What do you think?
Rate this book
Warrior Spirit Rising: A Native American Spiritual Journey
Growing up, I knew two things to be
My dad was a drunk.
Being an Indian was complicated.
When I joined the Navy, these two ideas were cemented when my fellow sailors, after finding out that I was an American Indian, would ask me if I drank a lot or if I still lived in a TeePee. They were asking questions because that’s what they knew and I couldn’t blame them. I could only answer “no” to both. These questions, posed by my curious new friends, made me wish that I knew more about my background, about me. Dad tried to teach us the language, the culture, what it meant to be Ojibwe.
But no one wants to learn from a drunken Indian, least of all, me.
Then, in the winter of 1980, my dad nearly died. When he awoke, everything changed. This is his story. Warrior Spirit Rising is the inspiring true account of Dianna's father, Gene, as told through her eyes.
Gene was raised in the North Woods of Minnesota, on the tribal lands of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Surviving years of cultural genocide, racism, and the Vietnam War left him broken—battling severe PTSD and alcohol abuse.
In this stunning tale of Native American perseverance, Good Sky unravels the history of her father, her family, and her people, and the near-death experience that would change their lives forever. With both wit and honesty, she explores the devastating loss of heritage that has impacted generations of Native Americans, and how the powerful choice to forgive can leave a legacy.
My dad was a drunk.
Being an Indian was complicated.
When I joined the Navy, these two ideas were cemented when my fellow sailors, after finding out that I was an American Indian, would ask me if I drank a lot or if I still lived in a TeePee. They were asking questions because that’s what they knew and I couldn’t blame them. I could only answer “no” to both. These questions, posed by my curious new friends, made me wish that I knew more about my background, about me. Dad tried to teach us the language, the culture, what it meant to be Ojibwe.
But no one wants to learn from a drunken Indian, least of all, me.
Then, in the winter of 1980, my dad nearly died. When he awoke, everything changed. This is his story. Warrior Spirit Rising is the inspiring true account of Dianna's father, Gene, as told through her eyes.
Gene was raised in the North Woods of Minnesota, on the tribal lands of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Surviving years of cultural genocide, racism, and the Vietnam War left him broken—battling severe PTSD and alcohol abuse.
In this stunning tale of Native American perseverance, Good Sky unravels the history of her father, her family, and her people, and the near-death experience that would change their lives forever. With both wit and honesty, she explores the devastating loss of heritage that has impacted generations of Native Americans, and how the powerful choice to forgive can leave a legacy.
158 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2020
27 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 23, 2020
I absolutely love this book!
I grew up with this man in our school, I remember his laughter in the hallways, his friendship to all of us kids, the way he brought the culture to us and taught us to not only respect it, but more importantly, that we all are one, and the way he would include us in their ceremonies, one of my favorite parts of school!
This story told of how he was able to overcome his demons, and use his miraculously saved life to save so many others. Also you'll learn about the past, the way our native american neighbors were treated on an individual level, and some of the traumas that they carry even into today. It is a perfect addition to the time we are in where we are being forced to confront the racism that we dont even realize we have. Where I live we don't have many (if any) POC, but we do live with the Native community, and our lives are greatly enriched by the way this man has helped us to come together, to love each other as friends, neighbors and families, and how we stand together and support one another when something happens!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a story of redemption, a story about God or the Great Spirit, a story about healing and salvation, and during this time, a story about how racism touched people individually and created effects that lasted a lifetime, both in bad ways but also in GOOD. <3
I grew up with this man in our school, I remember his laughter in the hallways, his friendship to all of us kids, the way he brought the culture to us and taught us to not only respect it, but more importantly, that we all are one, and the way he would include us in their ceremonies, one of my favorite parts of school!
This story told of how he was able to overcome his demons, and use his miraculously saved life to save so many others. Also you'll learn about the past, the way our native american neighbors were treated on an individual level, and some of the traumas that they carry even into today. It is a perfect addition to the time we are in where we are being forced to confront the racism that we dont even realize we have. Where I live we don't have many (if any) POC, but we do live with the Native community, and our lives are greatly enriched by the way this man has helped us to come together, to love each other as friends, neighbors and families, and how we stand together and support one another when something happens!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a story of redemption, a story about God or the Great Spirit, a story about healing and salvation, and during this time, a story about how racism touched people individually and created effects that lasted a lifetime, both in bad ways but also in GOOD. <3
July 15, 2020
This book was well written and thought through. In our current times of systemic racism, this is a different perspective, through the eyes of a native american woman and her father. The struggles of their family, resonates in so many others that have lived on or near a reservation, including myself. This book, will take you through many emotions, but more importantly, provides a better understanding of a culture and people that are so often, misunderstood. I highly recommend reading this book, and sharing the story with others.
August 8, 2020
Amazing true story told incredibly well. This story sucked me in made me cry multiple times, but uplifting in the end!
June 21, 2020
Gene is a Warrior indeed
I got my kindle release about midnight. I read half of the book before I fell asleep. I woke up and finished the book. I was excited to see what was written by Dianna about my cousin Gene. Gene has always been in my life. He is actually one of the few people I believe that loves me unconditionally and is always happy to see me and will always make time to give me a hug! :)
I am knowledgeable of Gene, his gifts and abilities, but not of his alcohol use other than being told by my mom that "he's a recovering alcoholic". Gene is my mom's cousin and my mom was very close to Gene, Whiz, Alma and Ellen as she was mostly raised by my Aunty Gahmat and Aunty Rose. Because I was still a young child when Gene came to live with us, I didn't realize it was to maintain his sobriety. I just thought he was coming to help build a house and play with us kids.
Dianna's accounts of her life with her Dad opened my eyes to more than I imagined.
The book flows well. Dianna and Gene's honesty strips away all facades. I am impressed by both Gene and Dianna's openness and willingness to share the past history of a very special person to me and the Bois Forte community. This book has definitely cemented the belief that I have, that Gene is a Warrior.
I got my kindle release about midnight. I read half of the book before I fell asleep. I woke up and finished the book. I was excited to see what was written by Dianna about my cousin Gene. Gene has always been in my life. He is actually one of the few people I believe that loves me unconditionally and is always happy to see me and will always make time to give me a hug! :)
I am knowledgeable of Gene, his gifts and abilities, but not of his alcohol use other than being told by my mom that "he's a recovering alcoholic". Gene is my mom's cousin and my mom was very close to Gene, Whiz, Alma and Ellen as she was mostly raised by my Aunty Gahmat and Aunty Rose. Because I was still a young child when Gene came to live with us, I didn't realize it was to maintain his sobriety. I just thought he was coming to help build a house and play with us kids.
Dianna's accounts of her life with her Dad opened my eyes to more than I imagined.
The book flows well. Dianna and Gene's honesty strips away all facades. I am impressed by both Gene and Dianna's openness and willingness to share the past history of a very special person to me and the Bois Forte community. This book has definitely cemented the belief that I have, that Gene is a Warrior.
July 23, 2020
Through the eyes of a Native American woman about her father. The struggles of their family, resonates. This book provides a little lesson of the Ojibwe culture and people. The book is about Gene Goodsky, told by his daughter, a Native American and retired Navy Chief. It is about the journey of her father from Native son, father, Navy man, drunk and finally back to Native American Spiritual healer. The book shows the struggles unique to his life and hers. I really enjoyed the book and have already ordered a copy for my Dad. I intend to recommend this book to my book club, as soon as we are able to meet again.
August 21, 2020
Warrior Spirit Rising is an incredible true story of a man whose life struggles and ultimate triumph will inspire all ages and races. Told through the eyes of his daughter, the author matter-of-factly presents the story and allows the reader to "step into her shoes" but not her emotions while she takes them through the complex dynamics of Native American existence on and off the reservation. Dianna Goodsky has a clear and flowing writing style which entertains as it elicits analysis and emotional reaction at the gut level. I cannot wait for her next book...she's gonna write one isn't she?
June 23, 2020
Eyes opened
This is not an amazing world renowned author. This is a daughter that grew into an amazing woman and as most, find insight on the growth of those around us.
I am in awe of this book. The story of a father that stumbled and then saw his true calling inspired me to be a better person.
I recommend this book. It is a reminder that everyone falls off of the Red Road and needs others help to succeed in life. Humbling and motivating. Thank you!
This is not an amazing world renowned author. This is a daughter that grew into an amazing woman and as most, find insight on the growth of those around us.
I am in awe of this book. The story of a father that stumbled and then saw his true calling inspired me to be a better person.
I recommend this book. It is a reminder that everyone falls off of the Red Road and needs others help to succeed in life. Humbling and motivating. Thank you!
June 28, 2020
Touches you deep in your soul!
As a fellow Minnesotan and retired Navy Chief, I immediately felt a connection to this book and Dianna. I started reading it earlier today and couldn’t put it down......I was captivated from the first chapter. Thank you for inviting us into your life and sharing your culture with so many. Congratulations on fulfilling your dream of telling your story. Your sister, HMC (FMF/SW) Karen Carter, USN Ret.
As a fellow Minnesotan and retired Navy Chief, I immediately felt a connection to this book and Dianna. I started reading it earlier today and couldn’t put it down......I was captivated from the first chapter. Thank you for inviting us into your life and sharing your culture with so many. Congratulations on fulfilling your dream of telling your story. Your sister, HMC (FMF/SW) Karen Carter, USN Ret.
July 28, 2020
I want to write a wonderful review. I read this book a couple of weeks ago, and at the end, I felt as if a good friend had introduced me to her father. I wanted to hug 11 year old Dianna and tell her how amazing her life would be. Not easy, always, but good. But words are Dianna’s strong suit, not mine, and what I end up saying is, “I love this book! And thank you, Dianna, for being brave enough to share so much of yourself!”
June 23, 2020
Riveting - holds you tight until the last page turns
This book drew me in from the introduction. The story cast a spell over me. It felt impossible to put down and truthfully I didn’t but twice. Read cover to cover in one afternoon. Diana’s storytelling is captivating. A must read.
This book drew me in from the introduction. The story cast a spell over me. It felt impossible to put down and truthfully I didn’t but twice. Read cover to cover in one afternoon. Diana’s storytelling is captivating. A must read.
August 22, 2020
Amazing story! Well written from the first page to the last. She tells her story and even gives a little Native American history that isn’t taught through our current history books. This is a must read for everyone!
February 12, 2022
The title is the story
Thank you Dianna for sharing a story that I could really relate to. You are a Chief s Chief. Your father is a greater man than many
Thank you Dianna for sharing a story that I could really relate to. You are a Chief s Chief. Your father is a greater man than many
June 29, 2025
This is a story about a man's struggles with alcoholism and PTSD, told through the eyes of his daughter. Some have described the book as humorous in parts, but I did not find any part of the book to be humorous at all. There was racism, sadness, and hungry children.
The book has confusing timelines and some repetition.
The book has confusing timelines and some repetition.
October 22, 2020
Having spoken to Dianna Goodsky and her Dad Gene i was expecting a romanticised view of their lives.I was almost shocked by Dianna's brutal honesty about her formative years with her Dad,a vietnam veteran suffering from PTSD and decent into alcoholism.Then came his Glorious and lasting redemption.Returning to Traditional ways,language and healing.Teaching in schools and universities This being inclusive of all creeds and religions.this is even more astounding given the brutality of historic laws still having an effect on their lives.The book has had a profound effect on my wife and myself.We would recomend anyone to read this book
March 12, 2021
This is a well-written, moving and sometimes very emotional story about one man's journey to find himself and realize his true purpose. There were times it was hard to read, because of Gene's tendency to self-destruct. His path was not easy, through rampant alcoholism and severe PTSD. He would have been a hard man to love at some points in his life. There is a lot to be learned in the reading of this book, about native spirituality and the various paths to recovery and personal redemption. Thank you Dianna Good Sky for sharing your Dad's story with us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2021
I loved the book! It’s heartfelt and well written by the author who is the daughter of Gene Goodsky. Mr. Goodsky overcame his demons with perseverance and determination. He was an amazing man. A true inspiration.
July 5, 2024
Beautiful book and story all the way through. As a fellow blue-eyed daughter, but one whose dad lost his battle to alcoholism, it was like an alternate ending to the story so similar to my own. I recently returned to my own 'Red Road,' and this book was beautifully enlightening. From the LLBO to Sugar Bush, Mii gwetch <3 what a beautiful read.
August 28, 2024
The book itself is probably a three star but I gave it five stars because it made a major impact on me. Good Sky tells the story of her father who, like me, is an indigenous, Navy Seabee combat veteran and his struggles with PTSD and alcohol. It changed my life and I would definitely recommend it to anyone dealing with similar issues and struggling to cope.
August 16, 2025
just like me
The book brings back many of the same experiences that I had during my open heart surgery. I saw my grandparents and actually had Thanksgiving dinner with them. They had passed nearly 25 years prior.
There is a lot to learn from our unexplainable thoughts.
The book brings back many of the same experiences that I had during my open heart surgery. I saw my grandparents and actually had Thanksgiving dinner with them. They had passed nearly 25 years prior.
There is a lot to learn from our unexplainable thoughts.
February 17, 2022
Straightforward truth, with love and loyalty too.
April 8, 2022
Great insight of one Native family and a Community filled with joy, pain, and finding the way home.
June 29, 2025
Interesting story about perseverance and forgiveness. I really liked the focus on unity among all races. Unfortunately, the story jumped around a lot and left a lot of questions hanging.
January 11, 2026
I enjoyed learning about the american native culture and this man's journey to give rebirth to it.
February 19, 2025
I had the great fortune of meeting Dianna Good Sky at a local library event. She is kind, funny, and matter-of-fact, and obviously proud of her father and her Ojibwe heritage. Through Warrior Spirit Rising she tells us the story of her family, her father, and the community in the North Woods of Minnesota.
Mii Gwetch Dianna, for sharing your story.
Mii Gwetch Dianna, for sharing your story.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews