Ride the Laughing Wind

by Blaine M. Yorgason, Brenton G. Yorgason

Genres: Historical Fiction, Lds Fiction, Lds, Westerns, Fiction

335 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1984

About the author

Blaine M. Yorgason was born in Sanpete County, Utah. He attended Brigham Young University and received both a BA and MA in History. Blaine and his wife Kathleen have 7 children and numerous grandchildren.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was chosen for my book club later this year. It was a sweet love story and fun read. I loved Tala’s strength and determination and I liked seeing how the characters changed and developed. It was nice reading some historical fiction from a time period I haven’t read much about.

[McKaylla White · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books of all time, this story was probably one of the closest embodiments of what I want in true love. I fell in love with the writing style and the characters were masterfully written. A beautiful tale or love and survival and trust, even though it's been forever since I read it I remember wanting to read it again ever since I finished - and now remembering it . . . I want to read it again!

[Thebarrys10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a deep interest in the ancient American Indian people. This novel was well researched so I was educated and entertained all at once. What I’m taking away from it is my need to ‘have a good countenance’ always before God. That is, to be inwardly grateful and pure in thought.
Tala (age 14) and four children are the only ones from their tribes to escape the “angry ones”. Tala was taught “the old ways” of living, which were given to them by “Bahana”, their pale brother who came from the cloud and would return that way someday. She taught the children with great love and respect. So while the other tribes adopted the new ways of secret societies and power, she and her little ‘family’ hid away and happily prospered. Their ancestors, the Katchina people were constantly watching over them and whispering help on the winds. This book brought 3rd Nephi to mind!

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for book club. It took me a while to get into it, but it was an interesting story and different from anything I've ever read.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than most fiction I enjoyed this for the thoughts and ideas it prompted, and the conclusions that I derived by comparing those thoughts with my own real life experience. If a novel is, at least in part, a reflection of the thoughts and perceptions and experiences of the author, this one says a lot for the Yorgason brothers. As an academic scholar, I have studied the deep-seated influence of culture on an individual's outlook and behavior. The Yorgason's do a nice job of depicting the transformation of a young man's culturally induced biases and predispositions to a more enlightened (in a gospel sense) perspective on gender roles and what is (and is not) important in life. Fascinating!

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow beginning but second half of book was excellent.

Quotes:
If by chance you should do something great, you must not talk of it. Let others speak of the treat things.

Men and women were made to complement each other, not to compete.

Always be truthful and honest. Do not lie-even for a joke to make people laugh

Love is never ownership, it does not restrict but grants greater freedom.

If one saw only the destination and did not take time to enjoy the little things of the journey, then the end would have little meaning.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read with a lot of new, interesting things for me. It's a slow-paced historical fiction of the Anasazi people and a fun part for me was that I'm related to the pioneer/explorer at the beginning. It's a beautiful love story and focuses a lot on the "pure" religion ideas (the people lose the "old ways"). It also has a lot of allusions to Mormon religious literary forms (three Nephites, etc.) which is interesting in a Native American setting. But that's to be expected for Bookcraft. All in all, a good read.

[Allison Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book. The strange thing is.. I had it on my book shelf for more than 10 years, and never picked it up. Maybe I wouldn't have appreiated it before? It was beautiful. To have actually lived in the area that was the setting for the story made it even more alive. This is a story of real, true love and joy. ..not just happines, but real JOY.

[Liberty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set at the time of the Anasazi, this is a fictional account of five people who survive an attack on their village, and who must draw together to find food and water, and to keep hidden from the enemy who hunts them. Indirectly, this book is an investigation into what makes a relationship, be it friend or family.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great book!!! I had trouble getting into it glad I stuck out the first few pages because the rest of the story was great!!!! The story was about what might have been the final days of the Anasazi. Again showing that good is always better and is worth fighting for what ever the costs. Thanks for Brenda B. for loaning me the book!!!!!!!!!

[Cynthia Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great historical fiction of some young Indians in S.W. United States who survive an attack on their group and need to find a safe place to live and sustain their lives. This carefully woven story in one I have read over and over and plan to read again. Anyone would be glad they had read it.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom used to read this to me and my sisters each year when I was young. It is a great story and has historical facts tied to Utah and the four corner region as well. I love reading is as an adult now.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my most favorite book while I was growing up. It's an old indian story of coming of age and finding a kind of love that is lasting. I've read it at least 5 times. Hmmm....maybe I should pick it up again....

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing! I felt so inspired, and it made me see that God is not limited.
I am re-reading it and I can see how some of the Indian culture stuff might set someone in the direction, but it points to Christ so obviously to me!!!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! It is so inspiring and I'm sad that it is out of print. However thanks to ebay and amazon you can still find copies of it out there. I buy them whenever I can find them. I keep giving them to my children.

[Ranger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever. I love it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I have read it at least two times. As the title sugests it involves Native Americans.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a chance with different and loved it.

[Ruby · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took a while to get into this book. It was an okay story by the end and I am glad that I read it, but it was very difficult to get started.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. There is such an amazing story fo love and survival.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read. It is written by Mormon authors but doesn't read like a "churchy" book at all. It has such a beautiful message and story, I highly recommend to one and all.

[Jolayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

[Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to find this book anymore, but if you can get your hands on a copy DO IT. Such an amazing story with beautiful detail.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just remember loving this book, even though I read it probably 25 years ago.

[Patricia]

There was so much cultural history in this novel.

[Debbie Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspiring and beautifully told. Intense and insightful!