Welcome to my website.
It's a work in progress, always from the heart.
"My Place Among Them" tells the story of John Iron Horse, a Lakota boy found alive after the Wounded Knee massacre. The book portrays his struggle to keep his cultural identity while being forced to attend government schools where the motto is "Kill the Indian, Save the man."
"From the very first page, readers are drawn into a richly textured world where history and personal stories intertwine seamlessly. The novel’s evocative prose and meticulous attention to detail create a vivid backdrop for a tale that is as compelling as it is thought-provoking.
Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, “My Place Among Them” follows the lives of two young men, whose paths cross in unexpected ways. Through their journeys, the novel explores themes of cultural heritage, friendship, and the search for one’s place in society. The author deftly tackles the historical context, bringing to life the challenges and triumphs of the era without ever veering into didacticism."
Just named a Silver medalist in the Cultural Heritage division of the 2024 Global Book Awards.
Second Place in the 2023 Incipere Awards for Historical Fiction (Clean).
Finalist for the 2023 Goethe Award for Historical Fiction.
Finalist for the 2023 Laramie Award for Americana and Western Fiction.
The Historical Fiction Company says:
"a beautiful story of resilience"
"well constructed and easy to read"
"the in-depth research and beautiful prose of the author earns this book a five out of five rating"
Readers' Favorite says:
"...a compelling narrative that resonates with readers long after the final page..."
"...brimming with detail and well researched..."
"...a poignant exploration of cultural assimilation, identity, and the impact of historical events on individuals' lives."
Indie Reader says:
"...entertains and saddens in turn, but is most powerful in its intimate stories of individuals..."
"...vivid in action and informative in historical detail."
"...an authenticity that sparkles throughout..."
Early photograph of Pine Ridge Indian School.
Family photographs of my great-grandparents and their daughter, my grandmother.
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