• Navajos Wear Nikes

  • A Reservation Life
  • By: Jim Kristofic
  • Narrated by: Jim Kristofic
  • Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (482 ratings)

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Navajos Wear Nikes  By  cover art

Navajos Wear Nikes

By: Jim Kristofic
Narrated by: Jim Kristofic
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Publisher's summary

Just before starting second grade, Jim Kristofic moved from Pittsburgh across the country to Ganado, Arizona, when his mother took a job at a hospital on the Navajo Reservation. Navajos Wear Nikes reveals the complexity of modern life on the Navajo Reservation, a world where Anglo and Navajo coexisted in a tenuous truce. After the births of his Navajo half-siblings, Jim and his family moved off the Reservation to an Arizona border town where they struggled to readapt to an Anglo world that no longer felt like home.

With tales of gangs and skinwalkers, an Indian Boy Scout troop, a fanatical Sunday school teacher, and the author’s own experience of sincere friendships that lead to ho "zho" (beautiful harmony), Kristofic's memoir is an honest portrait of growing up on - and growing to love - the Reservation.

©2011 Jim Kristofic (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Navajos Wear Nikes

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Entertaining and Educational

I loved this book and the fact that Jim Kristofic narrated it! I am Diné and grew up on the reservation so a lot of stories told were relatable. Not only is this entertaining and also very educational. It was nice to be reminded of some traditions as well as learn more about them. Even if you read the book I would still highly suggest that you listen to the audiobook.

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14 people found this helpful

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Visualizing in another race view of the "Rez Life"

I loved this book, i actually had the pleasure of sharing this with my kids and husband on a small road trip home to Chinle and Kayenta. They laughed on most parts.
Thanks for sharing your experience, growing up on the navajo reservation.

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I love this book.

I couldn't wait to hear more. I can't wait to listen again! It is difficult and beautiful and humble.

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Beautiful stories

I’m so glad I listened to this book instead of reading it. Jim’s storytelling ability is moving and eloquent. I loved hearing his pronunciations of Navajo language which is incredibly difficult to read and pronounce. His experience of being an outsider and an insider was really thought provoking. Loved this book!

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  • R
  • 10-03-13

Absolutely nailed the Modern Navajo Way of Life...

Would you listen to Navajos Wear Nikes again? Why?

Most definitely, the author describes in vivid details growing up as a modern day Navajo with clever anecdotes combined with Navajo lore and mythology. His stories brought back fond memories of my childhood visiting relatives who lived on the reservation as well as life off the reservation living with non-Navajos.

What about Jim Kristofic’s performance did you like?

Jim has the accent, inflection and talent to make his voice sound like other Navajo "characters" in everyday life. His narration brought his story to life and lent his voice true credibility. It was in his many voices that I heard hints of my friends/older cousins' know-it-all attitude, my uncles' sense of humor, my grandparents' wisdom, my younger siblings' joy in being little and my duty and responsibility in being the oldest of four kids.

Any additional comments?

This has become one of my favorite audiobooks and will be one I listen to most often in my library.

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8 people found this helpful

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Díne

loved it.. and a Navajo who grew up in Scottsdale I can relate to this book..

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Great story of growing up...

Loved the tales of adventure and stories growing up with the Navajo community. Jim’s tales and comparisons were funny, touching, and memorable. His heart is red.

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Finally, a real story with real stories!

This book was excellent! No politically correctness in the retelling of these great stories. It’s not due to lack of respect, rather, it is a take on a past generation in truth. This isn’t a tainted perspective. Absolutely fascinating. Stop reading this review and go drop that credit! Excellent book. Can’t wait to listen to more by this author.

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One of my favorite audiobooks of all time

I’ve listened to 20-30 audiobooks so far. I like that Jim added accents and voices for parts, and mostly had a calm and interesting voice throughout the book. It was one of the most interesting audiobooks I’ve listened to and drew in the whole family as we listened to it on a cult road trip in Arizona.

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NIZHONI!!!

Thank you for a loving, descriptive and humorous story about my Navajo people. So few people realize we are a people who not only strive for harmony but enjoy the lighter side of life. As an elderly Navajo woman once told me, "We wouldn't tease you if we didn't love you".

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1 person found this helpful