2021/03/08

Yisang Sohn 미나리

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Yisang Sohn
3nhtSponlsorrhed ·



<미나리>
를 나흘 전에 보았는데 여전히 여운이 남아있다. 

관객을 흔들어 깨우는 영화다. 저항할 수 없는 거대한 재앙 앞에 놓인 인간을 묘사한다

한국에는 <미나리>가 마치 한국인 이민자들의 미국 정착기를 다루는 가족 서사인 것처럼 알려졌다. 영화의 외적 측면들(한국어 사용, 한국계 감독과 배우들, 각종 영화제 수상 소식들)이 과하게 부각된 까닭이다. 그러나 한국인 관객들의 기대와는 달리 <미나리>에는 민족적/문화적 정체성이 거의 투영되지 않는다. 한국인 가족이 이민자로서 미국 주류사회와 갈등을 겪는 장면도 전혀 나오지 않는다. 오히려 한인 밀집지를 피해 이주해온 가족과 한인 교회로부터 벗어나려고 시골까지 왔다는 여성의 발화는 이들이 적극적으로 탈-한국을 시도해왔음을 짐작케 한다.
영화를 관통하는 정체성은 민족성이 아닌 계급성이다. <미나리>는 미국 남부 시골에서 이동식 주택에 사는 가난한 소농민을 다루며, 현실의 삶에 최대한 밀착해 그 안에 가득한 결핍과 불화와 환상들을 영화 내내 보여준다. 그런 점에서 이 영화는 <분노의 포도>나 <에덴의 동쪽> 같은 20세기 작품들이 보여주었던 완고한 사회주의 미학의 직접적인 후계자라고 할 수 있다(제임스 딘 같은 미남은 안 나오지만). <미나리>에서 한국계 이민자 가족은 남부 복음주의의 미신적 환경 속에 그대로 떨어진다. 소규모 가족 농장이 한 뙈기 있으나 농산품의 안정적인 판매처는 커녕 충분한 물조차 얻지 못한다. 미래가 불투명하다. 소득을 얻기 위해 부부가 모두 부업에 매달려야 하기 때문에 아이들을 돌볼 수 없다.

그런데 리 아이작 정 감독은 이 영화를 통해 현실에 맞선 저항 서사를 만들지 않는다. 적대계급과의 갈등 내지 긴장도 표현하지 않는다. 그것은 오늘날 불안정계급의 삶이 유산계급의 직접적인 착취나 강압에 의해 형성되지 않기 때문으로, <미나리>의 병아리 공장 고용인이나 도시 유통상인 등은 일순간 스쳐지나갈 뿐 단 한번도 착취자의 모습으로 등장하지 않는다. <미나리>는 계급 갈등이나 저항을 그리는 대신 20세기 리얼리즘이 가지 않았던 다른 길을 걷는다. 계급성 외에 <미나리>를 지탱하는 또다른 축은 <애정의 조건> 같은 헐리우드 통속영화에서 반복되었던, 사건을 통한 감정이입이다. 누스바움에 따르면 인간의 감정은 개인적인 것일뿐 아니라 사회적, 문화적으로 구성된 것이기도 한데, 그녀는 특히 <애정의 조건>을 ‘미국적 슬픔’의 구체적인 예로 언급한 바 있다.
 
<애정의 조건>에 나오는 가족은 아이오와로 이주한다. <미나리>의 가족은 아칸소로 이주한다. <애정의 조건>에 나온 남편은 대학교수지만 학자로서 성공하지 못했으며 소득이 적다. 아내와 끊임없이 불화하다 파혼한다. <미나리>의 남편은 가축공장에서 폐기되는 쓸모 없는 숫놈 병아리와 같다. 아내와 끊임없이 불화하다 결별 선고를 받는다. <애정의 조건>에서 약간 더 교양있는 계급 출신인 아내는 결혼생활 내내 걱정을 안고 산다. 삶의 굴레에 막혀 부부간 대화를 잃어버린다. 아내로서가 아닌 아이들에게 헌신적인 어머니로서만 존재할 수 있다. <미나리>의 한예리도 그러하다. <애정의 조건>의 아내는 자신의 엄마와 긴밀한 관계로 등장하며 정신적으로 크게 의존한다(영화 포스터도 모녀의 모습만을 제시한다). <미나리>의 한예리와 윤여정의 관계도 그러하다.

<애정의 조건> 같은 영화를 보는 관객들은 등장인물과 자신을 동일시함으로써 영화 속에 들어간다. 그럼으로써 영화 속 사건들을 자신이나 주변 사람들에게 ‘있을 법한 일’로 느낀다. 관객을 낯설게 함으로써 감정이입을 원천차단하는 리얼리즘 영화와는 다른 방식이다. 누스바움이 특히 <애정의 조건>이 미국적 슬픔을 드러낸다고 한 구체적 요소는 여주인공의 갑작스런 발병과 죽음이다. 그것은 미국인에게 더 물리적인 두려움이며, 미국의 사회적 문화적 환경에 의해 구성된 감정이다(미국인은 굶주림이나 전쟁을 현실적 두려움으로 여기지 않는다). 

<미나리>의 가족이 안고 있는 걱정거리도 그와 같다. 가족이 아칸소로 이주하는 차 안에서부터 불화하는 까닭은 어린 아들의 심장질환 때문이다. 시골 농장이라는 공간은 사회보장은 커녕 아무런 의료 서비스를 기대할 수 없는 곳이다. 병원이 있는 도시까지 차로 1시간이 넘게 걸린다.
<미나리>의 가족은 한국에 홀로 살고 있는 할머니를 미국으로 모셔온다. 할머니는 한예리가 항상 부채감을 안고 살 수 밖에 없는 홀어머니이자 유일한 혈육이기 때문이기도 하지만, 현실적으로 한예리 부부가 일하느라 아이를 돌볼 수 없기 때문에 내린 결정이기도 하다. 그러나 할머니는 갑자기 발병한 뇌졸중으로 몸조차 가누지 못하는 지경이 된다. 도저히 해결할 수 없는 막막한 현실이 펼쳐진다. 이 일은 이윽고 연쇄적인 재앙으로 이어져, 테렌스 멜릭의 <천국의 나날들>이나 타르코프스키의 <희생> 같은 작품들에서나 볼 수 있는 거대한 비극으로 치닫는다. 특히 클라이맥스 부분에서 미국인 관객이 경험할 정신적 충격은 한국인 관객이 느끼는 감정과 매우 다르다.

<미나리>는 이 가족이 어쩌다 미국까지 흘러왔는지, 왜 이런 삶에 놓였는지, 클라이맥스 부분의 그 재앙을 어떻게 딛고 일어섰는지, 이후의 삶은 어떻게 되었는지 등을 의도적으로 생략한다. 관객이 이미 알기 때문이다. 미국 관객들은 이 가족이 아칸소로 향하는 첫 장면부터 닥쳐올 비극을 예감한다. 그리고 클라이맥스 부분의 그 일이 아니었더라도 이 가족에게 펼쳐졌을 일들을 상상한다. 이 가족은 하필이면 그곳에 정착했기 때문에 평생 가난하고 불행했을 것이며, 곧이어 오일 쇼크를 겪고 몰락했든지 또는 근근히 이겨내 집 한 채를 겨우 꾸렸더라도 모기지 체계가 무너지면서 모든 것을 잃었으리라는 상상을 관객 누구나가 쉽게 떠올릴 수 있다. 그것이 미국 소농계급이 지난 수십 년간 겪어온 삶이며 거기서 더 나아진 경우가 극히 드문 예외이기 때문이다.

이 영화가 정신적 충격을 안겨주며 관객을 흔들어 깨우는 지점이 바로 여기다. <미나리>는 영화 속 가족의 이전과 이후의 삶에 침묵함으로써 미국인들이 이미 알고 있었던 명확한 사실을 대단히 강력하게 환기시킨다. 바로 아메리칸 드림이 이미 오래 전에 실패했고 처참히 무너졌다는 사실 말이다. 폐허가 된 삶의 자리는 아직도 복구되지 않고 있다. 거기에 휩쓸린 계급은 단지 가난할 뿐 아니라 온전한 삶을 아주 놓아버린다. <미나리>의 아내는 엄마의 병을 고치기 위해 엑소시즘 같은 미신에 기울고 그녀를 비난하던 남편마저도 물을 찾기 위해 유사과학을 받아들인다. 몽매해서가 아니라 다른 수단과 방법이 전혀 없기 때문이다. 즉, 윤여정이 한국에서 가져와 심은 미나리는 비단 한국인 이민자의 은유가 아니라, 그 정도로 무너진 삶을 지금까지 그대로 지속하고 있는 계급의 은유다.

이것이 미국 영화계에서 <미나리>가 높은 평가를 받는 이유다. 또한 이 영화가 외국어 영화상을 받았다는 소식에 반발까지 나오는 이유기도 하다. 사실 미국 영화가 외국어 영화상을 받는 일은 이전에도 흔히 있어왔다. 클린트 이스트우드의 <이오지마에서 온 편지>도 골든글로브 외국어 영화상을 받았는데 그때는 이런 반발이 없었다. 미국 관객들과 평단의 반응은 2021년 현재의 미국, 철저히 파탄난 미국을 <미나리>보다 잘 드러낸 영화가 없기 때문이고, <미나리> 가족의 이야기를 자신들의 삶의 은유로 느끼기 때문이라고 할 수 있다. 이를 단적으로 알 수 있는 것이 영화평이다. 미국 관객들의 <미나리> 리뷰를 보면 트럼프 현상을 언급하는 글이 흔하다.
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한국인 관객들에겐 이런 지점들이 크게 와닿지 않는다. <미나리> 가족이 겪는 주된 비극, 도저히 헤어나올 수 없는 막막한 삶이 한국인 관객에게는 현실적인 두려움이 아니다. 농사가 잘 안 되면 보조금 받으면 되고 할머니가 쓰러지면 병원에 데려가면 된다. 

그래서 <미나리>에 대한 한국인 관객들의 반응은 크게 세 가지로 나누어지는데, 
  1. 하나는 끈끈한 가족애를 보여주는 힐링 영화라는 관점(실제로 왓챠피디아에서 가장 많은 공감을 받은 평가 중 하나). 
  2. 다른 하나는 가부장적인 남편의 답답함에 주목하는 관점(그렇게 된 현실적인 요인들을 알아차리지 못한다). 
  3. 그리고 무엇보다도 한국인 가족이 고난과 역경을 딛고 미국에 정착하는 집단 서사로 보는 관점이 있는데, 이 세번째 관점을 장착한 관객들은 <국제시장>을 보듯이 <미나리>를 본다. 그리고는 ‘행복하게 살았습니다’가 나오지 않는 결말에 크게 실망한다.

마지막으로 <미나리>와 비슷한 소재를 다루면서 더 하드코어한 영화인 클로에 자오의 <노마드랜드>를 살펴보자. <노마드랜드>의 여주인공은 남편과 함께 일하던 공장이 사라지면서 일자리를 잃고 남편마저 죽어버린다. 그녀는 주택을 겸한 차량 한 대에 의지해 미국 서부를 떠돌며 산다. 이미 망가진 삶에서도 비극은 연쇄적으로 일어나, 그녀 자신에게 질병이 닥치고 차량은 망가진다. 모든 삶의 의지를 박탈당한 그녀는 다른 가족과 결합할 기회를 스스로 포기한다.

 이것은 말하자면 <미나리>의 한예리가 겪었을 수도 있는 가장 처참한 미래의 한 측면, <미나리>가 의도적으로 침묵한 미국의 실패의 가장 극단적인 모습이라고 할 수 있다. <노마드랜드>도 <미나리>와 같은 해인 2020년에 개봉해 대단히 좋은 평가를 받았다.

나는 언제나 영화 자체보다도 그 영화를 바라보는 관객들의 반응 혹은 사회적인 움직임에 더 관심이 많다. 나는 <미나리>를 5공 때만 해도 한국에 개봉조차 어려웠을 유형의 영화라고 생각하는데, 그럼에도 불구하고 한국인 관객들은 이 영화가 미국에서 높은 평가를 받기 때문에, 영화의 내용에는 아랑곳 않고 한류에 도취하여 어떻게든 긍정과 희망의 영화인 것처럼 왜곡해 받아들인다. 한편 <노마드랜드>는 중국계 캐나다인 감독의 작품으로, 미국문명이 하드코어하게 무너진 풍경을 현실적으로 그려냈다. 그럼에도 중국인 관객들은 그 영화가 미국에서 높은 평가를 받기 때문에, 영화의 내용에는 아랑곳 않고 어떻게든 클로에 자오를 배신자인 것처럼 왜곡해 비난한다. 두 영화 모두, 온전한 감상법은 미국영화라고 생각하고 보는 것이다. 감독의 혈통을 잊고 보아야 제대로 볼 수 있다.
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  • 쏟아지는 미나리 리뷰중 최고인 듯..아직 못봤지만요
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Keep Going: The Art of Perseverance by Joseph M. Marshall III | Goodreads

Keep Going: The Art of Perseverance by Joseph M. Marshall III | Goodreads



Keep Going: The Art of Perseverance
by Joseph M. Marshall III
 4.29  ·   Rating details ·  607 ratings  ·  85 reviews
Grandfather says this: “In life there is sadness as well as joy, losing as well as winning, falling as well as standing, hunger as well as plenty, bad as well as good. I do not say this to make you despair, but to teach you…that life is a journey sometimes walked in light and sometimes in shadow.”

Grandfather says this: “Keep going.”

These thought-provoking lessons, passed down by the author’s own Lakota grandfather, will inspire the hundreds of thousands who already know his work—and will tap into the market that has embraced such books as Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s The Invitation.

When a young man’s father dies, he turns to his sagacious grandfather for comfort. Together they sit underneath the family’s cottonwood tree, and the grandfather shares his perspective on life, the perseverance it requires, and the pleasure and pain of the journey. Filled with dialogue, stories, and recollections, each section focuses on a portion of the prose poem “Keep Going” and provides commentary on the text.

Readers will draw comfort, knowledge, and strength from the Grandfather’s wise words—just as Marshall himself did. 








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From best-selling Native American writer Joseph M. Marshall III comes an inspirational guide deeply rooted in Lakota spirituality.

When a young man’s father dies, he turns to his sagacious grandfather for comfort. Together they sit underneath the family’s cottonwood tree, and the grandfather shares his perspective on life, the perseverance it requires, and the pleasure and pain of the journey. Filled with dialogues, stories, and recollections, each section focuses on a portion of the prose poem “Keep Going” and provides commentary on the text.

Readers will draw comfort, knowledge, and strength from the Grandfather’s wise words—just as Marshall himself did.

GET A COPY
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Hardcover, 144 pages
Published October 15th 2006 by Sterling (first published January 1st 2006)
Original TitleKeep Going: The Art of Perseverance
ISBN140273607X (ISBN13: 9781402736070)
Edition LanguageEnglish
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Keep Going: The Art of Perseverance 
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Keep Going: The Art of Perserverance 
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 Average rating4.29  ·  Rating details ·  607 ratings  ·  85 reviews

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Amanda Kay
Jan 22, 2013Amanda Kay rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
This is, by far, the best book I've ever listened to. Hearing Joseph Marshall read his book was so incredibly comforting and touching that I can't possibly express my full gratitude. If you have children, read this to learn stories to tell them when they ask why life is so hard sometimes. If you miss your grandparents, read this to feel close to them. If you feel lost or ready to give up, read this to help you make the next step.

I've very rarely finished an audiobook thinking, 'I will listen to this again and again,' but here I am thinking just that. I hope you will share my enthusiasm. (less)
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Jennifer
Dec 29, 2008Jennifer rated it really liked it
This is a wonderful book to read, especially in today's tough times. The story is beautifully told and hopeful, which is what we all need at times -- hope. (less)
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Choonghwan
Dec 05, 2012Choonghwan rated it really liked it
"Life, we think, measures us by how well we've succeeded or how miserably we have failed. On the other hand, perhaps life doesn't measure us at all, at least not in the same ways we measure over-selves."

Life only can be learned not be taught.


...more
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Alix Judkins
Oct 30, 2020Alix Judkins rated it it was amazing
If only we all had an Old Hawk to sit under an ancient chestnut tree with and take advisements and learn of our family line. Life lessons galore, the most simple one being to keep going no matter the trials, is firm in it's roots and prevails most other lessons of life. Wise words I was blessed to have read, thank you Joseph for sharing. (less)
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Melinda Flaugher
Mar 14, 2018Melinda Flaugher rated it really liked it
A simple read with important truths regarding life.
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Mimi
Jan 17, 2020Mimi rated it it was amazing
Loved this book! "Keep Going" (less)
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Stacie Kenney
Sep 03, 2020Stacie Kenney rated it liked it
Shelves: bookshelf
This was a good book that I read with a bookclub through work. I enjoyed the stories told by Old Hawk throughout.
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Nicholas
Oct 30, 2014Nicholas rated it really liked it
Written very simply, the stories and lessons shared in this little volume are good reminders of things which should be obvious but somehow are not. There are points where the layers get lost, one in particular about a village facing a flood comes to mind. The focus on was on the the taking of each step to save the village, but glosses over was that some people there were too pessimistic to help. That seemed to cry out for more to be said, how did they react to the partial success: did they see the failure? did they see that with their help it would have been better? were they welcomed back when they returned? That one little tale was designed to tell one lesson, but could have contained so much more.

Interspersed among the stories and lessons being shared are little tidbits of the life of the two main characters, even the major parts being thrown in almost as afterthoughts, allowing the two to be anyone even after those details come out, adding an element of universality.

"It is true that wealth buys power and influence, but it does not buy morality, or kindness, or compassion. The pursuit of wealth can blind us to the fact that all of us, rich or poor, can be generous with our time, love, kindness, and compassion. Those virtues, and many more, we can all have in unlimited supply... Anyone who does not exercise compassion is ignorant of the reality that everyone needs it at some time in life; or we forget that someone has blessed us with compassion at a time when we needed it. That is the smallness of arrogance. It is a disease of the soul. It can be highly contagious. Ignorance is its carrier. It ravages the souls of those who think there is no reality beyond themselves."

"But the most important word is *can*. Whatever doesn't kill you *can* make you stronger."

"In truth, we begin dying the day we are born."

"If you visit just about any cemetery in this country, you see that this society denies death." (less)
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Kris
Oct 19, 2012Kris rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
A friend gave me this book and then gently kept harping at me until I read it. After a particularly difficult day, I grabbed the book in a bit of huff and read it in two sittings.

The book consists of a conversation between a native american man and his grandfather. It is actually true stories compiled into one running conversation.

The crux of the matter is that without pain and sorrow, there cannot be happiness. The only way to proceed in life is to keep going - which is the central message of the book. Sometimes you go alone and sometimes with others but you always keep going.

There is something for everyone to relate to but the words that resonated with me were the following:

" A river begins its journey quietly as a small stream, usually in some obscure place. But it is a seeker determined to find its way. It does not know how to yield to obstacles, which can deter it for a time but cannot stop it. In a good season, a river grows and gathers strength from melting snows. Spring and summer rains also send down their encouragement. However, a bad season with less snow and rain may slow its flow to a mere trickle at times.

Nevertheless, the river inexorably follows the path it has made for itself, or it carves a new course if necessary. It is unstoppable.

A river can be wide or narrow, shallow or deep, swift or slow. But of all its characteristics, two are most distinctive: It creates its own path and it flows relentlessly. So long as there is winter snow in the mountains, spring rains and gravity, rivers will flow, they will persevere."

I am in the process of carving a new path, and I have slowed to a mere trickle, and I am alone but I am a seeker. And still I flow.

Lesson learned. Thanks for making me read the book. (less)
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Dave
Sep 13, 2016Dave rated it it was amazing
Shelves: values-cultivation
I love this author and especially audiobooks--he narrates his books himself and has such a voice that is so rich and sounds so authentic. Listening to native American stories abroad--living in the UAE, away from the US--has been comforting. Listening to native American stories in the US could also be comforting and enlightening. Such grounded, timeless wisdom for individuals, for society. Collections of human lessons are beautiful and useful both.

Now as I confront brain cancer, I looked for a book I could read before bed to wind down, stop my gears from turning, quiet my anxiety and desire to furiously read and learn more about what I can do to get rid of this cancer and never let it return. I picked up a few books by Paolo Coelho I hadn't read yet, and I remembered Joseph Marshall and found this book. What a great book. Easy to rjust open up and let Marshall tell you stories and deep lessons for dealing with hardship and even making sense of it, taking pride in it, learning from it and pushing through it to gain all the positive that comes from it. Things have been going very well for me through treatment after surgery, which I'm grateful for, but they won't always be. When times are hard, I will keep going and this book will be a big, strong foundation for me to rely on for strength for hope, for standing and facing the storm, and for taking one more step. Always one more step. (less)
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Shaunesay
Jan 27, 2014Shaunesay rated it really liked it
I discovered this little book in our collection the other day as I was poking through our basement books as I often do, just to remind myself of what is there. I didn't remember buying it, or even seeing it there before, but as my family is going through some difficulties right now it seemed that it may have appeared in front of me for a reason. I chose to honor the sign, if that's what it was, and give it a read.

This is a gentle, down to earth book of encouragement. It does not sugar coat reality but instead emphasizes the duality of all aspects of life and the importance of taking another step, no matter how weary you are, or how small that step is. Life is difficult, and those steps will be hard, but you must keep going, and in facing down those storms, you will gain strength. (less)
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Amanda 
Jun 10, 2020Amanda rated it really liked it
Shelves: philosophy, grief, native-american
Keep Going. A simple message, a simple book.
"If knowledge is strength of mind, then wisdom is the strength of the soul."
Native American wisdom is, to me, some of the greatest there is. I read this twice, skimmed it once more, and appreciated it more each time. I think anyone who reads this can find some wisdom that resonates in these pages. These are some of the things that I appreciated.

The understanding of reality and balance:
"There is love to overcome hate; generosity can diminish greed; truthfulness can reveal lies in the same way the wind dries the flood and rains end the drought."
"Without sadness we would not yearn for joy, and strive to find it, and treasure it when it comes. It is also a fact that neither sadness or joy is with us constantly. And how often one or the other is part of our journey is not always within our control."
Both good times and bad are part of the reality.
"Difficult experiences, whether they are sadness, loss, hunger, poverty, illness, or death, rarely occur because you invited them into your life. But when life does place hardship in your path it always offers a chance to learn strength."
"Life is a journey sometimes walked in light, sometimes in shadow."
"Remember that anything that causes the shadow is smaller than the source of the light."
Keep going.

Compassion:
"Anyone who does not exercise compassion is ignorant of the reality that everyone needs it at some time in life; or we forget that someone has blessed us with compassion at a time when we needed it.
That is the smallness of arrogance. It is a disease of the soul. It can be highly contagious. Ignorance is its carrier. It avenges the souls of those who think there is no reality beyond themselves.
"Those who suffer from the smallness of arrogance think that ill fortune is the fault of those who suffer it; that good fortune is a privilege that belongs to them. Whatever path you take, Grandson, do not succumb to arrogance and endanger your soul. "

The tempering process:
"sometimes we are suddenly immersed in a crisis, or an event that- if we use it- can make us stronger. But that tempering process means that it is necessary to deal with the hard facts of disappointment, sadness, and grief. Part of that process is not to deny those feelings. No one embraces disappointment, sadness, or grief, but neither should we deny ourselves the necessity of experiencing the entire array of human emotions. When our spirit tells us it is time to weep, we should weep."
"Grieving is part of the tempering process."

Endurance. Adversity.
"Rising to face the storm once again may seem foolish, perhaps even self-destructive. But I like to think that in some corner of our spirit there is a spark of defiance. That may be how storms teach us to be strong, by awakening that spark of defiance.
"Standing up to the storm, no matter how many times it blows us down, should teach us that we don't need to be as powerful as the storm to defy it. We only need to be strong enough to stand. Whether we stand shaking in fear or shaking our fist, as long as we stand, we are strong enough."

I liked some of the stories more than others. My favorite is the Three Suitors, about finding the strength and spirit to try one more time, even though all you can do is fall on your face.
"We will always serve ourselves best to take one more step.."

"Every step is a spark that defies the darkness of despair."
"Defy the darkness."

On the great strength in the ability to laugh: "Laughing and weeping should both have a place in our lives."

The NEXT step.
"The most important step isn't the first step or last step, but the steps inbetween... the "next step." Keep going.
Not the length of your stride or the number of steps, only that you take the steps, one after another."

Perseverance in the form of hope:
"Hope is always one more step. There will always be those of us who will succumb to hopelessness, and those who act on hope. I like to believe that most of the time hope will make a difference. "
Keeping hope alive is to know how to keep going. (less)
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Eva Tipps
Dec 19, 2020Eva Tipps rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
So much of Grandfather's advice is obvious, but being human, sometimes a gentle reminder can help us back onto the path of a well-lived life. I liked the layout... the advice, often followed by a short, simple story that helps me remember the advice. A couple of stories that really made an impression on me were the following: the one of the women decorating their grey blankets to answer their own questions about the direction their life took, and the one about the women who led the village into protecting the town from severe flooding leading by example with a single rock.
There were several quotes that I want to share. The first is this:
"It is true that wealth buys power and influence, but it does not buy morality, or kindness, or compassion.... Anyone who does not exercise compassion is ignorant of the reality that everyone needs it at some time in life; or we forget that someone blessed us with compassion at a time when we needed it. That is the smallness of arrogance. It is a disease of the soul. It can be highly contagious. Ignorance is its carrier. It ravages the souls of those who think there is no reality beyond themselves. Those who suffer from the smallness of arrogance think that ill fortune is the fault of those who suffer it; that good fortune is a privilege that belongs to them."
Another talked about leadership and how we the people should choose a leader based on his past deeds, not upon his promises. Also, the more one promises, often the less able he or she is likely to deliver on that promise!
A third quote I liked was this: "If knowledge is strength of mind, then wisdom is the strength of the soul."
I am giving this book to my friend to read so that we may discuss it. That is one reason it gets four stars. I would have given it five but sometimes it seemed depressingly repetitive as Grandfather reiterates over and over again how we have to suffer to appreciate joy. (less)
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John McAndrew
Jun 10, 2018John McAndrew rated it really liked it
A contrast to many self-help or inspirational books, this one lands, not as a revelation, but as a challenge that is also somehow comforting. A wise little book. Marshall recreates a long conversation with his grandfather as taking place between two fictional characters. There are a few good pull quotes that would go well on a meme; but mostly you want to settle in for each of the stories Grandfather tells in their entirety. Grief, pain, and disappointment don't yield to quick fixes, but to good, wise, trusted company and perseverance. There are echoes of the Stoics here, and of The Road Less Traveled. Marshall's tradition is Native American/Lakota, so he and his grandparents, who raised him, have known long, intractable sorrows. Most of the stories are from his own tradition, but there is one from the Celts, and as an German-Irish American, I found no cultural impediments to appreciating the wisdom he shared. This is an excellent book for those dealing with grief and loss. It is also for those who are sick or unfortunate and need encouragement grounded in knowing that life is hard, that trying does not guarantee winning, and that the ability to persevere often depends on the support we have from, or can give to, friends and family. (less)
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Madison Hand
Nov 13, 2020Madison Hand rated it it was amazing
This book was so amazingly powerful to read. I read this book at a time when I was really struggling with school, family, and friends. In the beginning there is so many teachings, about how you have to “keep going” no matter how tired you may be. With each teaching in this book, there is a story to go with it, I think that is why I loved this book so much. Sometimes as human beings we want to give up when the going gets tough, this book taught me that when times are hard, it makes you stronger as long as you keep going. I can connect with the characters and how they feel, and some of the stories that go along with it. In the story, the main character Jeremy is having a really hard time so he turns to his grandpa for help. I can relate to that so much because the elders are the ones with the most knowledge and life experience. This book helped put into perspective that I have to take that last step to the top of the hill, and I will have made it. When I finished This book I felt as If all of my troubles that I was feeling went away. I cant even put into words the sense of empowerment I now feel. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs a little break from the troubles life throws at us, and just sit back and relax and let these words take your mind off of things. (less)
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Ymasumac
Jan 01, 2017Ymasumac rated it liked it
Joseph M. Marshall III is an excellent writer and listening to him read his book through audio is one of the best ways to read his books! I find a great deal of wisdom in the books I've read so far and this one is definitely one of them. There are nuggets in hear of advice you will want to keep in your back pocket.
I found the way the story was set up a little contrived - a grandfather talking to his grandson. I think I would have preferred to have him tell of his experience with his grandfather. For this reason it gets 3 stars, otherwise the content is 4 star quality! Nonetheless, the book is appreciated and I think it's worth a read! (less)
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Top reviews from the United States
GPreview
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration for any time, strength in times of storm
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
This book was truly a wonderful read. From the very first pages,  I felt inspired, strengthened. I felt like 'grandfather, are you here with me as I deal with these experiences' as it clearly felt like it spoke directly to me and anyone going through challenges or simply needing inspiration, a boost of courage. It was both general enough to relate to many, yet felt specific enough to touch me on a personal level. It gave both specific tips and tools relevant to perseverance, as well as tapped into the emotional experience of what it's like and what it takes. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all for inspiration   and specifically to those going through "valley times" as I call them, or challenges in life. Truly inspirational and heart warming, and a book that I will revisit time and time again over the course of my journey. 
3 people found this helpful
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Grits
VINE VOICE
4.0 out of 5 stars Very close to 5-star rating - highly recommended
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2015
Verified Purchase
I have become a big Joseph Marshall fan. This is small, short, but very very good. I can't rate it quite as high as "Returning to the Lakota Way" by the same author, because that book was very special. Still, the 4-star rating is quite close to the 5-star level. If you appreciate and can get deeper meaning from this style of "story telling," you'll appreciate this book greatly. Reviewers that leave low reviews for Mr. Marshall's books most likely are very concrete in their thinking and unable to grasp what's really being taught. Joseph Marshall has an extraordinary gift. Anyone that doesn't "get" his books (i.e. doesn't "get" a significant personal experience out of them), is sadly missing a wonderful opportunity.
14 people found this helpful
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JeT
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Easy Read
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2017
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A great read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's trials. A compilation of short stories expressing hope, understanding and perseverance. I was given a copy by a friend after being diagnosed with cancer, and I liked it so much I bought my own copy to share with others.
10 people found this helpful
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J. Bizzle
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Inspirational Book
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2014
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This book is VERY uplifting and I reccomend for ALL ages. I have come to love long before this book the native american teachings. Not only have I ordered copies for my friends, but I also read this book to my 5 year old son because he really understands the stories and hopefully retains the great values in this book. It is very short (just under 100 pages) but has far surpassed the value of a book over 1000 pages that I have read from inspirational speakers and even pastors. Pushing forward even if just one more step than you think you can handle. This book has a GREAT way of explaining why life is not easy but the journey and hardships is what shapes our charecter to be strong individuals.
7 people found this helpful
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NightEagle
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Wisdom, Great Joy!
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2019
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Reordered as I read my original new release version so many time and then gave it away to pass on the joy and knowledge of it!
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Sixtus
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars Keep Going.
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2015
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This book was inspirational. I loved the stories told of the old ways from Grandfather- and how they are so relevent to today. 'Strength is a child of effort and pain' is a mantra that I repeat to myself in tough times- as well as 'keep going.' Overall a great book, I'm looking forward to reading more of Joseph Marshall's books on the Lakota people and their stories.
4 people found this helpful
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Maxwell G Sisterone
5.0 out of 5 stars Why Can't We?
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2010
Verified Purchase
Be more like the Lakota's. We have strayed so far from it as a nation and a world culture.

This book is more than about persevering. It is about how the Lakota's treat family, friends, and everyone else. They are so in tune with accepting others as they are, helping each other out and dealing with life. They understand nature is part of the whole and not something that should be abused.

They sound like our forefathers' when they came to America and how we used to act as a nation--hard working, respectful and thankful for what they have.

I highly recommend this book for anyone to read just not those going through a hard time in life.

I have sent this book to one friend and a CD to another I think so much of it and they both love what it is all about.
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VINE VOICE
4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2009
Verified Purchase
Since I came down with Wegener's disease, very rare and very serious. I have had bouts of self pity and depression; along with a full list of other emotions. When I ordered this book I was not really clear what it was really about. It was a great help to me, especially in the self pity department. It's not just one of those self help books,it's more than that. I highly recommend it.I've been on the red road for a couple of years now and this is just one of many books that I found very nice. "The dance house" is wonderful as well as several by Ed McGaa and others by Marshall.
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[알라딘] 나의 계정 :: "좋은 책을 고르는 방법, 알라딘"

[알라딘] 나의 계정 :: "좋은 책을 고르는 방법, 알라딘"


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