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Voices in the Stones: Life Lessons from the Native Way
“Do not begrudge the white man his presence on this land. Though he doesn’t know it yet, he has come here to learn from us.”
― A Shoshone elder
The genius of the Native Americans has always been their profound spirituality and their deep understanding of the land and its ways.
For three decades, author Kent Nerburn has lived and worked among the Native American people. Voices in the Stones is a unique collection of his encounters, experiences, and reflections during that time.
He takes us inside a traditional Native feast to show us how the children are taught to respect the elders. He brings us to an isolated prairie rock outcropping where a young Native man and his father show us how the power of ceremony connects the present with the ancient voices of the past. At a dusty roadside café he introduces us to an elder who remembers the time when his ancestors could talk to animals.
In these and other deeply touching stories, Nerburn reveals the spiritual awareness that animates all of Native American life, and shows us how we have much to learn from one another if only we have the heart to listen.
― A Shoshone elder
The genius of the Native Americans has always been their profound spirituality and their deep understanding of the land and its ways.
For three decades, author Kent Nerburn has lived and worked among the Native American people. Voices in the Stones is a unique collection of his encounters, experiences, and reflections during that time.
He takes us inside a traditional Native feast to show us how the children are taught to respect the elders. He brings us to an isolated prairie rock outcropping where a young Native man and his father show us how the power of ceremony connects the present with the ancient voices of the past. At a dusty roadside café he introduces us to an elder who remembers the time when his ancestors could talk to animals.
In these and other deeply touching stories, Nerburn reveals the spiritual awareness that animates all of Native American life, and shows us how we have much to learn from one another if only we have the heart to listen.
192 pages, Paperback
Published December 13, 2016
86 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Kent Nerburn
42 books462 followersI'm a child of the 60's, a son of the north, and a lover of dogs.
Grew up in a crackerbox post-war bungalow outside of Minneapolis with my mother and father, two younger sisters, various dogs and cats, and a neighborhood full of rugrat kids playing outside until called in for the night.
Studied American Studies at the University of Minnesota, Religious Studies and Humanities at Stanford University, received a Ph.D. in Religion and Art in a joint program at Graduate Theological Union and the University of California at Berkeley. Lots of learning, lots of awards. Phi Beta Kappa. Summa cum Laude. Lots of stuff that looks good on paper.
But just as important, an antique restorer's shop in Marburg, Germany; the museums of Florence; a sculpture studio in the back alleys of Pietrasanta, Italy; an Indian reservation in the forests of northern Minnesota; and, perhaps above all, the American road.
Always a watcher, always a wanderer, perhaps too empathetic for my own good, more concerned with the "other" than the "self", always more interested in what people believed than in what they thought. A friend of the ordinary and the life of the streets.
Twenty years as a sculptor -- over-life sized images hand-chiseled from large tree trunks -- efforts to embody emotional and spiritual states in wood. Then, still searching, years helping young people collect memories of the tribal elders on the Red Lake Ojibwe reservation in the Minnesota north. Then writing,
always writing, finding a voice and even a calling, helping Native America tell its story.
A marriage, children, a home on a pine-rimmed lake near the Minnesota-Canadian border.
Book after book, seventeen in all, ever seeking the heartbeat of people's belief. Journeys, consolations, the caring observer, always the teacher, always the learner. Ever mindful of the wise counsel of an Ojibwe elder, "Always teach by stories, because stories lodge deep in the heart."
Through grace and good luck, an important trilogy (Neither Wolf nor Dog, The Wolf at Twilight, and The Girl who Sang to the Buffalo), a film, Minnesota Book Awards, South Dakota book of the year, many "community reads," book sales around the world.
In the end, a reluctant promoter, a quiet worker, a seeker of an authentic American spirituality, more concerned with excellence than quantity. Proud to be referred to as "a guerilla theologian" and honored to be called "the one writer who can respectfully bridge the gap between native and non-Native cultures". But more honored still to hear a twelve-year-old girl at one of my readings whisper to her mom, "He's a really nice man."
At heart, just an ordinary person, grateful to be a father and a husband, more impressed by kindness than by power, doing what I can with the skills that I have to pay my rent for my time on earth. And trying, always trying, to live by Sitting Bull's entreaty: "Come let us put our minds together to see what kind of lives we can create for our children."
And petting every dog that I can.
Grew up in a crackerbox post-war bungalow outside of Minneapolis with my mother and father, two younger sisters, various dogs and cats, and a neighborhood full of rugrat kids playing outside until called in for the night.
Studied American Studies at the University of Minnesota, Religious Studies and Humanities at Stanford University, received a Ph.D. in Religion and Art in a joint program at Graduate Theological Union and the University of California at Berkeley. Lots of learning, lots of awards. Phi Beta Kappa. Summa cum Laude. Lots of stuff that looks good on paper.
But just as important, an antique restorer's shop in Marburg, Germany; the museums of Florence; a sculpture studio in the back alleys of Pietrasanta, Italy; an Indian reservation in the forests of northern Minnesota; and, perhaps above all, the American road.
Always a watcher, always a wanderer, perhaps too empathetic for my own good, more concerned with the "other" than the "self", always more interested in what people believed than in what they thought. A friend of the ordinary and the life of the streets.
Twenty years as a sculptor -- over-life sized images hand-chiseled from large tree trunks -- efforts to embody emotional and spiritual states in wood. Then, still searching, years helping young people collect memories of the tribal elders on the Red Lake Ojibwe reservation in the Minnesota north. Then writing,
always writing, finding a voice and even a calling, helping Native America tell its story.
A marriage, children, a home on a pine-rimmed lake near the Minnesota-Canadian border.
Book after book, seventeen in all, ever seeking the heartbeat of people's belief. Journeys, consolations, the caring observer, always the teacher, always the learner. Ever mindful of the wise counsel of an Ojibwe elder, "Always teach by stories, because stories lodge deep in the heart."
Through grace and good luck, an important trilogy (Neither Wolf nor Dog, The Wolf at Twilight, and The Girl who Sang to the Buffalo), a film, Minnesota Book Awards, South Dakota book of the year, many "community reads," book sales around the world.
In the end, a reluctant promoter, a quiet worker, a seeker of an authentic American spirituality, more concerned with excellence than quantity. Proud to be referred to as "a guerilla theologian" and honored to be called "the one writer who can respectfully bridge the gap between native and non-Native cultures". But more honored still to hear a twelve-year-old girl at one of my readings whisper to her mom, "He's a really nice man."
At heart, just an ordinary person, grateful to be a father and a husband, more impressed by kindness than by power, doing what I can with the skills that I have to pay my rent for my time on earth. And trying, always trying, to live by Sitting Bull's entreaty: "Come let us put our minds together to see what kind of lives we can create for our children."
And petting every dog that I can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 6, 2017
Once again, a truly remarkable book providing rich insights into a much misunderstood and wildly stereotyped neighbor by Kent Nerburn. Nerburn is a master story teller, embracing both the art and spirit and craft of narrative. From time to time, he seems not to trust the narrative to convey his message and steps into to, it seems to me, make sure that we get the point--and, who knows, maybe that is necessary. I think, however, that he tells a story so well--gives the story such powerful voice--that such epigrams are usually unnecessary and tend only to underline what the narrative has already opened to us.
Nonetheless, this is a rich, powerful, and demanding book.
Nonetheless, this is a rich, powerful, and demanding book.
September 2, 2018
Hear the wisdom of those who still remember.
Ken expands our awareness so we can listen to the trees, hear the story of the stones, and remember who we are.
Ken expands our awareness so we can listen to the trees, hear the story of the stones, and remember who we are.
October 10, 2024
Just look at the Table of Contents for this book and you will see the stories, the themes, and the life lessons that are included.
I'm so glad I joined a church book club and this was the book they shared. Kent Nerburn writes in such a simple and easy to understand way about such weighty topics and themes. He shares stories and uses quotes of wise men in the Native Culture. Kent shares his stories and weaves them in with stories shared with him by Native American people.
This book is about simple ways of living, simple teachings to children in the care and support of the elders, it is a book about respect, and listening, and hearing what the world around us is telling us. It is about the power of ceremony, and the power of a dying woman's gift. It is about how much we have lost and how much we have to learn. It is about hope and joy and sadness and beauty.
I highly recommend this book.
I'm so glad I joined a church book club and this was the book they shared. Kent Nerburn writes in such a simple and easy to understand way about such weighty topics and themes. He shares stories and uses quotes of wise men in the Native Culture. Kent shares his stories and weaves them in with stories shared with him by Native American people.
This book is about simple ways of living, simple teachings to children in the care and support of the elders, it is a book about respect, and listening, and hearing what the world around us is telling us. It is about the power of ceremony, and the power of a dying woman's gift. It is about how much we have lost and how much we have to learn. It is about hope and joy and sadness and beauty.
I highly recommend this book.
January 27, 2025
the conversations around grief in this were beautiful !!
April 29, 2019
Endorsements:
“Kent Nerburn speaks reverently of the bridge between our Judeo-Christian tradition and the spiritual gifts of the Native Americans. There is much healing to be had in our lives and for the land by crossing this bridge.”
— Richard Rohr, bestselling author of The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation
“Kent Nerburn reminds us that in the timeless Native American ways of seeing and being, the truth of life is not found in knowledge but in something closer to prayer. Even today, amidst coffee shops, graveyards, old cars, and cafeterias, the wisdom keepers Nerburn follows in his sensitively told narratives still follow the voices of stones, streams, and dreams, listening to the wind with open ears and open hearts, not knowing where it will lead, or what they will learn.”
— Evan T. Pritchard, director of the Center for Algonquin Culture and author of Bird Medicine: The Sacred Power of Bird Shamanism
“Kent Nerburn speaks reverently of the bridge between our Judeo-Christian tradition and the spiritual gifts of the Native Americans. There is much healing to be had in our lives and for the land by crossing this bridge.”
— Richard Rohr, bestselling author of The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation
“Kent Nerburn reminds us that in the timeless Native American ways of seeing and being, the truth of life is not found in knowledge but in something closer to prayer. Even today, amidst coffee shops, graveyards, old cars, and cafeterias, the wisdom keepers Nerburn follows in his sensitively told narratives still follow the voices of stones, streams, and dreams, listening to the wind with open ears and open hearts, not knowing where it will lead, or what they will learn.”
— Evan T. Pritchard, director of the Center for Algonquin Culture and author of Bird Medicine: The Sacred Power of Bird Shamanism
September 13, 2017
Great information. Nerburn is awesome and I always learn something from his books.
December 1, 2018
Short and powerful, the Native way makes so much more sense than the "American" cultural way to me.
November 19, 2020
This should be required reading for every single American.
August 18, 2017
Throughout the book Kent Nerburn describes the history and the daily life style in an extremely interesting read about the Native American Culture. During his writing he describes many different experiences during his time on the reservation, and the way he describes these experiences to the reader is what makes the read so interesting. Personally I gave this five stars because like I said it is so interesting, but the writing does more than explain a culture, however it shines light on the good morals of the people and describes how as a world people need to be more selfless to those who have came before us. Personally that was one of my favorite parts about the book, when Nerburn is describing how at the feast, the young girls go and get food for the elders and then get them drinks. After this they go sit back down and then wait to receive food last. Nerburn says that by doing this the girls are learning patience and sacrifice, that serving and being there for the people who have more wisdom is beneficial in their life. Another part of the book that was very interesting was when Nerburn describes the Native philosophy around life. In this part of the book, Nerburn describes that natives feel bad for the white man because "they are more scared of death, than a life poorly lived". This section of the book was very intriguing because it makes you think as the reader about your personal life. Or at least it made me think about my life because, my goal in life is to live life to the fullest not being worried about how I'm going to die. So living a life full of excitement in whatever context that is to you is very relatable to myself and probably many others. Now to talk about Kent Nerburn's writing. In this specific book I would say it is definitely intriguing and interesting. The highlights of his work is his ability to describe each experience in great detail. The one example that my mind always thinks of is the feast. Reason being because he describes the experience in such detail that you as the reader can picture the setting so well. This is a unique type of writing because the chance of making the writing boring is a lot higher than making it interesting. So for Nerburn to master this writing in this specific book is very impressive. From the beginning to the end the book is full of rich culture that is so fascinating it's hard not to want to read more. From his ability to describe to the experiences he describes. Voices in the Stones is one of great imagery. Which for any person who likes a lot of books with imagery, this one is for you. This book overall is one I would definitely recommend. So to conclude my review, I give this book a solid five stars and recommend it to anybody interested in learning about the Native American culture.
July 10, 2023
This was a beautiful and simple book, a perfect introduction to Kent Nerburn as a writer, especially if you don't already know his work. He calls it a sketchbook of his reflections, gained from his thirty years living near to the heartbeat of Native America. No white man knows it better or tells it as clearly and plainly. The subtitle captures his intentions, He brings forth life lessons from the Native Way.
What I admire most about Nerburn is his empathy and sensitivity to the Native mindset. He's crossed the huge cultural divide that separates the Native from the Indo-European. He offers hope that such a thing is even possible, since the sensibilities and spiritual demands of each side is so different and all encompassing. Just being able to understand what white settlers and government officials and soldiers did to a culture that was different and in their way is a start. We can't change history, but we also need to stop trying to deny it!
This is a wonderful way to start learning about Native issues. Nerburn's writing is easy and clear and will encourage you open your heart and mind and help you understand. It won't provide all the answers, but it will open pathways to learn and see more. Who the original Native Americans were is worth our study. Their way of life was so focused on the earth, nature, spirit and mystical energy and offers insights and lessons we desperately are in need of today.
What I admire most about Nerburn is his empathy and sensitivity to the Native mindset. He's crossed the huge cultural divide that separates the Native from the Indo-European. He offers hope that such a thing is even possible, since the sensibilities and spiritual demands of each side is so different and all encompassing. Just being able to understand what white settlers and government officials and soldiers did to a culture that was different and in their way is a start. We can't change history, but we also need to stop trying to deny it!
This is a wonderful way to start learning about Native issues. Nerburn's writing is easy and clear and will encourage you open your heart and mind and help you understand. It won't provide all the answers, but it will open pathways to learn and see more. Who the original Native Americans were is worth our study. Their way of life was so focused on the earth, nature, spirit and mystical energy and offers insights and lessons we desperately are in need of today.
September 26, 2019
I loved this little book. As with other of his writings, Nerburn puts himself in the story so you see it through his experiences. Nerburn has a fairly unique gift, imho, of the ability to be open and honest and clear-eyed, along with decades of personal experiences with Native Americans, which allows him to take us on journeys to bridge the gap between European and Native American cultures and beliefs. What Europeans did to Native Americans was attempted genocide and such a massive failure of humanity cannot be undone or repaired or made up for. All that can be done is to start over if so inclined. Nerburn provides a narrow path for his race to begin that to the degree it is accepted. At least to admit what was done and to learn some respect for cultures not our own and not familiar. This book is probably a good starting place. (I also heartily recommend the Lakota elder trilogy beginning with "Neither Wolf Nor Dog"; the title alone reveals the deep near-fatal wounds.) It is hard to face the horrors done by one's ancestors -- maybe harder than facing the ones done TO them -- but it is also the only place to start. In that sense, Nerburn's books provide a unique opportunity, if not an easy one.
January 5, 2020
"They are not trying to understand; they are honouring the presence and the mystery."
Page 137.
I'm not gonna lie, at first I was very hesitant about reading a book about the Native ways of life written by a white man; but after hearing such high praise for this book I decided to give it a try. To my critical surprise, this book nailed it. Now granted, I've never read any other work by Kent Nerburn before, but this book makes me want to. It was insightful and emotional, yet respectfully detached in the white man's perspective. Nerburn offered stories of meaningful experiences he'd had, reflections into the impact they've had on his life, and how to apply these meaningful lessons into our everyday lives while still respecting the sacred aspects of Native cultures. I would honestly recommended this book to anyone seeking a deeper meaning to the mystery of life regardless of race and culture.
My favourite chapters:
The Elder's Smile.
The Old Man in the Café.
The Hip Bone.
Wind at the Bear's Paw.
Page 137.
I'm not gonna lie, at first I was very hesitant about reading a book about the Native ways of life written by a white man; but after hearing such high praise for this book I decided to give it a try. To my critical surprise, this book nailed it. Now granted, I've never read any other work by Kent Nerburn before, but this book makes me want to. It was insightful and emotional, yet respectfully detached in the white man's perspective. Nerburn offered stories of meaningful experiences he'd had, reflections into the impact they've had on his life, and how to apply these meaningful lessons into our everyday lives while still respecting the sacred aspects of Native cultures. I would honestly recommended this book to anyone seeking a deeper meaning to the mystery of life regardless of race and culture.
My favourite chapters:
The Elder's Smile.
The Old Man in the Café.
The Hip Bone.
Wind at the Bear's Paw.
February 21, 2017
Kent Nerburn is a skilled and enjoyable writer to read and his insight into the Native American way of life, the history, their perspectives, their spirit (as best as a white man can get) is profound and sensitive. The stories are about massacres, heartbreak and devastation and yet Nerburn keeps you reading and caring.
Last para of the book: "But just outside, the wind still blows, and the grasses do their ghostly dance. And I am reminded, once again, that the unseen is not the unreal, but only that which is beyond our understanding, and that the truth of life is not found in knowledge, but in something close to prayer".
"Come, let us put our minds together to see what kind of lives we can create for our children." Sitting Bull, Lakota Chief. These are the peoples we (the white Europeans) massacred.
Last para of the book: "But just outside, the wind still blows, and the grasses do their ghostly dance. And I am reminded, once again, that the unseen is not the unreal, but only that which is beyond our understanding, and that the truth of life is not found in knowledge, but in something close to prayer".
"Come, let us put our minds together to see what kind of lives we can create for our children." Sitting Bull, Lakota Chief. These are the peoples we (the white Europeans) massacred.
May 15, 2019
There is so much to be learned from the Native Americans. Kent Nerburn gives insight into their sensitive understanding of the world, their strong sense of community and their emphasis on sharing rather than selfish hoarding. Nerburn suggests that society today can benefit greatly from adopting the humility and opening up to learn from the Native Americans rather than dismissing it as myth. He talks about Native boarding schools and their resilience despite that. The guilt of what was done to them that shows in the US government’s zoning of reservations, and refusing to look at what the Native American population truly need.
This book is beautiful and can teach you a lot if you open up and let it. Nearly anything in life can teach you, if you let down your defenses and open up with some humility.
This book is beautiful and can teach you a lot if you open up and let it. Nearly anything in life can teach you, if you let down your defenses and open up with some humility.
November 30, 2017
The author uses short stories and anecdotes to provide insights into Native American beliefs and philosophy of life. These stories are based on his years of experience working with native people in Minnesota and the Dakotas. They provide readers with some valuable life lessons. If one does not have the time to read the author's "Wolf" trilogy (Neither Wolf nor Dog, The Wolf in Twilight, The Girl Who Sang to the Buffalo), this book does a fair job of summarizing the teachings found in those works.
January 28, 2021
There are so many lessons to be learned from our Native American brothers and sisters and this book has many things to ponder and consider. In our hurry up, modern world it is good to be reminded of the natural world, what it offers and how we should consider it. I've been re-watching Longmire, a series based on Craig Johnson books and it has many tie ins with this book and some of the things real people experienced and shared.
This is not a long book but it needs to be read and pondered. That's why it took me so long to finish it!
This is not a long book but it needs to be read and pondered. That's why it took me so long to finish it!
November 14, 2019
I found this book to be deeply spiritual, not preachy, but spiritual in the best sense of the word. It was illustrative to see the very, very long spiritual tradition of the truly first inhabitants of North America. The longing for spiritual connection pervades humanity, and we can make this connection only we are perceptive and put our dogmatic beliefs aside. Reading this book was a beautiful experience.
October 24, 2020
The truth in life is not found in knowledge but in something close to prayer .
Teachings from the wisdom of the Elders is the importance of understanding, We not I, are our Hope if we are to survive. We are a part of nature not apart from it. We are a part of each other not apart from us. Thank you Mr. Nerburn for sharing the truths of the teachings of the Elders.
Teachings from the wisdom of the Elders is the importance of understanding, We not I, are our Hope if we are to survive. We are a part of nature not apart from it. We are a part of each other not apart from us. Thank you Mr. Nerburn for sharing the truths of the teachings of the Elders.
July 6, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Each chapter is a short reflection on an encounter with Native American culture that lifts up their wisdom often in comparison with the shallowness of our contemporary understanding.
January 8, 2020
A good read
I found this book to be a great read, I feel like I'm more intouch with how the customs and traditions of native people shape how they view the world. It was also a good reminder of non embellished American history.
I found this book to be a great read, I feel like I'm more intouch with how the customs and traditions of native people shape how they view the world. It was also a good reminder of non embellished American history.
October 3, 2022
Simple when simple is good. Struck a cord in my thinking/feeling. I suspect we are way past the "tipping point" in understanding what we have done to the earth and ultimately our selves and our future. So be it.
June 15, 2017
One of those books that you would wish everyone would read.
August 16, 2017
Excellent storyteller, but moralizes at the end and takes it down one star.
August 24, 2017
A quick read that made me think about the many things and customs we have lost from the natives. I enjoyed the book.
December 31, 2017
Kent Nerburn has done so much to bridge the white and native cultures. I loved this book as much as his others!
February 7, 2019
Borrowed from the library, then bought my own copy.
September 19, 2020
For anyone interested in Native American culture, this author is incredible. Love his writing style, his stories, the wisdom he shares. Off to read more from this master!! Highly recommend!!
March 28, 2021
I love everything Kent Nerburn writes! This is not a book you just sit down and read; you have to savor it and learn from it. Amazing!
July 28, 2021
A great book. It demands to be read slowly -- so you can adapt the pace of nature, and bring yourself into harmony with it.
December 31, 2021
Really liked that is a short read yet a look into the world of the Natives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews