Code Talker

The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

By: Chester Nez, Judith Schiess Avila

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

The first and only memoir by one of the original Navajo code talkers of WWII.

His name wasn’t Chester Nez. That was the English name he was assigned in kindergarten. And in boarding school at Fort Defiance, he was punished for speaking his native language, as the teachers sought to rid him of his culture and traditions. But discrimination didn’t stop Chester from answering the call to defend his country after Pearl Harbor, for the Navajo have always been warriors, and his upbringing on a New Mexico reservation gave him the strength - both physical and mental - to excel as a marine.

During World War II, the Japanese had managed to crack every code the United States used. But when the Marines turned to its Navajo recruits to develop and implement a secret military language, they created the only unbroken code in modern warfare - and helped assure victory for the United States over Japan in the South Pacific.

©2019 Chester Nez, Judith Schiess Avila (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Gripping in its narrative, Code Talker is history at its best." (Colonel Cole C. Kingseed, US Army (ret.), co-author of Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters)

"A fascinating inside look at one of WWII’s most closely guarded secrets.... This is an important book, a previously untold piece of our history." (Marcus Brotherton, author of Shifty’s War)

"You don’t need to be a fan of World War II literature to appreciate this memoir...a fascinating melange of combat in the Pacific theater, the history of the Navajo people and the development of a uniquely American code." (Associated Press)

"A unique, inspiring story by a member of the Greatest Generation." (Kirkus Reviews)

"A remarkably affecting first-person account of the Navajo Marines who served their country with distinction through some of the worst battles of the Pacific theater." (The Washington Times)

A must-listen-to

This was an excellent telling of a piece of WWII history that should never be forgotten!

Navajo Hero of the Pacific front

This book was a thoughtful and thorough memoir read in an enjoyable manner. The Navajo Nation and the culture saved the Pacific front during WWII and did so with humility. The way the book being read had the feel of the oral tradition of Indigenous Americans, almost as if I was transported to a camp fire on the reservation. Chester Nez’s story is one that should be told. The sacrifice made by these men without accolade was admirable. Military service steals a piece of those who serve. Despite the harsh treatment during his youth by the country he served, the code talker never lost sight of the greater good. The younger life of Mr. Nez prepared him for the unspoken realities of military life. Younger generations could learn much about community, sacrifice and service by reading this book. Chester Nez and the other code talkers are the definition of a hero.

Good Memoir But a Little Light on History

This is a book about Chester Nez’s whole life. Being a Code Talker is only part of it. If you are interested in what it was like to be a Native American child in Chester’s time and somewhat during the war, it is a good read. If you want a detailed, in depth account of the code talker program, that is not this book.

More than I even expected

I thought the book would be just about the war and codes but so love the history and traditions of the Navajo. What a wonderful book!!!

BEYOND WONDERFUL

My God, how thankful I am to have read this book! Chester you and the other Code Talkers have my forever THANKS! As you said in the book, "Our differences are what makes us stronger, not weaker. " Please especially republican Americans, listen to this book! And no, it has not escaped my attention that today’s date should be remembered. What? 6 Jun 44

Thank you, Chester

Such a well thought and written novel. I learned so much about the Navajo nation and I have so much respect for the code talkers. Anyone wanting to know more about WWII should take a look at this.

compelling story matched with a great narator

i loved this autobiographical tale on a subject i was aware of, but knew few details. the narrator made this already great story come to life i. a personable way.

For History Lovers

Incredible first hand account from one of the original 29 Navajo code talkers. Story is about perseverance, triumph,
appreciation of life and duty.

So amazing!

I love this book! It’s inspiring and amazing! Such a humble life and man. Makes perspective so much better for life.

Must read!

This is a part of history that cannot be forgotten. Without the Navaho Code Talkers’ part in the Pacific Theater of WWII, like Bletchley Park’s role in breaking the German’s Enigma Code in the European Theater, the United States wouldn’t have been victorious against Japan. These Navaho Code Talkers, whose role was left unidentified until the 1960’s or later, were American heroes and should be remembered as such. Chester Nez, in his words, gives us a semblance of his life and what it meant to be a Code Talker. Remember his name and all the other Code Talkers for we owe them and their generation much.