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Winona Trilogy #1
Winona's Web: A Novel of Discovery
To the surprise of her family, Winona Pathfinder, an elderly Lakota Sioux medicine woman, announces she intends to die in two months. For counseling, Winona is referred to psychologist Dr. Meggie O'Connor--Caucasian, middle-aged, and divorced. A reluctant client, the feisty Winona decides to turn the tables and teach Dr. O'Connor a thing or two about life, while steadfastly refusing to renounce her plans to die.
As fall turns to winter on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan, Winona casts her web around the doctor. Ever-dubious, Meggie O'Connor sees her professional methods slowly crumble before the earthy humor and soaring spirit of her new teacher. Who is healing whom? Can the doctor convince Winona to step back from the gates to the spirit world?
As Meggie's eyes open, she also rediscovers the pull of romance, involving her with two intriguing Native American men. Strange visions begin to appear, and Meggie faces a battle of wills with her stubborn patient armed with a prayer pipe, a strong heart, and the conviction that she is about to "cross over."
Graceful and powerful, the story is deeply rooted in traditional Lakota teachings. Winona's Web will delight you and touch your heart with its message of hope and prayer, love and loss, and learning to listen to the web of the world.
As fall turns to winter on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan, Winona casts her web around the doctor. Ever-dubious, Meggie O'Connor sees her professional methods slowly crumble before the earthy humor and soaring spirit of her new teacher. Who is healing whom? Can the doctor convince Winona to step back from the gates to the spirit world?
As Meggie's eyes open, she also rediscovers the pull of romance, involving her with two intriguing Native American men. Strange visions begin to appear, and Meggie faces a battle of wills with her stubborn patient armed with a prayer pipe, a strong heart, and the conviction that she is about to "cross over."
Graceful and powerful, the story is deeply rooted in traditional Lakota teachings. Winona's Web will delight you and touch your heart with its message of hope and prayer, love and loss, and learning to listen to the web of the world.
279 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1996
19 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Priscilla Cogan
23 books23 followers I was a psychologist for 29 years, so that experience is very present in my books. Back in 1979, I became involved in Native American ceremonies, propelled by some strong dreams. I did 3 visions quests, the last one for 3 days and 3 nights, on a hillside with no food or water. When my husband, Duncan Sings-Alone began his own inipi community (after 7 years of training), we had two sweat lodges - one for men and one for women. Lots of paranormal experiences. We NEVER charged for any Native American ceremonies or healing. The Winona series reflects the different viewpoints and healing practices between that of Psychology and that of Native American medicine work. It is when you contrast two very different viewpoints, interesting questions arise as to the nature of reality.
You will also notice a lot of humor in my 6 published novels, because the Spirits taught me that in everything serious, there is something funny and in everything funny, there is something serious!
From psychologist to novelist and now to play writing. I love the magic of what happens in the theatre, between the actors, the script, and the audience. There is an immersion that does not happen for me in the world of cinema but does in the theatre. My first play, The Summer Cottage, won an award and is a comedy. My second play, while funny, also tackles stereotypes of age and race. My third play is very dramatic and historical about racism and also being a young vulnerable female. I suspect my next play will be an adaptation of Winona's Web.
You will also notice a lot of humor in my 6 published novels, because the Spirits taught me that in everything serious, there is something funny and in everything funny, there is something serious!
From psychologist to novelist and now to play writing. I love the magic of what happens in the theatre, between the actors, the script, and the audience. There is an immersion that does not happen for me in the world of cinema but does in the theatre. My first play, The Summer Cottage, won an award and is a comedy. My second play, while funny, also tackles stereotypes of age and race. My third play is very dramatic and historical about racism and also being a young vulnerable female. I suspect my next play will be an adaptation of Winona's Web.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 10, 2007
given to me in high school by my favorite english teacher & debate coach, this book proved to be the coming-of-age story i needed. it was not the story of a cliche, troubled teenager, but instead, of a woman whose career and family are not what she envisioned them to be. it's set in the area in which i grew up and focuses on a lot of traditional Lakota teachings. a book to be added to the canon? no. but a beautiful story, wonderfully written, that encourages you to drink in the surroundings and spirits you may skim over in your daily life.
April 19, 2009
Eh. I found this book kind of clicheed, and hard to keep picking up after a while. The main character, Meggie, is a recently divorced psychologist who has relocated to a small town in northern Michigan. Her new client, Winona, is a sixty-something Native American woman who has informed her family that she is to die in two months, although she is in good health. Concerned about Winona's apparent suicidality, her daughter Lucy shleps her to Meggie's office, beginning a patient-therapist relationship where it rapidly becomes unclear exactly who the healer is.
As a beginning psychologist, I was excited to read a novel about a patient and therapist, particularly one where the patient was a challenging one. Overall, though, the novel disappointed me. Winona's frequent digressions into Native American wisdom sounded like recycled Zen claptrap from other novels (you know, the ones where the derailed main character meets some wise, sage-like character whose sound bytes conveniently return him to a more fulfilling and productive life path) and it didn't take me long to get to the point where I was automatically skimming them in the interest of moving forward in the story. It was apparent to me, especially given the author's background (a psychologist who's also a sweat-lodge practitioner and teacher of workshops on Native American multiculturalism, married to a Cherokee), that this "novel of discovery" (that subtitle in itself should have been a tip-off -- since when is "novel of discovery" an actual sub-genre? Aren't most novels about some kind of discovery?) was meant to be a paean to Native American culture. Hey -- I have nothing against Native American culture, but I do have something against agenda-driven novels. Whether the novel's agenda is to praise or condemn, the results are the same -- clicheed, predictable plot, flat characters, mediocre writing at best.
Anyway, my harsh review notwithstanding, I do want to express my gratitude to Mintzi who left this book here for me to read. Even if I didn't enjoy the book itself, I genuinely appreciate it when people who visit bring me reading material which is so hard to come by here.
As a beginning psychologist, I was excited to read a novel about a patient and therapist, particularly one where the patient was a challenging one. Overall, though, the novel disappointed me. Winona's frequent digressions into Native American wisdom sounded like recycled Zen claptrap from other novels (you know, the ones where the derailed main character meets some wise, sage-like character whose sound bytes conveniently return him to a more fulfilling and productive life path) and it didn't take me long to get to the point where I was automatically skimming them in the interest of moving forward in the story. It was apparent to me, especially given the author's background (a psychologist who's also a sweat-lodge practitioner and teacher of workshops on Native American multiculturalism, married to a Cherokee), that this "novel of discovery" (that subtitle in itself should have been a tip-off -- since when is "novel of discovery" an actual sub-genre? Aren't most novels about some kind of discovery?) was meant to be a paean to Native American culture. Hey -- I have nothing against Native American culture, but I do have something against agenda-driven novels. Whether the novel's agenda is to praise or condemn, the results are the same -- clicheed, predictable plot, flat characters, mediocre writing at best.
Anyway, my harsh review notwithstanding, I do want to express my gratitude to Mintzi who left this book here for me to read. Even if I didn't enjoy the book itself, I genuinely appreciate it when people who visit bring me reading material which is so hard to come by here.
May 11, 2017
Really 3.5 stars. Read this because it was one of my dad's favorites. I can see why. It is fun, interesting, sincere. Native American culture fills the story and I loved that aspect of the novel. Cogan begins each chapter with epigraphs from great writers, which were fun to read. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, but overall a quick, enjoyable read.
April 3, 2019
Beautiful book, not just the story but the old way of respects taught
This a book to read and re read, a book of love. In a simple way, the writer guide us through the red road and she tell the story in a beautiful way. It’s a must read for everyone looking for more food to its heart.
This a book to read and re read, a book of love. In a simple way, the writer guide us through the red road and she tell the story in a beautiful way. It’s a must read for everyone looking for more food to its heart.
July 1, 2019
I loved this story. It could be because it is based locally to me, but I loved the teachings of Winona. It was interesting and I loved the growth the characters made in the story. The imagery was great, and it was just a good read. I was not hooked to the story right away, it took a few chapters to get into it for me, but when I id I just loved the story.
April 18, 2020
Winona’s Web is a book about self-discovery and spirituality, nestled between modern day psychology and Native American teachings. A beautiful story centering on the circle of life, it’s chapters starting with epigraphs from famous books and writers as well as traditional and native folklore to lead into each part. Very enjoyable read!
June 17, 2020
I didn’t expect to like this book despite buying it many years ago, but my daughter kept insisting I read it for some reason.
I was pleasantly surprised by the gentle story of a woman finding herself. I’m not well versed in the legends and beliefs of Native Americans, but I took comfort from the telling of the stories and the peaceful, un dramatic tale.
I was pleasantly surprised by the gentle story of a woman finding herself. I’m not well versed in the legends and beliefs of Native Americans, but I took comfort from the telling of the stories and the peaceful, un dramatic tale.
November 25, 2018
Novel of self discovery. Set in Suttons Bay. Kept me interested. I would like to read book 2.
February 26, 2019
Education and story
March 19, 2019
Interesting but slow read.
August 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this. A gentle, kind story with interesting insights into Native American culture.
August 24, 2020
La splendida "lotta" fra una psicologa statunitense, in crisi di identità e con problemi relazionali, e una sciamana indiana, pellerossa e guaritrice, aiuterà entrambe. Ben descritto.
March 15, 2021
Simple and intense. For some, maybe, even life-changing.
December 21, 2021
Liked aspects about Native American culture, these were unique and interesting, but the story itself was very predictable.
March 23, 2017
An excellent book for anyone on a spiritual path, or for those interested in Native American beliefs. Because Winona is carefully teaching the psychologist (tasked with keeping the grandmother from ending her life) a different way of approaching life's cycle and how to heal the soul, the reader is gently exposed to new ways of finding one's own center, and a woman's inner power.
January 22, 2012
Dr. Meggie O'Connor is an almost forty-year-old, recently divorced, feminist psychologist who quits a thriving New York City practice and retreats to Chrysalis, her late grandmother’s estate on the rural, scenic Leelanau Peninsula along Lake Michigan, where she spent many happy summer vacations as a child. It is near the village of Suttons Bay, and she joins the small town practice of her friend Dr. Beverly Patterson. One of her first clients is Winona Pathfinder, a feisty 69-year-old Lakota medicine woman who has jolted her family with the declaration that she is going to die in two months, although she is neither sick nor suicidal. While Meggie struggles to use all her professional skills to keep Winona alive, Winona begins to introduce Meggie to Native American ways.
Meanwhile, Meggie meets Winona’s nephew Hawk and another Native American man named Slade, who is recommended to replace the retired farmer, Olf Nielson who had been hired by her parents to look after Chrysalis, when Olf becomes ill. Meggie begins to find both men very attractive. She must also deal with visits by her parents and her ex-husband and Bev’s disastrous relationship with a male friend named Colton. What will happen to Winona? And will Meggie find romance with either Hawk or Slade? This book is a well-told tale, but be forewarned that it comes from a basically pagan, i.e., Native American, worldview. I would normally have no interest in anything like this, but I found it in my father’s library after his death, and since it was a novel with an interesting-sounding premise, I decided to read it. However, I must first tell you about my father. He became a Christian as a young man, but when we moved from the little country congregation where we had attended to the slightly larger congregation in town, there was something that he didn’t like about it and quit going. Eventually, he became interested in “alternative forms of spirituality.” One would not consider him “New Age,” and he was definitely not a Wiccan, but he was what I would call a “neo-pantheist.” So I was not surprised to find a book like this among his effects.
Author Priscilla Cogan is a psychologist of Irish-American descent who has a background in Native American ceremonies with her Cherokee husband. The story is definitely “multi-cultural” and even implies that the old Native American ways are superior to the modern white man’s ways. Meggie eventually learns to “pray” to the four Indian Grandfathers and the Indian Grandmother (the earth). Winona likes Christmas but resents the Christian message that people must forsake their pagan ways. When she asked the Spirits who Jesus was, they reportedly told her that He was “a son of God” who “was sent to the white man.” Of course, the Native American ritual of smoking tobacco is mentioned frequently, gambling is practiced at the casino on the local reservation, and there are numerous occasions of drinking alcohol. The story has a definite sexual side with references to rape, masturbation, and homosexuality. And the language is really bad, with quite a bit of profanity, a lot of cursing (mainly the “d” and “h” words), even a small but significant amount of vulgarity (a few instances of the “s” word and even one use of the “f” word), and a number of other risqué comments. Someone who is really into modern stories that include Native American mysticism and doesn’t mind all the naughty parts might like this book, which won the Small Press Book Award and the Body Mind Spirit Magazine Award of Excellence, but personally I can’t conscientiously recommend it to anyone. It is the first of the “Winona Trilogy.” The second is Compass of the Heart, and the third is Crack at Dusk Crook of Dawn.
Meanwhile, Meggie meets Winona’s nephew Hawk and another Native American man named Slade, who is recommended to replace the retired farmer, Olf Nielson who had been hired by her parents to look after Chrysalis, when Olf becomes ill. Meggie begins to find both men very attractive. She must also deal with visits by her parents and her ex-husband and Bev’s disastrous relationship with a male friend named Colton. What will happen to Winona? And will Meggie find romance with either Hawk or Slade? This book is a well-told tale, but be forewarned that it comes from a basically pagan, i.e., Native American, worldview. I would normally have no interest in anything like this, but I found it in my father’s library after his death, and since it was a novel with an interesting-sounding premise, I decided to read it. However, I must first tell you about my father. He became a Christian as a young man, but when we moved from the little country congregation where we had attended to the slightly larger congregation in town, there was something that he didn’t like about it and quit going. Eventually, he became interested in “alternative forms of spirituality.” One would not consider him “New Age,” and he was definitely not a Wiccan, but he was what I would call a “neo-pantheist.” So I was not surprised to find a book like this among his effects.
Author Priscilla Cogan is a psychologist of Irish-American descent who has a background in Native American ceremonies with her Cherokee husband. The story is definitely “multi-cultural” and even implies that the old Native American ways are superior to the modern white man’s ways. Meggie eventually learns to “pray” to the four Indian Grandfathers and the Indian Grandmother (the earth). Winona likes Christmas but resents the Christian message that people must forsake their pagan ways. When she asked the Spirits who Jesus was, they reportedly told her that He was “a son of God” who “was sent to the white man.” Of course, the Native American ritual of smoking tobacco is mentioned frequently, gambling is practiced at the casino on the local reservation, and there are numerous occasions of drinking alcohol. The story has a definite sexual side with references to rape, masturbation, and homosexuality. And the language is really bad, with quite a bit of profanity, a lot of cursing (mainly the “d” and “h” words), even a small but significant amount of vulgarity (a few instances of the “s” word and even one use of the “f” word), and a number of other risqué comments. Someone who is really into modern stories that include Native American mysticism and doesn’t mind all the naughty parts might like this book, which won the Small Press Book Award and the Body Mind Spirit Magazine Award of Excellence, but personally I can’t conscientiously recommend it to anyone. It is the first of the “Winona Trilogy.” The second is Compass of the Heart, and the third is Crack at Dusk Crook of Dawn.
June 10, 2013
I found this book in my mother's room the summer she died, and now five years later I decided to read it. I have no idea if she read it or if she chose it or if it was a gift or how long she had it. All I know is that she had it in her room and obviously used it as a coaster!
It's a story of a white psychologist and how her sessions with an elderly Native American, Winona, changes her life. Winona is ready to die, which everyone finds upsetting because she's physically and mentally healthy and has no reason to be ready to die. The psychologist realizes soon that the sessions are as much for herself as for Winona, and she learns about Lakota spirituality and how it can help her be more aware of her place in the world.
This book came off as somewhat condescending, but I'm personally coming from a non-spiritual place. If you pick up this book in order to be spiritually inspired then you might be more open to it. I also found the man-hating brand of feminism of the white characters to be tiresome. The book sort of suffers from it's time and place, there is something painfully early '90s and Midwestern about it. I also disliked the language, it felt very forced, which is probably due to it being written by a psychologist. The actual therapy sessions are enjoyable to read and you could see her way of thinking, like noticing body language. It was a little like watching an episode of In Treatment. Everything else felt fairly uninteresting, I really didn't care about the main character.
It was, however, interesting to read about Lakota traditions. I would just rather read a book both about and by non-whites. It reminded me of when I studied Sami religion, because of the oral tradition you don't get much written by the insiders. So, I have these books about Native Americans or Inuits written by middle-aged white ladies.
It's a story of a white psychologist and how her sessions with an elderly Native American, Winona, changes her life. Winona is ready to die, which everyone finds upsetting because she's physically and mentally healthy and has no reason to be ready to die. The psychologist realizes soon that the sessions are as much for herself as for Winona, and she learns about Lakota spirituality and how it can help her be more aware of her place in the world.
This book came off as somewhat condescending, but I'm personally coming from a non-spiritual place. If you pick up this book in order to be spiritually inspired then you might be more open to it. I also found the man-hating brand of feminism of the white characters to be tiresome. The book sort of suffers from it's time and place, there is something painfully early '90s and Midwestern about it. I also disliked the language, it felt very forced, which is probably due to it being written by a psychologist. The actual therapy sessions are enjoyable to read and you could see her way of thinking, like noticing body language. It was a little like watching an episode of In Treatment. Everything else felt fairly uninteresting, I really didn't care about the main character.
It was, however, interesting to read about Lakota traditions. I would just rather read a book both about and by non-whites. It reminded me of when I studied Sami religion, because of the oral tradition you don't get much written by the insiders. So, I have these books about Native Americans or Inuits written by middle-aged white ladies.
May 24, 2022
It has been several years since I read this book and its two sequels, but the story has remained with me for well over a decade. As I recall, the sequels were enjoyable because I had come to know the characters, but Winona's Web was unequeled.
This is a story of an Indian woman, Winona, desiring to keep her culture as her attorney daughter strives to integrate into the American life while pulling her reluctant mother along in the process. The main character is a psychiatrist/counselor who has decided to take life a little slower and relocated from New York to northern Michigan where she takes over her deceased grandmother's estate and hangs her own shingle. This story has a little bit of everything.
This is a story of an Indian woman, Winona, desiring to keep her culture as her attorney daughter strives to integrate into the American life while pulling her reluctant mother along in the process. The main character is a psychiatrist/counselor who has decided to take life a little slower and relocated from New York to northern Michigan where she takes over her deceased grandmother's estate and hangs her own shingle. This story has a little bit of everything.
March 17, 2013
Il confronto tra l'avere e l'essere. Tra la paura della perdita e la certezza che niente ci appartiene. Il senso di quasi solitudine del non appartenere che agli altri, e la sicurezza di essere parte di un disegno pi� grande. L'ascolto di se stessi, e imparare ad ascoltare il respiro pi� grande che ci permette di respirare. Un libro desueto per l'uomo bianco, ma chi ha l'anima rossa un ripasso enorme che ricorda la direzione dei nostri passi. Mitakuye Oyas'in
May 16, 2009
This was a very spiritual book without being too heavy. I actually liked it a lot. Sometimes it was difficult to understand what Winona was implying in her teachings, as Meggie didn't always understand herself. I enjoyed taking this journey into the self with Meggie and wish there were such teachers as Winona in real life.
December 26, 2012
A sixty year old native American woman teaches a 30ish therapist the spirit world: connection to grandmother earth and grandfather sky and all the relatives. The best part is that it shows the connection of women to men, but the therapist lives a happy independent life. Predictable outcomes but a different story.
June 14, 2020
I love the idea of life close to nature, learning about life of American Indians and honesty to own feelings, desires and thoughts while being of service to others. The main character became my best friend and a role model for life I want to live. This is my most favorite novel. I can’t help the feeling it’s partly autobiography of the author and I love that thought.
January 21, 2008
It a great story....This book was another reminder about the need to slow down and let life unfold. It has Naitive American values in it. I enjoyed the reminder that our relationships are so important and can influence what we do and who we become.
July 3, 2008
I liked this book because of the Native American folklore and traditions. A Native American woman claims she will die in two moons,so her daughter sends her to a psychiatrist to "cure" her. Instead, the Winona teaches Maggie, the psychiatrist, the old ways. Good interaction between the two women.
December 3, 2014
A very nice way to be introduced to another way of thinking and viewing the world that has become a bit too distant for many of us probably. And a very facinating glimpse into another culture that made me want to learn more!
March 12, 2017
I kept waiting for the Aha! moment, where I would finally understand the wisdom that the Sioux woman Winona was trying to impart on the main character Meggie. The moment never came. Or maybe it just went over my head.
August 23, 2020
I started off really liking this book. The Indian folklore was captivating. However, I got tired of all the teachings by the end. Many of the teachings were cryptic to me. I did like the characters and the writing.
July 19, 2023
i brought this book at a second hand sale so i gave it a go. You can definitely tell it was written a while ago but I found this book to be an interesting read, i really like the teachings of winona and her relationship with maggie.
September 26, 2007
a white physcotherapist learns to see the Native way
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December 19, 2007American Native fiction - give it a try!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews