One Story, One Song

By: Richard Wagamese

Narrated by: Christian Baskous

Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

A collection of warm, wise, and inspiring stories from the author of the best-selling One Native Life

Since its publication in 2008, readers and reviewers have embraced Richard Wagamese's One Native Life. "In quiet tones and luminous language," wrote the Winnipeg Free Press, "Wagamese shares his hurts and joys, inviting readers to find the ways in which they are joined to him and to consider how they might be joined to others."

In this book, Richard Wagamese again invites listeners to accompany him on his travels. This time his focus is on stories: how they shape us, how they empower us, how they change our lives. Ancient and contemporary, cultural and spiritual, funny and sad, the tales are grouped according to the four essential principles Ojibway traditional teachers sought to impart: humility, trust, introspection, and wisdom.

Whether the topic is learning from his fifth grade teacher about Martin Luther King Jr., gleaning understanding from a wolf track, lighting a fire for the first time without matches, or finding the universe in an eagle feather, these stories exhibit the warmth, wisdom, and generosity that made One Native Life so popular. As always, in this book, the land serves as Wagamese's guide. And as always, he finds that true home means not only community but conversation - good, straight-hearted talk about important things. We all need to tell our stories, he says. Every voice matters.

©2018 Richard Wagamese (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

This book touched my heart

While the writer speaks from the perspective of a First Nation Canadian he brings together the experiences of many whose stories include being excluded and devalued. I love that he speaks to the need to respect the land and the animals who were here before us. I love that he uses opportunities to teach us how to walk the earth with respect for each other knowing that we are all connected. I love his honesty that that he uses to call our attention to the homeless, and to our youth. I wish these lessons were taught in our schools and more than this in all of our homes. My heart has been touched and I will carry these lessons with me and share them. My thanks to this writer.

Great read about Canadian aboriginal experience!

Author went through his life experience, from rough youth beginnings to adolescence meaning finding to contentment with nature at old age. A glimpse into being native in Canada, how rough it was and how to navigate the experience to better place

Failed System, Broken Children, Victorious Journey

This is the second book I've listened to by Richard Wagamese, the first being Indian Horse, which hit me hard. One Story, One Song was a little different, more about the journey for native Indians, yet still filled with such poignant stories that many times I had to just stop . . . and let myself FEEL what he was saying. I find myself wanting to know more about Richard Wagamese. His love of all that the creator has made, the way he honored all of creation, and his wisdom after coming through some of life's most horrendous and painful challenges. I admire that he was an advocate for "the least of these" . . . although we differed in our idea of how to accomplish the equality and freedom that native people are entitled to. He and I both are fierce defenders of the underdog. My heart breaks that Richard personally continued to suffer estrangement in his family . . . yet he rejoiced in and made those closest to him a part of his family. He found peace and harmony in simplicity, in nature and in embracing those who could willingly give of themselves to him and reciprocate his love. I am saddened that Richard has left this earth, but have faith that he has eternal life in a heaven where there is no more pain, no more tears, no abuse, no condemnation . . . and perhaps one day we will meet there.

Good Medicine!

Splendid! Authored by somebody I would love to have as a mentor.. Peaceful healing energy.

Great insights into indigenous lives

This is a series of essays so not easy listening and yet it was. I liked hearing about another point of view

Real and honest, just like I like

The story was engaging and interesting. The writer stirred up empathy, and sadness and hope.

Lovely.

Was a Great experience. Lovely story telling a modern account told in a traditional way.

Wagamese helps me make sense of the world

I loved this reading as I struggle with climate change and the devastating effects of White supremacy culture. Wagamese presents his coming to terms with the mess dominant culture has made of our world with vulnerability and grace. I love how he plays with words. For instance, when naming all his attempts at "helping himself" to the endless possibilities of self-help, he describes himself as "... being prayed for....and preyed upon!"

Mismatched Reader and Author

Wangamese writes about finding himself. A Native man returning home. His words hold the stories of his people and his own stories and ought to be read with the same reverence and dignity. His writing is beautiful.

Baskous, the actor is unable to transmit the essence of a native man speaking about his reality. He has neither the context nor the voice. While his timbre has a delightful strain in it, it is totally unsuitable for this work. He reads the work with each word almost entirely in decrescendo. This could be fine if he was the sort of voice actor to begin in mid tone but he starts so high the prosody makes me feel like a buoy at high tide. The result creates an irreparable mismatch.

This work needs a different reader that can capture the essence of the writing with his voice. This does not do that, unfortunately.

A worthwhile and insightful listen

Not a book I would normally get into but it was a captivating journey - deep wisdom that was calming and challenging at the same time.

Wonderful

The most beautiful collection of thoughts on human nature and the natural world, which is a wonderful sticking plaster in these challenging modern times. The writing is rich and dense with meaning, yet effortless in its flow from the page. Narration is at a good pace and complements the mood.
The best audiobook discovery so far!

did you know he was a journalist for 30 years?

all I could get from the book first go around but please please please percevire some true wisdom the performance is a lil shaky but nicely read well layed out book thank you!

Excellent

This is interesting, raises questions and is a good read. The voice of writer and performer are gentle, kind compassionate and clear sighted. I’d recommend it highly