"Ceremony" can be a transformative read for those seeking solace in their cultural heritage. The book touches upon the struggles of a young Native American soldier, Tayo, who returns home to Laguna Pueblo to confront his feelings of alienation and despair after being a prisoner of war. Tayo seeks comfort and resolution by reconnecting with his ancestral traditions that involve witchcraft, evil beliefs, and ancient stories. The unique feature of the book lies in its perspective of the healing power of indigenous cultural heritage and its ability to cure even the most virulent afflictions, such as despair. Overall, "Ceremony" can be an emotional and enlightening read for those wanting to explore Native American culture and tradition.

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• American Book Award (1980)
• NMBA Richard Harris Award (2022)

Tayo, a young Native American, has been a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II, and the horrors of captivity have almost eroded his will to survive. His return to the Laguna Pueblo reservation only increases his feeling of estrangement and alienation. While other returning soldiers find easy refuge in alcohol and senseless violence, Tayo searches for another kind of comfort and resolution. Tayo's quest leads him back to the Indian past and its traditions, to beliefs about witchcraft and evil, and to the ancient stories of his people. The search itself becomes a ritual, a curative ceremony that defeats the most virulent of afflictions—despair.

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