Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Talking God summary
Brief summary
Talking God by Tony Hillerman is a gripping detective novel that follows Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they investigate a murder with connections to ancient tribal rituals and modern-day greed.
Topics
Table of Contents
Talking God
Summary of key ideas
A Tale of Cultural Exploitation
When we consider the intricate balance between preserving culture and respecting the rights of indigenous people, Talking God delves right into the heart of the matter. This mystery, set in the American Southwest and Washington, DC, sees two of our favorite protagonists, Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee from the Navajo Tribal Police, uncovering a chilling terrorist plot.
Officer Chee grapples with the arrest of Henry Highhawk during a Night Chant, a traditional Navajo ceremony in the American Southwest. Highhawk's crime? Unlawful meddling with graves in New England, an act of protest against the Smithsonian's policies on Indian skeletal remains. Highhawk's complex case is taken up by Chee's friend Janet Pete.
A Trail of Mystery
Pete, sensing she's being followed, makes a distress call to Chee. Our officer turns detective and journeys to Washington, DC, to find Highhawk dabbling in dangerous territory, replicating Indian artifacts, including a significant Navajo Yeibichai mask. A late-night meeting at the Smithsonian ends with Highhawk mysteriously vanishing.
Simultaneously, Lieutenant Leaphorn is mystified by the appearance of a well-dressed, unidentified body in the middle of the desert. With no footprints or distinguishing belongings, the enigma deepens. Leaphorn traces this puzzle back to an abrupt train halt in the middle of nowhere, unearthing unsettling connections to Washington, DC.
Detectives United
Our dynamic duo, Chee and Leaphorn, team up in the nation's capital. Their seemingly separate investigations intertwine over breakfast, enhancing their suspicions of a larger conspiracy at play. Their eerie-as-ever setting morphs into the Smithsonian itself with the discovery of Highhawk's lifeless body.
Our detectives not only crack the case, revealing Highhawk's insidious role in a terrorist plot, but also unearth a ticking time bomb nestled within a Yeibichai mask at the Smithsonian exhibit. Displaying exceptional bravery, they defuse the bomb amidst chaos, protecting hundreds of innocent lives.
Cultural artifacts and their Meaning
This book serves as a stark reminder that deeply embedded cultural artifacts can be misused for malicious or insensible purposes. Reflecting on this thrilling narrative, we are prompted to question policies and practices around the preservation and display of indigenous art and artifacts. The story's conclusion brings a sense of justice as the two highly regarded tribal artifacts are secretly taken from the museum and rehomed with their rightful tribal owners.
Talking God is more than just a detective thriller – it examines the fine line between cultural preservation and exploitation while putting into perspective the deep ecological and cultural ties that bind us all. With each clue, we are drawn deeper into an exploration not just of a criminal act, but also of unfolding layers of cultural sensitivity and personal integrity.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Talking God about?
Talking God by Tony Hillerman is a gripping mystery novel that delves into the world of Navajo beliefs and rituals. When a Smithsonian researcher is found dead, Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee must unravel a complex web of secrets and ancient traditions to uncover the truth. Filled with rich cultural details and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Talking God Review
Talking God (1989) by Tony Hillerman is a captivating mystery novel that takes readers deep into the world of Navajo beliefs and rituals. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With its richly descriptive passages and engaging plot, the book offers an immersive experience into Native American culture.
- From the intriguing characters to the cleverly woven plot twists, Talking God keeps readers guessing until the very end.
- Through its exploration of cultural clashes and spiritual beliefs, the book sheds light on important social issues, making it both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Who should read Talking God?
- Readers who enjoy mystery and crime novels
- People with an interest in Native American culture and traditions
- Fans of complex and well-developed characters
Categories with Talking God
Book summaries like Talking God
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Talking God FAQs
What is the main message of Talking God?
The main message of Talking God is unraveling mysteries through cultural understanding and intuition.
How long does it take to read Talking God?
The reading time for Talking God varies but it can be read in several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Talking God a good book? Is it worth reading?
Talking God is a captivating book worth reading. It offers a compelling story and a glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of the Navajo people.
Who is the author of Talking God?
The author of Talking God is Tony Hillerman.
What to read after Talking God?
If you're wondering what to read next after Talking God, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley