Review of The Seven Commandments of the Sacred Buffalo Calf Woman: Martin High Bear (1919-1995)

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Bertha Jackson
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Review of The Seven Commandments of the Sacred Buffalo Calf Woman: Martin High Bear (1919-1995)

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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Seven Commandments of the Sacred Buffalo Calf Woman: Martin High Bear (1919-1995)" by Rose High Bear.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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The Seven Commandments of the Sacred Buffalo Calf Woman: Martin High Bear (1919-1995) by Rose High Bear focuses on the ancient teachings of Native Americans. After Martin became a spiritual leader of his people, he had a vision of the Sacred Buffalo Calf Woman, who had visited his ancestors and presented them with a sacred pipe and seven commandments to live by. She instructed Martin to live by these seven commandments and share them with all people, regardless of color, to bring peace and harmony to the world as God intended. Rose High Bear has told this story using recordings from Martin and his family and colleagues. I encourage everyone to grab a copy of this book to learn if Martin brought the world closer together with these ancient teachings and learn about the Seven Commandments of the Buffalo Calf Woman.

I enjoyed the authenticity that Rose High Bear brought to this book by writing it exactly as it was told to her, including grammar errors and English language limitations that Martin had with his third-grade education. It made sense to me that God (the Great Spirit) provided everything we needed to survive, from food to medicine. Reading about the Pacific Yew tree's cure for cancer was particularly interesting to me as a cancer survivor. I found it amazing how much money can be saved if you learn the benefits and uses of different herbs, trees, and animals, to name a few. For example, did you know that blindness can be cured using part of a beaver? Or sage leaves can heal sore throats and headaches? I loved Martin's humor throughout this novel. I laughed when Martin said we would all starve today if we lost our can openers because it is probably true for many people. The joke about the parrot, potatoes, and Jesus was hilarious. I could understand the Native Americans' anger with America's claim that it was a refuge from all religious persecution while, at the same time, their Indian religion was taken away from them, and they were forced to become Christians. Religion was not the only thing they took away from them. I enjoyed reading about the Native American customs and traditions regarding those who were spiritual healers, had two spirits, were born different from others, and had different religions, morals, family values, etc., that they lived by before they were taken away from them. The map of the Dakota Territory helped me visualize the travels Martin and other Native Americans took. The photos throughout the book helped me understand the characters and their traditions. Footnotes at the end of each chapter provided clarification, further details, and credibility of the stories.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars because it has been professionally edited, and I only found a few objective errors. I enjoyed reading every page of this book and encountered no negative aspects within its pages. I sincerely hope Martin's descendants and other Native Americans continue exploring and sharing their proud heritage with others who can learn much about it and live better lives.

Anyone who believes in God (the Great Spirit) and is interested in Native American history, traditions, and cultures will enjoy reading this book. You will want to avoid this book if you find religion offensive.

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The Seven Commandments of the Sacred Buffalo Calf Woman: Martin High Bear (1919-1995)
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Bertha R. Jackson :D
Book Reviewer at OnlineBookClub.org
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