Turtle Dream: Collected Stories from the Hopi, Navajo, Pueblo, and Havasupai People

by Gerald Hausman

A collection of stories about Native Americans in the Southwest.

Genres: Native American

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1989

About the author

Gerald Andrews Hausman is a storyteller and award-winning author of books about Native America, animals, mythology, and West Indian culture. Hausman comes from a long line of storytellers and educators, and has published over seventy books for both children and adults.

Reviews

[Bob Newman]

turtle disappointment

Twenty-four years ago, a friend of mine gave me this book, I think because he knew that I like turtles. I certainly do, but that doesn’t mean that every book with a turtle on the cover and in the title is a worthwhile book. It is my firm belief that he did not read the contents because this is a young adult book written in simple English with simple emotions, mostly about teenagers, OK, modern Native American teenagers. I’m probably not capable of appreciating the book properly because I am not a reader of young adult fiction. That’s why I don’t want to award any stars---it’s just out of my genre and I had other objections.

Recently, when the skies have opened up, I flew to Florida to see my brother, and I took along TURTLE DREAM to read on the plane, not knowing what it was. Hmm, a disappointment. Not only is it a young adult novel, though, it makes a big mistake. Thirty-two years ago, a white author attempted to write stories from an American Indian point of view. No, sorry, it doesn’t wash, especially nowadays. Sure, he can write ABOUT American Indians from HIS point of view, no problem, but in my opinion, the days of white or non-Indian authors writing the stories of Indians from a so-called Indian viewpoint have gone. The book says it presents collected stories from various Indian peoples in North America. Let those people present their own stories.

Not recommended.

[Grace RS · Rating 1 out of 5]

I typically like reading about other cultures and their traditions/mythologies; however, this book was strange and disappointing. The characters and dialogues are flat.

The stories themselves are lacking. They all involve a reoccurring dream: a girl dreaming of riding a turquoise horse; a woman dreams that she and her grandmother turn into turtles in the afterlife; a girl fights evil winds and withstands all in a dream (symbolizing her fights against modernity).

The only story that has some redemption is "Jimmy Blue Eyes," about a boy torn between modernity and his culture. While he wants to know more about his people's traditions, he also questions their accuracy and superstition; he disobeys the customs and does what he believes to be right.

The book attempts to explore the ancient vs modern terrain; these dreams symbolize the power of the unknown, the mysterious, and our need to embrace it. However, the book fails because if anything, it turns readers off from the Native American beliefs. I couldn't enter into any of the stories. The speakers don't feel genuine or pertinent. I would have left unread, but I dislike doing that.

[Sam Desir-Spinelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the stories felt a little aimless. But there were some interesting themes: culture and tradition, truth to one’s self, coping with death and loss, fear.

Art was nice.

Writing style was nice.

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to read about another culture. I didn't feel that any of the stories were that significant. I do feel this book would be good to discuss with a group about themes and Native American culture and traditions.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well told stories with beautiful illustrations. The stories were more modern then I had expected and touched on many topics. I wish there was more information about where the stories themselves came from. The notes at then end were helpful but I wanted to know more.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

an interesting look into Hopi, Navajo, and pueblo culture, very quick read.