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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII Audiobook
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(4.01) - 358 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The first and only memoir by one of the original Navajo code talkers of WWII. His name wasn’t Chester Nez. That was the English name he was assigned in kindergarten. And in boarding school at Fort Defiance, he was punished for speaking his native language, as the teachers sought to rid him of his culture and traditions. But discrimination didn’t stop Chester from answering the call to defend his country after Pearl Harbor, for the Navajo have always been warriors, and his upbringing on a New Mexico reservation gave him the strength—both physical and mental—to excel as a marine. During World War II, the Japanese had managed to crack every code the United States used. But when the Marines turned to its Navajo recruits to develop and implement a secret military language, they created the only unbroken code in modern warfare—and helped assure victory for the United States over Japan in the South Pacific.
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"Code Talker is one of the best books I've read on the subject of the Navajo Code Talkers, not because it gives you lots of details on the subject, but because it's one of the few books written from the perspective of the Navajo Code Talker himself. These are the memories of 90-year-old man, and as such, some of the details are a bit sketchy or flawed, but you really get to see World War II through the eyes of a traditional Navajo. Where the book really shines is when Nez discusses how the ways of war conflicted with Navajo beliefs, and how his war experiences affected his life. Yes, it might have been nice if co-writer Judith Schiess-Avila would have added a bit more historical detail, but it's really unnecessary. Nez's voice and background really come through here, and the effect is like having a nice long talk with the man himself. Well-done."
— John (4 out of 5 stars)
Code Talker Listener Reviews
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" This was a fascinating look into the history and details of the Navajo code talkers during WWII. I liked the fact that it was written by one of the original code talkers and that his voice came through during the whole story. It was also nice to learn more about the life of Navajos on the reservation,their experience with boarding schools and forced english training,and about their language in general. "
— Patty, 2/15/2014 -
" I really loved this book! It is a memoir by one of the original Navajo code talkers. Even though it is hard to read about his war experiences, it is also inspiring. I absolutely recommend it. "
— Lncropper, 2/2/2014 -
" I had never heard of the Navajo Code Talkers during WWII until I visited Window Rock this past October. Nez's account is eye opening and explains many unanswered questions I had after my visit. I highly recommend- "
— Melanie, 1/17/2014 -
" I thought some parts of this book were boring, but some weren't. I guess you'll just have to read it to find out more! ; ) "
— Vampire17, 1/17/2014 -
" Interesting and well written memoir of one of the original Navajo Code talkers of WW2. and the importance of their contribution to the Allied victory. "
— Pjgould, 1/5/2014 -
" This is an interesting and educational memoir. Worth the read! "
— Clare, 1/3/2014 -
" The boarding school part was almost as scary as the combat parts. I haven't quite read it all, my son and husband are also reading it, and I'm not sure who has it stashed where. "
— Christine, 12/30/2013 -
" Great story. Amazing that they went to war for their country and they were not even allowed to vote at that time. I liked the sections where he is describing his childhood before boarding school of course. "
— Vickie, 12/19/2013 -
" I could have subtracted a star for some repetitiveness, but I found this story completely captivating. From early life on the reservation, to the inside peek at the code talkers and beyond, this was a story of patriotism and honor. Very inspiring. "
— Kathleen, 12/4/2013 -
" A fascinating look at the life of an amazing man, and an education in a section of World War II that I kew only a little bit about. "
— Jason, 11/27/2013 -
" It's strange to think that this is the only memoir of a code talker. I'm glad that it was written. Also, the appendix has the complete code. "
— Michael, 11/14/2013 -
" This topic is fascinating and I certainly learned something from this book. Though, it could have been edited a bit. Parts were far too detailed and it was somewhat redundant. "
— Dawn, 6/17/2013 -
" Read Chester's story to understand a world that is mostly gone, men who scarificed for a country that didn't value them as human beings and the dignity and grace we can all learn from them. "
— Debbie, 5/28/2013 -
" Really enjoyed this. So glad one of these marines finally told his personal story. "
— Joy, 3/8/2013 -
" Great story. For all of the ill treatment the Navajo people received by the U.S., their patriotism is incredible. "
— Celia, 1/13/2013 -
" I listened to this book on CD. It was absolutely fantastic! "
— Rose, 12/23/2012 -
" Rita.. remember when we saw the Code Talkers in Albq? I felt honored to be in their presence. I think maybe the author of this book was there also and introduced them. "
— Larry, 10/29/2012 -
" It was good, but I wish there was a bit more about WWII. "
— Devon, 5/8/2012 -
" I loved learning about history in story form. The book made me realize that sometimes not-so-great times in our lives benefit us later in life with opportunities. Only a few inappropriate words for a war time book. Enjoyed seeing the actual code at the back of the book. "
— Kammie, 4/18/2012
About the Authors
Chester Nez is a World War II veteran who indispensably served his country as a Navajo code talker.
Judith Schiess Avila is a code-talker scholar with the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities Chautauqua Program. She tours the state giving presentations on the topic. She and Chester Nez have been friends since 2007.
About the Narrators
David Colacci is an actor and director who has directed and performed in prominent theaters nationwide. His credits include roles from Shakespeare to Albee, as well as extensive work on new plays. As a narrator, he has won numerous Earphones Awards, earned Audie Award nominations, and been included in Best Audio of the Year lists by such publications as Publishers Weekly, AudioFile magazine, and Library Journal. He was a resident actor and director with the Cleveland Play House for eight years and has been artistic director of the Hope Summer Rep Theater since 1992.
Joseph Bruchac is a highly acclaimed children’s book author, poet, novelist, and storyteller, as well as a scholar of Native American culture. His work has appeared in hundreds of publications, from Akwesasne Notes and American Poetry Review to National Geographic and Parabola. He has authored many books for adults and children, including Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two, Skeleton Man, and The Heart of a Chief.