Announcing the release of the second edition of
Cedar Woman in Kindle.
Newly formatted and easier to read and learn the language of the Lakota, while still enjoying a story of a Lakota woman who finds success outside of the reservation,
Cedar Woman is available from now and through next week only for $2.99.
Winner of Books and Authors Best Native American Fiction 2011,
Cedar Woman has continued to entertain and inspire readers. The new format allows the Kindle reader to easily access any part of the book, including the cookbook and dictionary.
And now, a word from my sister Spotted Eagle Horse:
When Tankse (elder sister) approached me about writing a novel from a Native American woman's point of view, I had serious reservations. Too often we, as Native people, are romanticized or stereotyped into the same tired versions of what people think we are, the "forgotten people" or "forgotten race", because so many fall for the stereotypes of us often portrayed in Hollywood movies, sports team mascots, and history books, not realizing that we are still here. We are over 500 culturally and linguistically distinct nations strong. We are still here - and still dancing.
So when asked if I was okay with her writing the book, and if I would act as a consultant, I had to pray to decide if such a project should go forward and if I felt worthy of adding my voice to such a project. Finally I talked over my fears with Debra, my brother and "Spiritual Advisor" Joe Red Bear, ultimately deciding to participate.
In Cedar Woman, Debra has bypassed a lot of the usual hype and BS often associated with Native culture, producing an honest, clear eyed look at who we really are, albeit through a fictional character. She deliberately decided to not show the darker side of our culture: something I appreciate!
I especially love how thorough she was in researching the subject matter, and I deeply admire her dedication to giving a more realistic look into our culture, including much of our Lakota language and several of our favorite recipes!
While I realize that, unless you have lived as a Native, either on or off the rez, you will never completely understand what it is to be Native. I think that Debra has a pretty good handle on who and what we as Native people are really about. And, thankfully, she did not rely on just my voice alone. The resulting story is one I am proud to say I was a part of, and I am proud to call her my "Sister By Choice".
Hecetu welo, mitakuye oyapi.
I have spoken, it is so. I am finished.
Mitakuye oyasin, all my relations.
Julie Spotted Eagle Horse Martineau
Cedar Woman can be purchased on Amazon here:
Kindle
and on Barnes and Noble
Nook
