There is nothing like a good book, one where you just can't wait to get to the next page, and local author Joylene Butler's latest novel Broken But Not Dead is a real page turner.
Butler grabs the reader's attention immediately with her vivid descriptions, and without using sensational language tells the story of a vicious attack that leads to a rollercoaster of conflicting emotions and heart-stopping action.
Butler, of Metis heritage who calls Cluculz Lake home, has been honing her craft for years enduring many a finger-wag, with some instructors threatening to throw her work across the room in order to get their message across.
With determination and a new skill set Butler began writing books, but she says, "Just because it's your work, don't think you know best."
The idea for Broken But Not Dead came to Butler when she was 50 years old, while she was going through mood swings and hot flashes.
"I wondered if a good person could be forced to do a bad thing if pushed far enough," said Butler. That's when the main character of her book took shape in her imagination.
"I hope people enjoy the read," she added.
There's a generalization about native women that I think is stereotypically bad and I am hoping that people will come away with the idea [after reading the book] that all people are the same. Some are bad, some are good and nationality has little to do with what kind of person you are. It's your history, your family ties, but it shouldn't be - oh, she's Indian, said Butler. I want people to come away with a respect for who the main character is, what she's accomplished despite her nationality.
Each time Butler is about to complete one book an idea for another takes shape.
"It's almost like a signal to hurry up," she said.
Butler, who has penned six books, believes people need to take something away after reading her latest effort.
Butler will be have a book signing Saturday at Books & Co., 1685 Third Avenue at 3 p.m.
and she hopes a lot of people attend and come for a chat.
During her appearance at Books & Co., Butler said she will talk a bit about the process of how she got to where she is now as a published author.
"I will probably read a little snippet here and there and I'll sign books and visit with people," she said.
