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The white man had burned their land, raped their women, and slaughtered their children. He had made them a nation of slaves, and those he could not enslave, he promised to destroy. The Apache had one hope: vengeance.
Out of the scattered remnants of the Apache tribes rose a man whose cunning, ferocity, and genuis for warfare would make him their leader in a last tragic struggle for survival. The Apache gave him their arms, their strength, and their absolute devotion. The white man gave him his name: Geronimo!
Out of the scattered remnants of the Apache tribes rose a man whose cunning, ferocity, and genuis for warfare would make him their leader in a last tragic struggle for survival. The Apache gave him their arms, their strength, and their absolute devotion. The white man gave him his name: Geronimo!
232 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1976
11 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
Forrest Carter
12 books581 followersAsa Earl "Forrest" Carter was an American political speechwriter and author. He was most notable for publishing novels and a best-selling, award-winning memoir under the name Forrest Carter, an identity as a Native American Cherokee. In 1976, following the publication success of his western The Rebel Outlaw: Josey Wales, The New York Times revealed Forrest Carter to be Southerner Asa Earl Carter. His background became national news again in 1991 after his purported memoir, The Education of Little Tree, was re-issued in paperback and topped the Times paperback best-seller lists (both non-fiction and fiction). It also won the American Booksellers Book of the Year (ABBY) award.
Prior to his literary career as "Forrest", Carter was politically active for years in Alabama as an opponent to the civil rights movement: he worked as a speechwriter for segregationist Governor George Wallace of Alabama; founded the North Alabama Citizens Council (NACC) and an independent Ku Klux Klan group; and started the pro-segregation monthly titled The Southerner.
From Wikipedia
Prior to his literary career as "Forrest", Carter was politically active for years in Alabama as an opponent to the civil rights movement: he worked as a speechwriter for segregationist Governor George Wallace of Alabama; founded the North Alabama Citizens Council (NACC) and an independent Ku Klux Klan group; and started the pro-segregation monthly titled The Southerner.
From Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 28, 2020
Recently saw some reviews of Forrest Carter novels. Reminded of this, another possible LP re-read.
If you haven't read Forrest, this is by far my favorite.
He has an awful reputation. Glad I read this book at least twice before learning of his biases.
https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles...
Quoting from the extensive Texas Monthly article:
"Who was Forrest Carter? How could someone who had ranted about the “bestiality” of blacks, who had once vowed to die to preserve the Anglo-Saxon race, write so movingly about downtrodden Indians? Did he undergo a spiritual conversion? An emotional breakdown? ..."
***
copied and pasted "KIRKUS REVIEW
A novelized life of the great Apache chief Geronimo, built on ""oral history"" by the author of the Josey Wales novels, Gone to Texas and Outlaw Josey Wales. Carter's version of the much-told life story does not hit its stride until the third chapter, but then it takes on considerable texture, especially when ""the Power"" begins speaking directly to Geronimo much as Jehovah gave the Word to Moses on the mountain. This is the backbone of the book--a strong projection of Geronimo's belief that he has descended from a higher life at his own request and has become a ""shadow mind in a shadow body"" in order to perfect his spirit among the horrific exigencies of earth-life. Behind his vast iron demeanor he is forever weighing the wishes and intentions of the Power, so there is little peace in his life down in Mexico, New Mexico, and Arizona. He and his people are either in flight or taking revenge on a Mexican village or a band of army troops. And his most terrible inner temperings take place when his first wife and children are massacred by Mexican troops, and yet again when his sister is about to die in childbirth. With nothing to lose but honor, he ""surrenders"" several times (but only to regroup his forces) and winds up in Wild West shows. History played for tragedy--less than totally enthralling or convincing but vivid, richly colored, and often fiercely effective."
*
The Kirkus review seems skewed to Geronimo's spirituality. Memory after too long perhaps, has salient points elsewhere.
Multiple reread, among top HF-USA. General Crook and the Apaches both receive impressive coverage. Another of the library's most widely praised oldies but goodies.
Suggest Bourke for non-fiction variation
On the Border with Crook
If you haven't read Forrest, this is by far my favorite.
He has an awful reputation. Glad I read this book at least twice before learning of his biases.
https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles...
Quoting from the extensive Texas Monthly article:
"Who was Forrest Carter? How could someone who had ranted about the “bestiality” of blacks, who had once vowed to die to preserve the Anglo-Saxon race, write so movingly about downtrodden Indians? Did he undergo a spiritual conversion? An emotional breakdown? ..."
***
copied and pasted "KIRKUS REVIEW
A novelized life of the great Apache chief Geronimo, built on ""oral history"" by the author of the Josey Wales novels, Gone to Texas and Outlaw Josey Wales. Carter's version of the much-told life story does not hit its stride until the third chapter, but then it takes on considerable texture, especially when ""the Power"" begins speaking directly to Geronimo much as Jehovah gave the Word to Moses on the mountain. This is the backbone of the book--a strong projection of Geronimo's belief that he has descended from a higher life at his own request and has become a ""shadow mind in a shadow body"" in order to perfect his spirit among the horrific exigencies of earth-life. Behind his vast iron demeanor he is forever weighing the wishes and intentions of the Power, so there is little peace in his life down in Mexico, New Mexico, and Arizona. He and his people are either in flight or taking revenge on a Mexican village or a band of army troops. And his most terrible inner temperings take place when his first wife and children are massacred by Mexican troops, and yet again when his sister is about to die in childbirth. With nothing to lose but honor, he ""surrenders"" several times (but only to regroup his forces) and winds up in Wild West shows. History played for tragedy--less than totally enthralling or convincing but vivid, richly colored, and often fiercely effective."
*
The Kirkus review seems skewed to Geronimo's spirituality. Memory after too long perhaps, has salient points elsewhere.
Multiple reread, among top HF-USA. General Crook and the Apaches both receive impressive coverage. Another of the library's most widely praised oldies but goodies.
Suggest Bourke for non-fiction variation
On the Border with Crook
March 2, 2009
This is a historical fiction account of Geronimo's last days. Forrest Carter wrote this book in his sensational style with knowledge of the southwest and Apache as well as his knowledge of the U.S. military of the day. This is a beautiful read as well as heart-wrenching. But I think it depicts the spiritual aspect of Geronimo's warrior heart better than other books I've read about him.
September 6, 2011
Forrest Carter is an award winning author who is worth every vote he received. A Cherokee from Tennessee, he tells the story of the most famous War Shaman in American Native history - Geronimo, an Apache from the Sierra Madres. There is much more to this book than a history lesson, however. Carter paints in words a startlingly vivid description of the dry and sparse land of the southwest. His depth of understanding of the Apache culture gives the reader insight into these strong, independent and deeply spiritual people. The reader comes to understand how the man, Geronimo, was part seeming wizard, part brilliant strategist, all warrior, and a leader capable of holding men together who by that decision to join him made themselves outlaws and traitors. If you want to understand this mountain of a man, Forrest Carter will insure you do.
June 9, 2010
Teton County Library Call Number: W CARTER F (this is on the new book shelf on 6/8/10)`
Watch for me on the Mountains: A Novel of Geronimo and the Apache Nation
This is one of my most favorite works of fiction. I must admit to enjoying reading about other people's hardships, and their strength in the face of adversity. I read this book while recovering from ACL surgery, and it made me realize I needed to get over my own self-pity and move forward with my easy life. This book illustrates the heart-breaking violence against the Apache tribe. Forrest Carter is probably best known for his autobiographical novel from his Native American childhood, "The Education of Little Tree." In this novel Carter details the account of the remnants of the Apache tribe caught between Mexico, Anglo-American soldiers, concentration camps, and the Trail of Tears. It's been many years since I read this book, but the image of a seventy year-old woman warrior who had been living on a single piece of venison jerky for two weeks has stayed with me for a long time. I was in tears many times reading this book, and I can blame that on the morphine I was on, but this book also deeply touched my heart. (Suzy)
Watch for me on the Mountains: A Novel of Geronimo and the Apache Nation
This is one of my most favorite works of fiction. I must admit to enjoying reading about other people's hardships, and their strength in the face of adversity. I read this book while recovering from ACL surgery, and it made me realize I needed to get over my own self-pity and move forward with my easy life. This book illustrates the heart-breaking violence against the Apache tribe. Forrest Carter is probably best known for his autobiographical novel from his Native American childhood, "The Education of Little Tree." In this novel Carter details the account of the remnants of the Apache tribe caught between Mexico, Anglo-American soldiers, concentration camps, and the Trail of Tears. It's been many years since I read this book, but the image of a seventy year-old woman warrior who had been living on a single piece of venison jerky for two weeks has stayed with me for a long time. I was in tears many times reading this book, and I can blame that on the morphine I was on, but this book also deeply touched my heart. (Suzy)
April 13, 2015
A powerful read detailing Geronimo's existence as not just a guerrilla leader but more a kind of warrior shaman .
For Indians subjected to a long history of subjugation and slavery,war was seen as a powerful sacrament.
This demands a moral flexibility on our part given our understanding of today's conflicts.Corporate inspired drives for resources and power behind a thin veil of humanist propaganda.
Geronimo's vision was very different,hard to see how these differing cultures could ever have mixed,to the extent that they did brought the Indian only suffering and alcoholism as his spiritual faith was systematically stamped out alongside the broader campaign of genocide perpetrated by the US policy makers at the behest of the corporate interests .
This book had a powerful impact on me when I read it and I read several others alongside to try and put it in context
Sadly after stopping his campaign and surrendering he ended his days entertaining the white man.
A courageous tale of a life lived at the very extreme.Inspiring take of one of histories true warriors .The stories of the old west I have heard described as Americas founding myth,the well spring of it's morality.Likely this is true,though their conduct was disgraceful and a poor show of cowardice and racist murder.
This book made me very angry and also feeling hollow at the poverty of our own spiritual culture.
For Indians subjected to a long history of subjugation and slavery,war was seen as a powerful sacrament.
This demands a moral flexibility on our part given our understanding of today's conflicts.Corporate inspired drives for resources and power behind a thin veil of humanist propaganda.
Geronimo's vision was very different,hard to see how these differing cultures could ever have mixed,to the extent that they did brought the Indian only suffering and alcoholism as his spiritual faith was systematically stamped out alongside the broader campaign of genocide perpetrated by the US policy makers at the behest of the corporate interests .
This book had a powerful impact on me when I read it and I read several others alongside to try and put it in context
Sadly after stopping his campaign and surrendering he ended his days entertaining the white man.
A courageous tale of a life lived at the very extreme.Inspiring take of one of histories true warriors .The stories of the old west I have heard described as Americas founding myth,the well spring of it's morality.Likely this is true,though their conduct was disgraceful and a poor show of cowardice and racist murder.
This book made me very angry and also feeling hollow at the poverty of our own spiritual culture.
February 6, 2015
This book about the last days of the free roaming Apache nation follows much of them life of war shaman Geronimo leading off from his later years but chronicling his life and deeds. It is a somber story about the end of a way of life for one of the most famous Indian tribes of North America. Imagine being able to support thousands of tribe members in this stark and desolate land. Imagine being able to run 100 miles in a day through the deserts of the Southwest. The book will cause a person to ask how else could it have all ended? What could have been done differently? One thing is for certain and that is America and the American military behaved poorly just as they did on the Little Bighorn.
February 7, 2014
While a decent story, it is highly embroidered. While I have no doubts that the U S government mistreated the Indians (Native Americans), this "noble savage" line gets a bit thin. So brave, so strong, so pure, so marvelous. The claim that the Apache could run for 60 miles a day "with a mouthful of water" is an example of exaggeration.
March 18, 2025
A beautiful book, sometimes mildly depressing, and it shows the reader the real and harsh conditions of Native Americans, but that's also what makes it so beautiful.
January 15, 2026
Great read about the Apache Geronimo and the history about the Indian wars. In the South West, the tactics that he used to hold off the Army and the Mexican Army while a avoiding capture in the Desert, and the Sierra Madres. That are taught to be used in Guerrilla warfare today.
December 2, 2011
This week has been a terrible week for weather - due to Santa Ana winds. The wind arrived and was relentless yesterday. My yard is littered with broken branches and the devastation brought about by the fierce winds can be seen everywhere. The predictions all week were that snow would follow on the heels of all this nasty weather. The prognostications are bearing out, and as I finished reading the final words in Watch For Me on the Mountain, puffy cottony snow has begun to fall.
I must admit, Native American culture and its rich collection of characters have always held a soft spot in my heart. Their tragic plight following incursions by arrival of Europeans to the New World has been dismal. Myriad pogroms aimed at eliminating them from the planet because they were deemed uncivilized savages stand as living testament to the limitless greed that marks the Human condition. Dubious claims based on the need to civilize and save souls were favored methods for subjugating and separating people from what is rightfully theirs. While I would like to believe that all Americans are aware of the outright holocaust perpetrated on Native Americans, such hopes are suggestive of a common delusion that all Americans share regarding the plight of those who have; those who elect to take what is not rightfully theirs; and the what they will do in order to satisfy the desire to possess and consume according to self-prescribed needs.
This story of the Apache War Shaman, Geronimo, written by Forrest Carter, explains what happens when two cultures collide and the lengths to which each side is willing to go in order to ensure survival of what they hold sacred. For me, Geronimo has always been a sympathetic character. I suspect it is because I see the world through the lens of cause and effect. While he has been vilified, it is short-sighted to reach such a conclusion without knowing the context of his actions. This is where Carter shines; he offers plausible explanations and although this book is considered a work of fiction, it is a story rooted in fact.
If you have read Dee Brown's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, and were moved by it, then this is a story you will also want take in. Aside from its entertainment value, it does have facts that match the historical record and it does offer insights regarding Human nature. it is a well-crafted story and despite whatever reputation Forrest Carter garnered because of his questionable associations, it serves to remind me that when we are tempted to judge a man by our tempocentric considerations, we risk losing valuable information that could serve us better than when simply elect to couch our decisions, conclusions and judgements in the temples of our familiarity. This is not to say that I agree at all with his radical segregationist tendencies. It is ironic that someone so sympathetic perhaps even given to romanticizing the predicaments of one group of disaffected and disenfranchised could be so extreme in his fidelity with the platform of segregationists associated with George Wallace and even the KKK.
Nonetheless, just as the snow falls, and as it has followed a turbulent storm, I find myself pondering just how much we, as a people - American or otherwise - never really change. We are clannish, we are tribal, we are driven by emotion and we react in ways that are similar when we are experience stress and fear, particularly how we can be motivated by vengeance. This is why I am attracted to the kinds of books I read, the ones that always explore themes on why we do what we do.
I must admit, Native American culture and its rich collection of characters have always held a soft spot in my heart. Their tragic plight following incursions by arrival of Europeans to the New World has been dismal. Myriad pogroms aimed at eliminating them from the planet because they were deemed uncivilized savages stand as living testament to the limitless greed that marks the Human condition. Dubious claims based on the need to civilize and save souls were favored methods for subjugating and separating people from what is rightfully theirs. While I would like to believe that all Americans are aware of the outright holocaust perpetrated on Native Americans, such hopes are suggestive of a common delusion that all Americans share regarding the plight of those who have; those who elect to take what is not rightfully theirs; and the what they will do in order to satisfy the desire to possess and consume according to self-prescribed needs.
This story of the Apache War Shaman, Geronimo, written by Forrest Carter, explains what happens when two cultures collide and the lengths to which each side is willing to go in order to ensure survival of what they hold sacred. For me, Geronimo has always been a sympathetic character. I suspect it is because I see the world through the lens of cause and effect. While he has been vilified, it is short-sighted to reach such a conclusion without knowing the context of his actions. This is where Carter shines; he offers plausible explanations and although this book is considered a work of fiction, it is a story rooted in fact.
If you have read Dee Brown's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, and were moved by it, then this is a story you will also want take in. Aside from its entertainment value, it does have facts that match the historical record and it does offer insights regarding Human nature. it is a well-crafted story and despite whatever reputation Forrest Carter garnered because of his questionable associations, it serves to remind me that when we are tempted to judge a man by our tempocentric considerations, we risk losing valuable information that could serve us better than when simply elect to couch our decisions, conclusions and judgements in the temples of our familiarity. This is not to say that I agree at all with his radical segregationist tendencies. It is ironic that someone so sympathetic perhaps even given to romanticizing the predicaments of one group of disaffected and disenfranchised could be so extreme in his fidelity with the platform of segregationists associated with George Wallace and even the KKK.
Nonetheless, just as the snow falls, and as it has followed a turbulent storm, I find myself pondering just how much we, as a people - American or otherwise - never really change. We are clannish, we are tribal, we are driven by emotion and we react in ways that are similar when we are experience stress and fear, particularly how we can be motivated by vengeance. This is why I am attracted to the kinds of books I read, the ones that always explore themes on why we do what we do.
January 13, 2016
Tarihi olayları kurguda birleştiren romanda Carter, baş karakter Geronimo'da Apaçi yaşam anlayışını etkili biçimde ortaya koyuyor.
Amerika kıtasının "keşfi" ile başlayan kitlesel kıyım dalgasının, Meksika sınırına ulaştığı, batının "vaad edilmiş toprakları"nın kızılderili kanı ile sulandığı bir dönemin hikayesi...
Sapiens'in bitmeyecek gibi görünen "kanla sulama" özleminin bir başka sayfası daha...
Kapak tasarımı: yorucu, renkler uyumsuz, çekiciliği yok...
Kağıt, yazı karakteri seçimi : Yorucu olmayan, tekdüze (sıkıcı) bir sayfa düzeni...
Çeviri: Keşke daha iyi, özenli bir çeviriden okunma olanağı olsa...
Amerika kıtasının "keşfi" ile başlayan kitlesel kıyım dalgasının, Meksika sınırına ulaştığı, batının "vaad edilmiş toprakları"nın kızılderili kanı ile sulandığı bir dönemin hikayesi...
Sapiens'in bitmeyecek gibi görünen "kanla sulama" özleminin bir başka sayfası daha...
Kapak tasarımı: yorucu, renkler uyumsuz, çekiciliği yok...
Kağıt, yazı karakteri seçimi : Yorucu olmayan, tekdüze (sıkıcı) bir sayfa düzeni...
Çeviri: Keşke daha iyi, özenli bir çeviriden okunma olanağı olsa...
March 4, 2013
A very good book about the last of Geronimo's Escape from reservation life.
I found it very deep and interesting. I truly believe that the native Americans like Geronimo have a connection with the earth, nature, body and soul that is deeper than anyone living today has.
It makes me angry to read about how the first settlers treated the Indians.
This is not only a testament to the Indian, it tells us all that if we connect with the life around us we will see much more. Our bodies can be stretched beyond normal restrictions.
I found it very deep and interesting. I truly believe that the native Americans like Geronimo have a connection with the earth, nature, body and soul that is deeper than anyone living today has.
It makes me angry to read about how the first settlers treated the Indians.
This is not only a testament to the Indian, it tells us all that if we connect with the life around us we will see much more. Our bodies can be stretched beyond normal restrictions.
February 25, 2008
With each chapter of reading this book, I asked myself, "What am I doing with my life?!?"
It kind of makes doing laundry and grocery shopping feel empty. This Geronimo character challenges us all to strive toward a life lived for faith.
I don't know how much of it is factual, but I will think of the Apache people in a new light after this book.
It's intense and inspiring, but difficult to read aloud (which I did).
It kind of makes doing laundry and grocery shopping feel empty. This Geronimo character challenges us all to strive toward a life lived for faith.
I don't know how much of it is factual, but I will think of the Apache people in a new light after this book.
It's intense and inspiring, but difficult to read aloud (which I did).
July 11, 2008
Such heartbreaking stories: so many examples of the amazing capacity for people to commit absurd acts of inhumanity against each other, plus the propensity for the power-hungry to re-interpret events to serve their purposes... interspersed with inspiring examples of Apaches choosing "high" laws and that which feeds the spirit body rather than succumbing to "low" laws and the fear-based needs of the earth body.
December 28, 2011
wow, I finished this a long time ago (and have read several books since)... It's been a while since I've been on goodreads. I hate neglected social media!! (not really.)
This was an enjoyable read: arresting and interesting. It was hard for me, however, to ignore outside criticisms I'd read about the book and the author (he was a horrible racist, the tone of the narrative falls into the stereotype of the "noble savage," and so on). Nevertheless, good story.
This was an enjoyable read: arresting and interesting. It was hard for me, however, to ignore outside criticisms I'd read about the book and the author (he was a horrible racist, the tone of the narrative falls into the stereotype of the "noble savage," and so on). Nevertheless, good story.
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September 8, 2009this book has also changed the way I look a certain things, growing up in the southwest this book has given me a completely different version of southwest native American history and way of life if you can find this book you need to read it
September 17, 2019
Probably Carter's second best book, next to The Education of Little Tree. True, it's a book that romanticizes the outlaw, Geronimo, but Carter's gift for landscape descriptions and the joys and sorrows of the indians of this tale are quite moving.
February 6, 2010
Liked this book quite a bit, explored the end of the 19th century through Apache eyes, specifically those of Geronimo. A lot of discussion about the spiritual beliefs of the Apache that I found fascinating, but may turn of readers looking for a "straight" history (as if there is such a thing)
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August 5, 2011Dette er en av de absolutt beste bøkene jeg vet, både som barn og voksen. Det gjorde et uslettelig inntrykk og jeg for all tid senere vært fascinert av apacheindianerne. Og spesielt Geronimo. En opplevelse!
May 15, 2016
Geronimo- apačský vojevůdce je prostě skvělý. O Apačích a jejich boji proti cizím vetřelcům, kteří přišli krást území a vyhánět. Stále si nemohu v hlavě srovnat, že takhle empatickou knížku napsal Forrest Carter.
August 19, 2007
What made Geronimo geronimo. Based on oral history of Apaches. Descriptions of their war tactics are wonderful.
October 15, 2007
I have read this book at least four times. A wonderful new view of what Geronimo's life may have been like. Not to mention the view of how to live a life.
April 18, 2008
Carter's writing style is beautiful. Never did I feel that I needed to stop reading because it got too heavy. It moved you on with disarming honesty and apparrent simplicity.
April 9, 2009
Some interesting ways to view the world
July 22, 2009
The story of Geronimo and the Apache nation
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August 7, 2009a beautiful, but heart wrenching book abut Geronimo and the Apaches. An amazing novel based on fact and oral history. 5 stars!!!
December 25, 2009
Heart-wrenching. A great book!
August 23, 2010
Fascinating and well-written. History of Geronimo and the fall of the Apache Nation.
July 6, 2011
It's been a while, but I really enjoyed this story about Geronimo. Good stuff.
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September 17, 2011Another very good read by Forrest Carter. A quick read. It is fiction but it did seem as if it was historically correct. I did enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews