Tom Benjey has given readers an incredible story of North American Indian history as well as an in-depth glance at Native Americans' role in the sports world. Having read many books on the history of Indians, I have never read a book that is so detailed and enjoyable to read. One can tell the author is an expert in his field.
This is more than just a sports history book, it gives readers a great insight into prejudices, lives of individuals living on the reservation and how these men overcame all obstacles to become successful in their lives.
Not many will know much about the Carlisle Indian team, but they will recognize many of the names mentioned in the book that are now in the Football Hall of Fame. The author has provided readers with pictures, cartoons and authentic letters that enhance the reading. One can tell the extensive research the author did to make this book factual.
Part of what fascinated me was that these students went to school, took off to work and returned to school never missing a beat. How great that is that the administrators and mentors were so encouraging to all their students to complete their schooling and yet at the same time went to great lengths to learn about their culture.
Readers will find so much interesting information and history in Oklahoma's Carlisle Indian School Immortals by Tom Benjey they won't be able to put this book down.
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD