Navajo: A Journey of Strength, Courage, & Resilience

by Darryl Benally

The indigenous Navajo way of life has been in "survival mode" since the introduction of Eurocentric culture in the Americas. Darryl Benally tells the true story of what it is like growing up Navajo, surviving the challenges of navigating in a multicultural society and an unjust system, while layering the pages with knowledge about the Navajo culture itself. Darryl Benally's story begins with life on a Navajo Reservation with all the cards stacked against him-being exposed to alcoholism, domestic violence, and enduring a government sponsored boarding school. 




You will be inspired on how a Navajo became a member of the Ranger Regiment in the U.S. Armed Forces, graduated with a doctorate degree, and now serves as mental health therapist school psychologist within his community to ensure children and families receive adequate mental health services. Within the book, the reader becomes acquainted with the elements of cultural competence, but also develop insight in applying the heart of wisdom to their own lives.




My Journey in the Navajo Nation is must read passionate personal experience of wading through the murky waters of an American society that longs to forget its sordid past even while dealing with the cultural aftermath of its actions. It is for seekers of indigenous knowledge and those who embrace and understanding of social justice.

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2022

Reviews

[B.D. Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story of one man's journey to healing surviving a dysfunctional family as well as growing up in one of America's forgotten people groups, the Navajo. Benally's mixing in of Navajo culture intrigued and fascinated me as well. I enjoyed the origin story of his clan as the beginning of most chapters. I learned a lot from the short book and appreciate the the pain I'm sure he endured writing it.

[J.L. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was particularly interested in reading Navajo: A Journey of Strength, Courage, & Resilience because I’ve always been fascinated by the people of the First Nation in America. After finishing the book in a couple of sittings, I better understand the struggle of this unique group of people.

In a straightforward, sometimes poignant account, the author takes the reader inside his experience of state-enforced boarding school, a traumatic home life, and how he made the best of his situation. Navaho makes some issues clearer but no less puzzling, including the business of becoming an American citizen in the place where colonizers found indigenous occupants.

Also, the experience of the Navajo maiden that runs throughout the book created a connective thread in a story of hope and resilience.

Good job, Mr. Benally, for shining a light on the Navaho culture—the hardships, the pain, and the triumphs.

[Rebecca Blenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated many things about this book. The author’s descriptions of the natural world, life on the reservation, and his family relationships were vivid and compelling. His story of resilience in the face of intense personal and intergenerational trauma was moving and inspiring, and I liked the allegory of the Lady Tó’aheedlíinii. I think books like this are important and I wish more people would read them. The only reason I didn’t give it more stars was that the writing was somewhat disjointed and rambling, which made it a little confusing and hard to follow.

[Jolene Platero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nizhoní.

Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I have so many questions but I don't want to spoil this read for so many. I hope there is a part ii coming.

[Bridgett Renay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Moved

This story has touched my heart and changed my views about so many things in life ... especially my childhood. It's an absolute must read.