Geronimo's Story of His Life

By: Geronimo, S. M. Barrett - editor

Narrated by: Jack Chekijian

The editor, Oklahoma school superintendent Stephen Melvil Barrett, first met Geronimo in the summer of 1904, and felt that the 76 year old Bedonkohe Apache leader and medicine man from New Mexico and Arizona, a prisoner of war for 20 years far from his home, who had never told his side of history before, should finally do so. President Theodore Roosevelt granted Barrett's request to interview Geronimo, and this is the result, without Barrett's clarifications or intrusions - "write what I have spoken," as Geronimo said. Topics covered include his early life, the origin of the Apaches, their tribal structure, raids in Mexico, and interactions with the American military.

Public Domain (P)2020 Jack Chekijian

Tragic

It is incredibly sad how often we violated the Treaties we signed, many times knowingly. It is a sad stain on our history. I understand that, as stated by top Generals, that the diverse tribes were killing each other also, but as a retired military officer myself I believed we should have behaved differently.

One of the Most Honorable Native Indians

If every Christian where we're as honorable and truthful as Geronimo was in his life & death and & as changed by Christianity as he was, I believe Christianity would have a much more converting power than it does today.

Great story

I’m biased because my father was a great admirer of Geronimo so I grew up hearing and loving his tales. I enjoyed hearing his story in his own words. He was a great man who had a hard life, as did most during his era. I wish I could have met him.

VERY GOOD!

First, there are two audio books with this title.

This version is Geronimo's story with no foot notes. Jack Chekijian does a great job of sounding like the warrior himself, however I did speed up the narration two notches.

The second version is word for word, the same story. The difference is the narrator and the addition of foot notes. Pat Bottino does not try to sound like Geronimo, also does a great job, but the background information cleared up some questions I had from listening to Chekijian's first.

I listened to Chekijian's first, then Bottino's. I am glad I did it in that order. T
They are both short, 2-3 hours, and one was free to me.

Great History

I loved that Geronimo was able to tell his Story in his own words. I have always loved NativeAmerican History since I was a child.

A Worthwhile Listen

As a kid, we used to scream, "Geronimo!" before jumping off a high jump into a cold lake, so when I saw this title, I jumped at the opportunity to hear about his life. It's rare (for me, at least) to get to hear American history from the point of view of the vanquished, and in his own words, at that. Anyone interested in American history, or Native American history should listen. There's nothing explosive, or unknown, but it's the life story of a Native American whose name we all know, and now I know a little more about the man.