The Windwalker

by Blaine M. Yorgason

A choice novel that combines a fine little story with a few lessons for making life more meaningful. The story revolves around a Native American family that has left behind the grandfather to die, at his request. When he doesn't, he follows after the family trying to catch up. Blind, deaf, weak, and alone, he learns along the way what usefulness he might still have for his loved ones.

Genres: Fiction, Westerns, Lds Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction, Native American, Lds

116 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

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

[John Hatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deeply spiritual book about life, growing old, and death from the perspective of an American Indian. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching account of an old Indian who is left to die, and his communion with Giver-of-life whom he calls Grandfather. There is much for modern-day folk to learn from this story.

This book was made into a movie in which the ending of the story was changed. And then, for some reason incomprehensible to me, the book was rewritten to match the movie! I have a copy of the original book.

[Kirt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned some profound things about the stewardship of fatherhood from that old dead indian.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It talked so well about aging and what we leave for others. I picked up this book several years ago because I loved the movie when I was younger and just read it. I found out my copy was based on the movie and that the original book was a little different, so I got it also and will be reading it once again when I want to think about aging and what we can do for those we love.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I was cleaning out old book shelves and came across my copy of The Windwalker that I had received when I was young. I remember reading the story vividly and always being aware if The Windwalker story. Not really sure what category to put it in as a story about Indian Folklore I guess.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book! You need to read it and pay attention to the message.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story about Indian traditions, and lessons learned and taught by the elderly to the young. It shows the value of wisdom and age.

[Brannigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book well worth hunting it down.

[John Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the "expanded" edition, supposedly revised to resemble the movie. Now I want to read the original version. Has any writer done this sort of thing before?

[Nathan Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gift from Aunt Rene, signed by both authors

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

On a whim during a recent vacation with my extended family, I picked up this quick and enjoyable little book. It's a story about a Native American family as told from the perspective of the dying grandfather of the clan as he struggles to make sense of his life's purpose at the twilight of his life. There is plenty of fun action, short bursts of philosophical discussion as the Grandfather pleads with God (whom he addresses as "Grandfather"), and a climactic ending that is enjoyable, albeit predictable.

Coming in at 116 short, double-spaced pages, this book probably qualifies more as a short story. But still, it is a fun read, especially for young children, and provides some good basic philosophical discussion without too much philosophical dependency on any religious narrative. Although written by a Mormon and published by an LDS publisher, there is no real Mormon angle to the story, except that its themes of agency, family, and faith will easily register within the community.

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[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A choice novel that combines a fine little story with a few lessons for making life more meaningful. The story revolves around a Native American family that has left behind the grandfather to die, at his request. When he doesn't, he follows after the family trying to catch up. Blind, deaf, weak, and alone, he learns along the way what usefulness he might still have for his loved ones.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite stories/DVD's. My whole family grew up with the story and now my kis love it as much as I do. I love the display of indian knowledge. I've heard that this is the most correct film/story of the different tribes. GREAT JOB!

[Evelyn Mercy Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book yesterday morning . . . The whole thing was awesome and it left me with happy tears! It's a really quick read too! Easily worth anyone and everyone's time! So many amazing insights and so much wisdom in one small story; it really changed my perspective!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so sad to find this book was out of print.
Find a copy. This is a story which should not be lost.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read aloud book. It is a story of courage love and sacrifice for family. The grandfather will steal away your heart!

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and liked it.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL TIME FAVORITE!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!! I read this as a teen and it is still one of my favorite books!

[Louis · Rating 3 out of 5]

And old classic to LDS readers.

[Ger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read to anyone who realized that they will not live forever.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and so was the movie

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat slow and reflective, but a good tale of conviction and the purposes of life as told by an old Native American man.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetic tale of an old Indian warrior's second chance for end-of-life fulfillment. It deals with age, life lessons & dying. It is timely for me in my current circumstances.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this story! We used to watch this movie as kids and I have to say, I still like the movie more.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

[David Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for young readers.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great intro into poetry for me, and was accompanied with a fantastic story through the eyes of a wise old man.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Jenalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insights on aging and death.