The Long, Sandy Hair of Neftoon Zamora

Book excerpt: A fascinating blend of adventure, myth, and romance, Grammy Award-winning musician Michael Nesmith’s The Long Sandy Hair of Neftoon Zamora is a timeless love story that transcends and redefines the boundaries of faith. A musician, entranced by an intriguing voice he hears on an old tape, embarks on a mission to find the ever-mysterious Neftoon Zamora. Beginning in Mississippi, he soon finds himself traveling through the New Mexico desert, encountering strange and mystical inhabitants who all have conflicting yarns to spin about the ephemeral Neftoon. Is she a Zuni High Priestess? Is she part Martian, part Delta blues singer? Was she born in Mississippi—or on Mars? As the story continues, Neftoon’s spirit grows stronger, gradually encompassing everything. People, animals, objects -- all are affected by her legend, and all are imbued with a greater meaning beyond their mere existences. Therein lies the beauty of the Neftoon myth. By encircling all, it excludes none. Ultimately, Michael Nesmith’s The Long Sandy Hair of Neftoon Zamora is a look at a unity so complete, a peace so profound, that we cannot bear to look away.