Books published by publisher Atria Books/Beyond Words

In this first volume of The White Buffalo Woman Trilogy, author Heyoka Merrifield celebrates the sacredness of nature and the return of a culture hidden by time. Eyes of Wisdom offers a deeply moving narration of life and ceremony on the plains that is richly interwoven with Native American and other mythic traditions. The author draws inspiration from the legend of White Buffalo Woman, his vision quests, and experiences in the Sun Dance lodge.

When Alex Marshall left his stifling small town behind, he felt freedom for the first time in his life. Rejected by his conservative Christian hometown for his homosexuality, Alex becomes a successful lawyer, active in the gay community and committed to his partner, Scott. But tragedy strikes in the form of AIDS, as it rips away Alex's dignity and crushes his body. He is near the end of his life.Annie Whitley, Alex's sister, is faced with a difficult choice when a call from Alex comes out of the blue. Should she travel to care for her estranged brother -- who represents the lifestyle she's been taught to hate and fear -- or stay away, deny him, and follow what the town demands? Choosing Alex, she begins to see how her decision impacts the entire community.And You Invited Me In addresses the moral dilemma that many face: how can people accept or even tolerate a way of life so different from anything they have been taught to believe is acceptable? This interwoven tale speaks of love, compassion, and true belief, as a family reconciles and a town comes to understand the truth of its faith, and is resonant with the hymn of equality.For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. -- Matthew 25:35

This is a story about what can happen to a girl when she starts her period. People do not need to be able to read in order to understand the story. Susan does not understand what is happening to her when she finds blood on her sheets and clothes. She does not tell her mother, but goes straight to school. In the playground, other girls giggle and point at the blood stains. Susan doesn't know why they are laughing at her. A teacher notices what is happening and calls Susan aside to explain what menstruation is, and how she should look after herself. Susan's mother provides further reassurance on her return home from school. She shows Susan how to keep herself clean and comfortable. Susan has become a woman, and her mother takes her shopping to celebrate.