Book Review: Walking to Listen

"Take the time to walk a mile in his moccasins." From “Judge Softly”* by Mary T. Lathrap, 1895.

In Walking to Listen Andrew Forsthoefel lets us walk in his shoes for over 4000 miles. Along the way we get to know him as he gets to know himself. We also get to know a country as Mr. Forsthoefel describes a number of interactions and interviews conducted during his journey: conversations with ordinary Americans who took him up on his offer to listen.

Forsthoefel gives an honest and raw account of his journey, describing his inner conflict while staying out of the way of the story. As a result this becomes an entertaining twist on a coming of age narrative, filled with real life characters who challenge the reader to embrace the diversity of the melting pot that is the United States. At the same time we are challenged to examine how the past impacts our view of the present as Forsthoefel describes his own struggle with the event by which he defined his own existence.

Forsthoefel's writing is not as polished as normally found in the publishing world. He seems to dwell on certain events longer than necessary. And because he relates real life events, the language is at times very colorful (a warning to those who are offended by foul language or by negative statements about race). By no means is this a masterpiece but it is an entertaining walk. I applaud Forsthoefel's courage in sharing his story. I give this book three out of four stars, recommending ir for readers who are interested in learning about culture from the real people who make this country what it is.

*The poem “Judge Softly” also known as “Walk A Mile in His Moccasins,” can be found at aaanativearts.com.