Book Release: "Touch My Tears: Tales from the Trail of Tears"
In 2012, I was honored as one of four artists in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Artist Leadership Program for my literary work in preserving Choctaw Trail of Tears stories. As a Choctaw, this historic event has always been close to my heart. Every spring, my mom and I make a special trip to Oklahoma to join our tribe in a commemorative walk to honor our ancestors. Now we have a new way to honor them, and help other people of all cultures understand this piece of American history so few know of.
Touch My Tears: Tales from the Trail of Tears
Whether or not you enjoy history or reading fiction in general, I believe these stories will reach out from the pages and touch your heart. And maybe a tear or two of your own.
From the back cover of my new book, Touch My Tears:
“In 1830, a treaty was signed. In 1830, hearts broke. Tears fell on the long journey for twenty thousand. The Choctaw Nation was forced to leave their homelands to preserve their people. But they could not save them all.
“For this collection of short stories, Choctaw authors from five U.S. states come together to present a part of their ancestors’ journey, a way to honor those who walked the trail for their future. These stories not only capture a history and a culture, but the spirit, faith, and resilience of the Choctaw people.
“From a little girl who begins her journey in a wood box to a man willing to die for the sake of honor, these extraordinary tales of the Choctaw Removal from their homelands delve into raw emotions and come out with the glimmer of hope necessary for the human soul.
“Tears of sadness. Tears of joy. Touch and experience each one.”
Editorial Reviews:
“Touch My Tears is a significant and moving addition to the record of Choctaw heritage; accessible and entertaining. This fine collection of tales is invaluable for the insights it provides into the heart of a unique Native American culture.” —Brock Thoene, co-author of The Jerusalem Chronicles.
"Touch My Tears is a milestone of fictional and historical Choctaw storytelling that exemplifies the value of Native knowledge through literary arts. This deeply moving and significant collection will hopefully generate a paradigm shift in written expression of the Native American experience." —Keevin Lewis, Museum Programs Outreach Coordinator, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian
“This book reflects the joining of courage and endurance that defines a great nation. I cried in many places, sometimes it seemed more than they cried for themselves.” —Lisa Reed, editor of the Biskinik, the Official Publication of the Choctaw Nation.
Get your copy
You can purchase a copy online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble in print and ebook formats:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
You can also email me for details about receiving a signed copy of the book: me@sarahelisabethwrites.com or write to: Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer, P.O. Box 1103, Canton, TX 75103
Bloggers
If you're a blogger and are interested in featuring Touch My Tears, please email me or leave a comment.
Yakoke. Thank you.