Last One Walking

“This moving and deeply informed tale of the Cherokee Nation is told through the life and wisdom of Charlie Soap, the husband of famed Cherokee chief Wilma Mankiller. Greg Shaw takes us on the journey of a wise man and an extraordinary people as they face challenges and enjoy triumphs. Filled with leadership lessons, the book celebrates the Cherokee principle of collective work for the common good.”—Walter Isaacson, biographer of Elon Musk, Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Benjamin Franklin

 

“This is a love story lyrically depicting the author’s lifelong veneration of the struggles and successes of what he calls "a Cherokee version of the Greatest Generation," and his love of two Cherokee heroes, Charlie Soap and Wilma Mankiller. As you get to know Mankiller, who was principal chief of the Cherokee Nation and whose image is emblazoned on the tails side of a quarter, and her extraordinary husband, Charlie, if you don't also fall in love, please consult a doctor.”—Ken Auletta, award-winning best-selling author and media critic for The New Yorker
 

“Last One Walking is by turns biography, history, and memoir, including two previously unpublished writings by Wilma Mankiller and Charlie Soap. It’s a one-of-a-kind look into the perseverance at the heart of Cherokee communities and the policy it is possible to make when communities mobilize to work together."—Ellen Cushman (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma), author of The Cherokee Syllabary: Writing the People’s Perseverance

 

“Wilma Mankiller’s story is stronger because of her partnership with her husband, Charlie Soap. Greg Shaw takes us to the source of this important story.”—Mark N. Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock Tribes), author of The Last Great Battle of the Indian Wars: Henry M. Jackson, Forrest J. Gerard, and the Campaign for the Self-Determination of America’s Indian Tribes
 

“Any opportunity to spend time with Cherokee Nation legend Charlie Soap, even from afar, makes for a good day. So Last One Walking is cause to beat a drum, wave a flag, and ululu in celebration.”—Connie Cronley (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma), author of A Life on Fire: Oklahoma’s Kate Barnard

 

"As a Cherokee-language speaker and Cherokee citizen, Charlie Soap inspired a community of Cherokees living without water to get water by starting with a shovel to build their own sixteen-mile water system, following the principles of self-help. His leadership brought the community together to make water available to the whole community. Charlie and his co-leader Wilma Mankiller, both great friends of mine, made something happen that many thought could not be done."—Ross Swimmer, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs (1985–1989) and Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation (1975–1985)