, but there are certain writers who rise to the challenge and do something compelling and new. When it is done right, they make you feel that the series is still current, or even that they have taken it to a new level. Christopher Golden did it for "Buffy" in "Tales of the Lost Slayer" trilogy. Peter David, a truly fine author, did it for Star Trek in both the Mackenzie New Frontier books, and this epic concerning Deanna Troi's life and death, and romance with Riker. Superbly crafted and written, it is a fine exploration of the emotional depths of their relationship, its beginnings, and its end. Superb. Not just for Trekkies.

Imzadi (Audiofy Digital Audiobook Chips)

Average customer rating:

Imzadi (Audiofy Digital Audiobook Chips)

Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards
ASIN: 160083423X

Product Description

This Audiofy audiobook chip packs a full 4 hour reading of "Imzadi," narrated by Jonathan Frakes ("William T. Riker"), on a tiny memory card. A single Audiofy audiobook chip, hardly larger than a stamp, holds a complete digital audiobook, and saves the last listening position automatically, unlike CDs. With an SD memory card slot or low-cost adapter - like those for digital cameras - this Audiofy audiobook chip can be played on Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh desktop computers or laptops (Microsoft Windows XP/2000/Me/98, or Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 and above) or transferred to Apple iPod media players. Audiobook chips also move seamlessly to most Palm OS and Pocket PC handheld PDAs with SD expansion slots, as well as Treo and Windows Mobile "smartphones" (Palm OS 5.2 or Windows Mobile 2002 and above)... Years before they served together on board the U.S.S. Enterprise. Commander William Riker and ship's counselor Deanna Troi had a tempestuous love affair on her home planet of Betazed. Now, their passions have cooled and they serve together as friends. Yet the memories of that time linger and Riker and Troi remain Imzadi - a powerful Betazoid term that describes the enduring bond they still share. During delicate negotiations with an aggressive race called the Sindareen. Deanna Troi mysteriously falls ill... and dies. But her death is only the beginning of the adventure for Commander Riker - an adventure that will take him across time, pit him against one of his closest friends, and force him to choose between Starfleet's strictest rule and the one he calls Imzadi.

Average customer rating:

Imzadi :Star Trek TNG
Peter David
Manufacturer: POCKET BOOKS @
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WCYQ9M

Imzadi II : Triangle (Star Trek Next Generation Ser.)

Average customer rating:

Imzadi II : Triangle (Star Trek Next Generation Ser.)
Peter David
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Average customer rating:

Imzadi-Star Trek Next Generation

Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Average customer rating:

Star Trek - The Next Generation: Imzadi
Peter David
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster (Trade Division)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Average customer rating:

Star Trek The Next Generation Imzadi
Peter David
Manufacturer: New York: Pocket Books, 1993
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Star Trek the Next Generation, Imzadi and Imzadi Ii (Star Trek the Next Generation, Books 1 and 2)

Average customer rating:

Star Trek the Next Generation, Imzadi and Imzadi Ii (Star Trek the Next Generation, Books 1 and 2)
Peter David
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

Both books in the Imzadi series. Imzadi (1983) and Imzadi II (1999) Both books are Clean , pages clean and unmarked, binding tight. Very nice books, slight edge wear. Tracking number provided.

Book Description

A timely guide to the "nature-anchored spirituality" of the Oglala Sioux.

"Mitakuye oyasin" - "we are all related." This Oglala Sioux saying is the philosophy underlying Native American spirituality and practices, a sense of connection to the entire universe. In Native Wisdom, Ed McGaa (Eagle Man) presents an accessible overview of the religion of his people, in chapters ranging from the philosophical to the detailed and practical.

Each chapter opens with questions that might be posed by those unfamiliar with "the Natural Way" - the Earth-based spiritual practices of the Oglala Sioux. McGaa uses these questions as a starting point to delve into a variety of topics, which taken as a whole present a comprehensive guide to living a life in harmony with nature, as well as a life dedicated to preserving the earth.

Native Wisdom features several informative appendices, including a brief glossary of Lakota words and traditional spiritual songs in English and Lakota.

Customer Reviews:

This book is cabable of changing the world........2006-07-16

Dear Eagle Man,

For the past few weeks my family and I have been on a journey of discovery. The first week was about discovering Yellowstone and Wyoming. While camping and at one with nature, I was able to free my mind of the ties to the illusion of life that man has created and instead, be come reconnected to to the way life should be. I felt connected and at peace.

Soon after reading a book I found in Cody, WY called The Soul of the Indian by Charles A. Eastman, I found myself at the Crazy Horse memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. There was a calling for me to be there as my interest was piqued to learn more about the way the Indians viewed life, religion, nature, and spirituality.

That is where I discovered a woman selling beads, jewelry, etc. It was as if she called me from across the room without saying a word. She introduced herself as your daughter and began telling me about the four books she had of yours. I bought them and started with "Native Wisdom" because it seemed to be right were my mind was.

I cannot tell you how much this book has opened my eyes. It truly has hit home with me in a way I cannot describe. It has helped me see clearly in a way that I have never been able to. I have always felt a connection with nature but this book has helped me reach a new level of discovery. I feel connected in a way I never have before.

I truly believe that this book could change the world if enough people were exposed to it. With this statement I mean that I believe there is a hunger for something people can attach to and believe in. There are so many of us spiritual people who are turned off to the ways of the preacher, the church, catholicism, and the man-made organized religions of the world. Especially in light of what the leaders of this country are interpretting religeon and using as a tool to keep support in their cause.

I believe that if the words of yours and Black Elk were to reach out to more people, it could cause a monumental change in the lives of the people of the world. Your approach to writing this was done perfectly. It was in a manner that did not come across as preaching to the reader. It left the reader to decide if was something they could accept and understand.

I find myself so attached to nature. More than ever. I've been showing my young children the ways of the Sioux and Black Elk. It is something they really can relate to.

If you are ever speaking in the NY State area or on the east coast, please let me know. I'd truly like to thank you in person and ask you a few questions.

Thanks brother Eagle Man. Your ability to communicate in this manner, truly reaches down into the readers soul and makes it so that they can't help but make them understand your point of view.

It has changed me forever. It truly has.

If there is any way I can help you in spreading your message, please let me know. I think it is important for more people to hear about these thoughts. It could be the lever that helps get this world back on track. It is such a powerful message yet simple enough for all to understand.

In the meantime I intend to look for some way I can observe a Sun Dance and continue to connect to Black Elk's words and yours.

May the wisdom of the Great Spirit continue to spread through the words you write and from others who read them.

Ed McGaa's old wisdom is very refreshing........2005-02-13

This very ancient wisdom feels fresh and new. Reading this book has had a releasing affect on me.

Ed McGaa's writing style is honest and free-flowing. It's like he's sitting there talking to you.

Seeing Creation and The Creator through Eagle Man's vision has changed my way of looking at things. This book is especially good for those of us who have been burned or burned out by established religion.

Wisdom of the Native American Natural Way.......2004-08-12

This is the Story of Author Ed McGaa's Personal Transformation from the troubled background of being raised under the rigid Christian mindset of the Jesuit Reservation Schools, then thrust into white man's (Washichu's) world of a modern Warrior Fighter Pilot in Viet Nam, completing his Bachelor of Arts in the Biological Sciences, and eventually becoming a Lawyer with a JD Degree. There are few individuals on this Planet who have the insight, experience, education, and "soul toughness" to speak from the position that Ed McGaa comes from. We learn of Ed McGaa's fulfillment of his promise to be pierced in the Sun Dance after surviving 100 missions as a Combat Veteran in Viet Nam. Through his unique storytelling skills, Ed shares his incredible legacy and intimate association with Black Elk's Vision. He brings forth a clear and honest version of his instiatable Quest for Truth in Life and Simple Honesty from his fellow men..."The Natural Way." Ed's shows us how the traditional Native American Worldview can enlighten and simplify our day to day lives, and is celebrated in the ancient Tribal Dances and Ceremonies. Excellant reading! Elliott Maynard, Arcos Cielos Research Center, Sedona, Arizona.

Natures Way by Ed McGaa Eagle Man.......2004-04-23

This book is the truth any person who was raised on the reservation can relate to Natures Way a Ed McGaa has written. I have read the book and found it in many ways brutally accurate and discriptive. There are enough books out there written by non Indian people who have no clue about the actual living and being American Indian. I doubt if anyone can imagine the cruel treatment that the people have had to endure, and still do in this so called civilized world.
I trust that you will do yourself the honor of reading a book actually written by a man who has lived his life as a child in a poverty filled world to the man who has served his country as a warrior and educated himself as a lawyer. Ed McGaa represnts what we all can become, he is a true roll model for our children.

Ed's View of How Things Are..........2003-11-12

I enjoyed this book, even the parts I disagree with...because it seems to be a pretty straightforward/honest depiction of someone's contemporary spirituality and why it is what it is...although the "why" part is often tucked between the lines. As has already been mentioned, the book is basically an extended answer to a set of questions that were presented to different representatives of different spiritual traditions at a specific conference. The book though, is much more. The questions simply give the book some structure. It essentially is a "track" a footprint in the sands of time as it concerns the reconstruction of Lakota spirituality after things started getting a little better in the seventies. It seems to me Ed McGaa is right there at the tail end (and that's not a bad place to be) of that time when the Sun Dance was being started up again, and before a lot of the younger people started getting even a little more "reactionary." If you're "Indian" you might enjoy this book to see how Mr. McGaa sees things from his generational perspective and from his dance of life. If you're American, you should read the book to see what you might have been if history would have progressed a little differently, and how you just might "be" if you start to draw on a little bit of Grandmother Earth's Wisdom. Personally, I believe in assimilation...I think it's high time ALL Americans start assimilating a little bit to some aspects of our Native spirituality. This book can serve as a handbook in that regard.
It is not however a "how to" book of Lakota or any other Nation's ceremonies. Because of that, I think I even like this one better than his other book with the pretty cover. There are things I don't particularly like about the book...or the ideas expressed in the book, for e.g. the swipe he takes at Gerald Vizenor, which I think is a tad racist...but at least I can understand that, as it seems they've taken a few literary swings at each other in the past...and I think he has done a slight disservice in not talking a bit more about some of the "problems" we encounter in Native American spiritualities...like putting the whammy on folks, etc., but I guess he does mention it. Anyway, I really enjoyed it and if you're interested in getting in a place more sane than the mainstream, go ahead and order the book.

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