New Insights into the Mistreatment and Abuse of the Navajo People
PHOENIX, Ariz. (PRWEB) June 16, 2016 -- Based on oral traditions the Navajo people and their culture can be traced back as far as the 1100’s. After hundreds of years developing a strong nation with a rich culture, their livelihood and existence fell under attack from the U.S. government and military along with the Spaniards and even other tribes in the area.
Author Sharon Gearhart spent 12 years as a teacher on the Navajo Indian Reservation, which allowed her the opportunity to absorb the culture firsthand while learning the stories of their past. Her new novel, “Seasons of the Enemies: The Long Walk of the Navajo,” focuses on the pivotal transition period in the 1860’s when the Navajo were being attacked on all fronts. The tribe faced extinction and the loss of their land at the hands of the U.S. Army and other enemies, but this remains a story of survival.
“The experience of the Navajo people is little known to many Americans,” Gearhart said. “Oral traditions have been passed down through generations amongst the Navajo, but it is important that such historical stories be preserved in writing and shared across the country and globe.”
While helping to expose the trials and tribulations of the Navajo people, Gearhart also provides keen insights with great attention to detail on the tribe’s spiritual nature, rituals and vibrant lifestyle. Having studied and spent so much time with the Navajo, Gearhart translates their perspective in such great detail all the way down to subtle speech patterns.
“In a day where we still seem to be afraid of people from different cultures, I want this book to help illuminate the horrors that can occur when we let that fear consume us,” Gearhart said. “Unfortunately, history continues to repeat itself even as we speak.”
While “The Trail of Tears” helped Americans across the country better understand the trials of the Cherokee people, “Seasons of the Enemies” hopes to do the same for the Navajo people.
“Seasons of the Enemies”
By: Sharon Gearhart
SC-ISBN: 978-1-4931-4773-1
SC-Retail price: $19.99
Available at barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com and Xlibris.com
About the author
Sharon Gearhart has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s in remedial reading. Additionally, she has a certificate in English as a second language. She was born in Southern Illinois as one of 13 children. She spent two years in the U.S. Army and taught for six years in rural Illinois before moving out west to teach at varying levels for 12 years on the Navajo Indian Reservation. She currently resides in Phoenix and continues to share the stories of the Navajo out of her profound respect for their culture and legacy.
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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Spencer Hotz | 317.602.7137| shotz(at)bohlsengroup(dot)com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide street address.)
Spencer Hotz, Bohlsen Group, +1 317-602-7137, [email protected]
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