RETURN TO CREATION
by Manitonquat (Medicine Story)

Quotes from reviews and other readers:


"I would like to thank Medicine Story for his sharing this superb book of knowledge and story, because there are so many people who are not sure what is going on in the mind, body, and spirit of things. This book will enlighten and connect you with the self, others, earth and sky. Enjoy."
-Alden Windsong Blake, Chief of the Assonet Wampanoag



..."a thoughtful, superlatively written book that makes a lot of sense....go pick up a copy...."
-Judy Bass, Boston Herald


"....This is a far-reaching book and a hopeful one. It speaks on major issues of our time - the new empowerment of women, tolerance, child-raising, consumerism, treatment of the elderly, abortion, men's liberation, sexuality, and peace - in story-telling examples, showing how we may change our ways and restore compassion and positive innovation to our lives. There is goodness in humankind, if only we allow it to be.
"Written in a sometimes mystic style, this is a book that must be read reflectively....."
-The Keene Sentinel


"SOME NATIVE WISDOM FROM MEDICINE STORY

"Unlike many writers in the 'spirituality/environment' genre, Manitonquat, or Medicine Story, appears to be an engaging, likable and utterly sincere person, without a trace of ... self-absorption....He describes himself as an elder, storyteller, and keeper of the lore - the spiritual leader of the Assonet band of the Wampanoag nation....He is a shrewd, clever and perceptive student of human nature....you will learn a lot from this Native American elder. However, you will find that the principles and advice he offers are based much more on common sense and human decency than on any mystical received wisdom.
"His chapter on childraising should be required reading for anyone trying to bring up a moral, responsible and well-adjusted child in the modern media-dominated world. 'Stay close, stay available, and let them be,' he advises.
"But that alone is not enough, as his elaboration clearly shows. After describing the ideal family environment, he admits that 'this is true to the degree that the family is remote from the pressures of the dominant culture of the country...' This is a staggeringly important concept...
"... I do recommend Return to Creation. There is a great deal to learn and ponder and appreciate here, although some of it is well disguised. For example, a brilliant discussion of leadership and management skills and personal responsibility is hidden...in a chapter called "The Way of Beauty". But even in best-selling management books, I have seldom encountered an author who so deeply and sympathetically understands human motivation."
-The Monadnock Ledger


"...In Return to Creation he uses his storytelling talents to take us back to the home of his ancestors in southern New England in order to bring us an awareness of natural law, known as the Original Instructions to indigenous peoples all over the world.
"....Guided by a vision, Medicine Story shares the ancient knowledge to benefit not only his native people, but all people in the belief that the tribal way of life may be the only way left to save humanity.
"....Much of this book is written in the wonderfully poetic manner I find so moving in Native storytelling, but it is far from being overly idealistic. It is, more often, a practical guide - a handbook for parents and community leaders alike. Medicine Story is an admirable man, an elder most worthy of respect and honor, and an author of great talent. His wisdom and sincerity are undeniable. Return to Creation is a book worth reading."
-Odyssey

"The appeal of this book is its lyrical simplicity. It can be recommended to those seeking a broader understanding of how modern Americans of Indian heritage are attempting to preserve their views of human nature and increase understanding about the place of humankind in the greater cosmos of which we are all ultimately a part - less important than we might think but perhaps of greater value than we imagine."
- The New Press, Spokane, WA

"In Return to Creation, Medicine Story gives the reader a reserved, front-row seat at his council fire. These are the stories you might have heard if you had been following Medicine Story around the country for the past 20 years absorbing his teachings....There is plenty of cosmology and spiritual theory here, for those who are interested. But there are also more "practical" sections on subjects such as child-rearing, honoring elders, and the ways of men and women."
Convergence, Concord, N.H.



"....I have decided that your book is what I am giving to most family and friends for Christmas this year, and so I decided I will call every book store in the greater Portland area and ask them to order it so that they will become aware of it, and I will rave about how wonderful it is so much that they will become curious and order more...
"I need to get another copy of your book for me as a loaner copy, to help me promote your book, as I am unwilling to loan our copy that you signed. I don't have many precious material possessions, but this is one of them...."
-Pam Leo, The Family Business, Gorham, ME