The Butterfly Tree: An Extraordinary Saga of Seven Generations

by Woody Woodburn

From multi-national award-winning newspaper columnist Woody Woodburn comes a magical heartstring-pulling, heart-racing, debut novel about family ties that bind us across time.

The Butterfly An Extraordinary Saga of Seven Generations is about family ties that bind us across time—and the universal quest to rise to a higher purpose and then lift the next generation upon our shoulders. It is about deep roots and strong branches, literally and figuratively, and about a single “family” tree being grafted from three disparate—and multiracial—lineages, and made more majestic because of these unions.

This page-turning tale, told in short fast-paced chapters, takes readers on a sweeping adventure aboard the Mayflower and the Underground Railroad; under The Big Top of an 1860s American circus and inside a small high school athletic shed secretly inhabited by a homeless teenager in the 1980s; from the battlefields of the Civil War to the jungles of Vietnam; from 1620 to 2020.

The seven generations in these pages are not all related by bloodline, but are bound together by love and friendship—and by a kitchen table that was borne from The Butterfly Tree. Each protagonist overcomes personal adversity before rising to help another, and in doing so a single “family” tree is grafted from three disparate—and multiracial—lineages, and made more majestic because of these unions.

Genres: Fiction

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2024

About the author

Woody Woodburn was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1960; spent his adolescence in the ’70s on the sweet-and-salty-aired coast of Southern California, and graduated from UC Santa Barbara; and for the past four decades has been a national award-winning newspaper columnist—sports originally and general interest for the past fifteen years.

Now writing for The Ventura County Star, his honors include Columnist of the Year by the Associated Press News Executive Council, Copley News Service, and E. W. Scripps Newspapers; and induction into The Jim Murray Memorial Foundation’s Journalists Hall of Fame and Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame as a journalist.

Woody’s work has also appeared in The Best American Sports Writing anthology and more than a dozen Chicken Soup For The Soul titles, and he is the author of the novel The Butterfly Tree: An Extraordinary Saga of Seven Generations and two nonfiction books—the memoir Wooden & Me: Life Lessons from My Two-Decade Friendship with the Legendary Coach and Humanitarian to Help “Make Each Day Your Masterpiece” and Strawberries in Wintertime: Essays on Life, Love, and Laughter.

When he is not tapping away on a QWERTY keyboard, Woody can be found padding the pavement, park grass or local beaches as a “Streaker” who has run a minimum of three miles (and averaged 11.4 miles) every day without fail since July 7, 2003, for one of the longest officially recognized running streaks in the world.

“Woody’s Holiday Ball Drive” has enjoyed an even longer streak while donating nearly one million dollars of new sports balls to underprivileged youth.

Longer still, Woody has a marriage streak of forty-one years with his college sweetheart Lisa.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally thought this book would portray the butterfly effect but found diving timing to be the larger theme at play. This novel beautifully illustrates how lives and events are woven together intentionally. Thank you for this heartfelt story which found me at the perfect time.

[Olive Mazerolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, what a beautiful butterfly journey! If only we could all go back and read about our own ancestors' daily lives, their struggles and their joys.

Once you start this book, you just want to keep reading to find out how the two families are connected. Woodburn does an excellent job of teasing us throughout and I could not put this book down.

Not only is the story captivating but Woodburn's penmanship is enchanting. His euphemisms throughout the book are so delightful, such as: "as the twenty-ninth sunrise of September yawned itself awake", "Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out", "Fear and excitement are neighbours on opposite sides of the fence", "your dreams won't work if you don't" and "More than words, leadership is done by deed and by example" But the one phrase that still sits with me is "Remind yourself, be quick but don't hurry, and be calm and carry on, and it'll help you do your best." - Wonderful quotes to live by.
The Jamison and Jordan families' journey gave me all the feels, sadness and loss, triumph and joy, loving parents raising good children, love stories and a glimpse into the USA Civil War and others.
A wholesome book for the whole family that could easily be a very good movie.
Congratulations Woody Woodburn, your book is amazing.

[Melanie Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing story. I picked this up as a break from fantasy not expecting much. It took me longer then I wanted to get into but once I realized what a masterpiece the story was, I couldn’t put it down. The author beautifully weaves together 7 generations and their tragic and heartwarming stories, ultimately telling the entire family’s legacy; with one thing that tied each generation together. I found this story so beautiful and anyone looking for something to read I urge you to pick this up. It’ll make you feel so many emotions but most of all it’ll make you feel better.

[Sari Kirschner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Butterfly Tree wove a beautiful and heartfelt story of love, friendship, kindness, heartache and family. The lessons learned will stay with me. To have love and family doesn’t mean you share the same blood. Be a stone catcher, live your best life everyday. The Butterfly Tree captured my heart and will stay with me forever. Read it, it will inspire you.

[Justine Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An heart wrenching but joyful generational story that not only had me in tears by books end but inspired to be a stone catcher.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, hopeful (and at times sad) saga throughout the years. Really puts into perspective all that lies behind in each of our family's histories. Especially enjoyed all of the historical tidbits weaved throughout that made the characters feel like they actually existed in that period. A true masterpiece of writing! I would wish that we all had a Coach Tavis like mentor, or friends like "LeMos"!

[Kathie Kuehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that covers 7 generations of one family. It all started in 1852 when twins were born to a poor Hungarian immigrant couple underneath a giant black walnut tree (231 years old) in a terrible thunderstorm in a field in Ohio. The tree itself is an important “character” in this story which is full of the adventures of various family members over the 7 generations. The main characters led very interesting lives. The author skillfully tells the story going forward for a while and then backwards. It was an interesting approach although somewhat challenging to follow the story line of one character because of this writing style. I thought this was a great story that kept me interested throughout. I also found all the references to historical events and people to be an added bonus. Some of the passages were so beautifully written, especially the “letters” from the tree. For someone looking for a well written and unique family saga with lots of US history included… this book is for you!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look forward to reading Woody Woodburn's newspaper column every week and have enjoyed his other books, so I could not wait to read his debut novel. "The Butterfly Tree" did not disappoint! Woodburn's tale of one family tree spanning over seven generations is beautifully written. The novel truly connects readers with its characters, who are inspiring yet flawed and are brought to life on the pages. The way in which Woodburn weaves the threads connecting this family forward and backward, from one generation to the next, yet always linked to each other is masterful. While reading "The Butterfly Tree" I laughed, cried, and so many emotions in between. If you are looking for a wonderful tale of love - between romantic partners, friends, family - and loss, told by an expert eloquent storyteller, then look no further than Woody Woodburn's masterpiece novel "The Butterfly Tree: An Extraordinary Saga of Seven Generations."

[Eliza Livesey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Butterfly Tree awakens within us the knowing that kindness, love and right action through generations can indeed create a story that is so intuitively real with possibilities that I would be tempted to offer it up as a blueprint on how to live thoughtfully in the human family with all its challenges. It seems appropriate that Woody Woodburn would give prominence to an ancient Black Walnut tree whose story entangles with each generation of a family one grows to love. I highly recommend this beautifully written book.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the idea of this book is better than the execution of it. I enjoyed the overall stories of each of the characters, but it was disjointed and hard to follow in spots. There were also some errors (typos, anachronisms, etc.) that a stronger edit could have addressed. These errors disrupt the reader out of the story. And again, while I liked the characters and their overall stories, the writing became a bit preachy, rather than allowing the reader to reach the point the author was trying to make. Overall, great story idea, needed better editing.

[Vincent Attanucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterpiece! What a story for all generations. Woody Woodburn blends historical events, social issues past to present, with enduring family bonds of loyalty and love. His descriptive writing brings us as readers into each character’s life and relationships, connected seamlessly across time; we are a witness to their days on earth as we travel along with them. I have read nothing quite like it, positive and uplifting, a unicorn of a book to keep and share. Well-struck Woody!

[M F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterfully woven, this epic novel spanning seven generations is a literary triumph! At its heart lies a seemingly ordinary table, yet through each generation, it becomes not only a silent witness to the complex tapestry of human connections, but serves as cornerstone that binds us across time.
Connie Halpern, Owner of Mrs. Figs’ Bookworm (2009-2019)

[Karen V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Delight

I so enjoyed reading this well written and brilliantly crafted book. What a creation. It held me for hours on end. Often, throughout my years, I have wondered about other lives that have witnessed particular giant trees I have sat under, climbed, communed with and known. This book set my imagination free in a most delightful way. Thank you Woody

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story to make you smile some, and cry some. There were some women who set great examples of welcoming and hospitable home life, and fathers through biology or adoption who gave wonderful love and fine examples to their sons. Seven generations was a bit of a challenge to follow at
times, but the story sorted its line out beautifully.

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so wanted to love this book. And I did love about the first half. Then it became quite disjointed. The flow and organization became hard to follow.
It felt like one more really tough edit would have helped tremendously.
Great ideas lacking in implementation.
And I really wanted to love this and recommend it to many friends.

[Ethan Lubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Butterfly Tree is a is a well crafted tale of love, loss, inspiration, and strong family bonds. Mr. Woodburn brings the characters to life through intimate details and thoughtful storytelling crafted over seven generation. His ability to capture the human spirit is remarkable.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captured immediately by this book — the writing style, the story, the wisdom. I usually read books very quickly, but I was able to savor this one. The chapters are short, so I could read one or a few and then pick the book up later to read a few more. Truly enjoyed it.

[Sheri Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best books I’ve read. The start was a little confusing as the author flipped back and forth between generations, but soon it all made sense. The writing is beautifully done. I’ll keep thinking about this one for a long time.

[Sharon Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It took me a bit at the beginning to get used to the writing style and the back-and-forth with the generations, but after a few chapters, I was hooked. The writing is poetic and I fell in love with all the characters.

[Jill Traska · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the short chapters that kept me engaged in the story and characters, along with the question of how the generations connected. I have debated between a three or four star. It's not an epic tale or a deeply moving account, but it is a good read, nicely written.

[Myra Nunley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about three families and how their lives intertwined over seven generations.
I couldn't put it down. It is my next recommendation for book club!

[Cheryl Rook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing, fast moving

I found myself picking up this book several times during the day to sneak in a chapter of two, intrigued by the amazing characters. Loved the book!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet multi-generational story with uplifting messages about how to live a good life in the midst of uncertainty.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

A trite narrative. Probably only the second time I didn’t finish a book.

[Marilyn Riotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Great characters and good story.

[Ann Moening · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story! One that will stay with me!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Beautifully written book with many intermingled life messages. It is a book lovely enough to give as a gift of love.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful story,it touched my soul..
I will certainly be buying it to give to others to enjoy

[Lee Emory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Best book I've read in years

[erinn salaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. I loved every minute of reading it.