To You We Shall Return

Lessons about Our Planet from the Lakota

By: Joseph M. Marshall III

Narrated by: Joseph M. Marshall III

Length: 4 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Part memoir, part cultural manifesto, To You We Shall Return offers a comparison between Euro-American attitudes, policies, and history regarding the natural environment to that of ancient native North American beliefs and practices in relating to and living with that same environment. Speaking from the cultural viewpoint of the Lakota of the northern Plains, the author discusses the evolution of native cultures to fit within the environment and adapt to it, as opposed to changing it drastically or wholesale to fit human needs and comforts. He suggests that changing our contemporary thinking in relating to the earth in a less harmful way does not mean a drastic change in lifestyles, but that revisiting the methods of adaptation to and coexistence with the earth will foster a renewed respect, which will ultimately benefit mankind as well.

Joseph M. Marshall III was born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation and holds a Ph.D. from the reservation university, which he helped to establish. The award-winning author of 10 books, he has also contributed to various publications and written several screenplays. His first language is Lakota, he handcrafts primitive Lakota bows and arrows, and he is a specialist in wilderness survival. His work as a cultural and historical consultant can be seen and heard on Turner Network Television and the Dreamworks epic television miniseries Into the West. He has won an Audie® Award, Earphones Award, “Nammy” Award, and was named Best American Indian Fiction Writer by True West magazine in 2009.

©2010 Joseph M. Marshall III (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

thankyou

i appreciate and am grateful for another of your readings Joeseph. it has influenced me in such a way to where i think differently and have been for months and probably will forever and has enriched my life and is starting to enrich and enlighten those around me for the better.

Must read/listen!!!

Necessary book for all...please read or listen, if not for you, then for your kids & grandkids.

hooked!

I loved it!! I am definitely listening again. The stories, facts, and observations made total sense and definitely kept my interest.

It breaks my heart!

It’s incredible! It’s beautiful but so sad. When I first listened I didn’t know that the author read it himself and I had a thought that this voice was born to read this book, and then I realized that it’s the author who read it. Love it so much! I will buy the book and read it again!!!

A voice that should be listened to by all

I enjoy listening to the narrator as much as the stories and history he shares. I appreciate the unadorned truth and knowledge.

Life affirming

Few works about history restore so much faith in all that is good. This book does.

A work of art

There’s something about hearing a book read by the original author that equates to so much more than the sum of its parts. Marshall is captivating, personable and insightful, and his points are as relevant today as they will be 100 years from now. This book is a treat, plain and simple. There’s no reason not to pick it up.

Wonderful

I think this book and Lakota Way, both by Joseph M. Marshall III, should be required reading in public school. The content and writing style are excellent. The Author’s speaking voice is easy to listen to, I really respect the beliefs and life lessons presented here. I’m going to have my boys give it a listen too as part of our home school curriculum. Thank you to the Author and the Lakota people for sharing your outlook on the world

A true wish for healing

This book is beautiful and Joseph M. Marshall lll has the solid and soothing voice of truth. This is one of those books you will return to often. Those are my plans.

Wisdom from the past for 21st century living

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book to listen to. The wisdom shared is timeless and invaluable. I believe there is a great deal of truth here. If I correctly understand what Joseph Marshall has said, then my only disagreement is the way he has interpreted Christian teachings. I believe that Christianity is sometimes misinterpreted to permit abuse and misuse of the earth. I believe that the Bible instead teaches that we are just as much a part of natural creation as everything else and were commanded by God to care for it. Rather than being at odds with his Native American philosophy and worldview, I believe that these beliefs are shared by the Biblical authors and provides a common ground for understanding and for living. The Bible tells us that the first human was made from the earth and will return to the earth.