Touch My Tears: Tales from the Trail of Tears

Touch My Tears: Tales from the Trail of Tears Collection #1

by Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer (Editor & Contributor), Marilou Awiakta (Contributor), Dianna Street (Contributor)

In 1830, a treaty was signed. In 1830, hearts broke. Tears fell on the long journey for twenty thousand. The Choctaw Nation was forced to leave their homelands to preserve their people. But they could not save them all.

For this collection of short stories, Choctaw authors from five U.S. states come together to present a part of their ancestors’ journey, a way to honor those who walked the trail for their future. These stories not only capture a history and a culture, but the spirit, faith, and resilience of the Choctaw people.

From a little girl who begins her journey in a wood box to a man willing to die for the sake of honor, these extraordinary tales of the Choctaw Removal from their homelands delve into raw emotions and come out with the glimmer of hope necessary for the human soul.

Tears of sadness. Tears of joy. Touch and experience each one.


“Touch My Tears is a significant and moving addition to the record of Choctaw heritage; accessible and entertaining. This fine collection of tales is invaluable for the insights it provides into the heart of a unique Native American culture.” —Brock Thoene, co-author of The Jerusalem Chronicles

“This book reflects the joining of courage and endurance that defines a great nation. I cried in many places, sometimes it seemed more than they cried for themselves.” —Lisa Reed, editor of the Biskinik, the Official Publication of the Choctaw Nation

Genres: Historical, Christian

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2013

About the author

SARAH ELISABETH SAWYER is a story archaeologist. She digs up shards of past lives, hopes, and truths, and pieces them together for readers today. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian honored her as a literary artist through their Artist Leadership Program for her work in preserving Choctaw Trail of Tears stories. She is the creator of the Fiction Writing: American Indians digital course.

A tribal member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, she writes historical fiction from her hometown in Texas, partnering with her mother, Lynda Kay Sawyer, in continued research for future works. Learn more at SarahElisabethWrites.com, ChoctawSpirit.com, and Facebook.com/SarahElisabethSawyer.

Reviews

[Agnieszka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listed the stories in their order within the anthology:

Rising Fawn and the Fire Mystery by Marilou Awiakta with Beverly Bringle 4* 4/24/22 (55)
Memphis, Tennessee; woods near Friar’s Point, Mississippi
MC: Rising Fawn, at the beginning most likely 7 years old
starts shrortly before Christmas, 1834?, ends a year later on Christmas day

Chi Pisa La Chike by Dianna Street 4* 4/24/22 (21)
journey from Vicksburg, Mississippi to Camden, Arkansas via Louisiana
MC: Thomas Everidge (an Irish immigrant married to the daughter of a Choctaw chief, father of five)
set in fall, no further details

Somewhere, William Wallace Smiled by James Masters 2* 4/25/22 (25)
journey from a settlement along the Leaf River (north of what would later become Hattiesburg), Mississippi to Fort Townson, Oklahoma via Vicksburg, Mississippi & Ecore a Fabre, Arkansas
MC: Wild-at-Heart
set: October 1831 - March 1832
heartbreaking sad, depressing writting style, strong moral of the story

Toward the Setting Sun by Ramona Choate Schrader 4.5* 4/25/22 (17)
journey from central/northern Mississippi to Indian Territory, via Memphis, Tennessee & Little Rock, Arkansas
MCs: the Hardsaw family (Jess, Martha, Tim, Calvin & Lydia)
starts summer of 1830, ends spring 1832

Okchakko: A Colt’s Journey by Francine Locke Bray 3* 4/25/22 (15)
journey from Mississippi to Fort Smith, Arkansas via Little Rock
MCs: Okchakko, Lt. Jefferson Van Horne
November & December 1932
equine & human POVs clashed

One Mississippi Clay Bowl by Leslie Widener 3* 4/26/22 (23)
journey from Mississippi to Arkansas
MC: Nayukpu (Homma)
1830 - May 1832
kind of dual time line

A Storm Blows the Family West by Curtis Pugh 3* 4/26/22 (25)
journey from Mississippi to Oklahoma (from Vicksburg on the Mississippi & Arkansas Rivers)
MC: Haksi (later changed to Baii Hikia)
spring 1838

My Story, George Washington Choate by Jerry Colby 3* 4/27/22 (8)
journey from Kosciusko, Mississippi to a property south of the South Canadian river, Oklahoma via Eudora & Magnolia, Arkansas
MC: George Washington Choate
fall/winter of 1854 (plus a summary of a few events until 1906)
fictionalized life accout

Understand by Benjamin Zeller 4* 4/27/22 (11)
Lake Providence Swamps, Louisiana
MCs: Bahalia, Nashoba
one night in the Winter of 1831

Morning Came by Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer with Lynda Kay Sawyer 4.5* 4/27/22 (36)
near Friar’s Point, Mississippi; Texas
MC: Tushpa
spring 1834
kind of dual time line; looks like the prologue to the following book in series
*

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age Appropriate For: 10 up for some mild violence, mild blood, and mild romance
Best for Ages: 10 and up

While I studied some about the Trail of Tears while I was in school, not a lot sunk in. This book was educational as well as entertaining.
This book is a collection of short stories that capture the feelings and the people that walked the Trail of Tears. While the stories varied in style, perspective, and ability, each of them was a glimpse into a people that were wronged, yet were resilient. All the stories were clean and could be used to teach homeschool kids about this time in history.

You could feel that each author felt a personal connection to what had happened. In fact, in reading their bios, I found that many of them are decedents of Choctaws that had walked the trail. That personal connection came out in each story and brought them to life.

The faith message varied from story to story. Some of the stories, finding God in the midst of pain or doing what is right when those around you are doing wrong, played a heavy part. Other stories said little to nothing about of matters faith. Some talked of The Great Spirit, or used that title even when referring to the God of the Bible.

Overall, this book was a great taste of what it was like for the Choctaw people during this dark time in their history. I highly recommend it to those who love history, Indians, and short story collections.

I received this book from the editor in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

[Jerry Blackerby · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book of Choctaw stories about the Trail of Tears. These stories had been told orally for years, and the author (a Choctaw story teller) compiled them into this very readable book. Some of my family and some of my late wife's family made that horrible trek to the Indian Nation in Oklahoma. Many lost their lives during that journey. The survivors and their descendents will never forget the stories.

[Mollie Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the thing that surprised me the most about this book was that there is not a single weak story in the anthology. Each author's contribution is unique (one story is even told in the first person from the perspective of a Choctaw pony!) while still telling a complete story that is cohesive in spirit and tone.

As a whole, the stories do a good job of presenting the removal in a very personal, human way - politics aside, what did the removal mean for individuals? While candid and frank, the themes of the stories are never bitter or bleak, and heartache is leveled with just the right amount of humor.

History buffs will enjoy the editor's notes on each story, including which stories were based off of the authors' actual family histories (a majority of them were). Also helpful is the included glossary of Choctaw words (native words are used judiciously throughout the stories to lend authenticity without alienating its English-speaking audience.)

As a non-Choctaw, I was surprised by how engaged I felt by this book on a personal level. The first and last stories in the book both had me blinking back tears. I would recommend this book even if you know very little about the removal - "Touch my Tears" shares the Choctaw heritage in a very accessible and entertaining way.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting. I was surprised to find out how little I knew about the Mississippi Choctaws and their trail of tears. I knew some about the Georgia and Florida Indians and a little about the Choctaws but not enough to really understand not only the devastation of being forced out of their homeland, but the struggles along the trail to their new home. These stories, although tragic, show families with hope looking forward and not looking back although they suffer tremendous tragedies due to the greed of others moving in and settling on what had been their land for centuries.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book with some sad stories. It was history to the Indian tribes. They told stories that were remembered by being told to their children and grandchildren. It is history for sure and is important to help remember that is was hard to regroup to another state due to our government.

[Maria do Socorro Baptista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um dos melhores livros que li este ano até agora. Tocante, sensível, fascinante, em alguns momentos muito triste - chorei em várias cenas, - maravilhoso. aprendi muito, e me senti muito mal também, pensando em quanto a humanidade ainda precisa se tornar mais humana. É uma narrativa de muita resiliência, muita resistência, muita luta. Amei!!!

[Gail Tavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving

This book was loving made and shared. It is sad to think what we white people have done to the Native America’s. As I read books like this one I feel ashamed by the America’s past.

[Connie Masson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Drawn to this book in my search for information about Iklanabbee John Carney and his ancestors. Loved it and then discovered a thank you to my 1st cousin once removed, Julie Cantrell! Now I need to contact her to visit some more! It is a small world!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and educational book that explains many details about this tribe. I appreciate being given the opportunity to read this book.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good collection of stories, so hard, but important, to read due to the awful history told.

[Michelle Glisson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book for those who don't know a lot about the Trail of Tears. For those that have more extensive knowledge of the subject, it's a bit slow and redundant. It was worth reading.

[Chrystal Mars-Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for Tomaquag book club last Spring. A good quick read with a variety of stories.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this collection of stories. The Trail of Tears is one of those events I have not explored much and I look forward to studying it more.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touch My Tears is a remarkable collection of stories from oral tradition and writings about the Choctaw tribes’ journey on the Trail of Tears that began in 1831 in the southern US. Sarah Elizabeth Sawyer did an amazing work of selecting these tales and ordering them in a way that brings incredible meaning to the truths of this journey that will not be found in most school history textbooks. The illustrator, Leslie Widener, brings each story to life with her drawings.
The Choctaw tribe is currently the 3rd largest federally-recognized tribe in the United States in spite of the senseless loss of life for those led by the US Army through the stark, cold winter landscape. Some could travel on horseback or in wagons, and many crossed the rivers by rafts, ferries, or steamship. Many, many more walked. Many died – the elderly, the very young or those in ill health, or those who succumbed to starvation or the diseases encountered on the way.
Prior to the honor of reading this heart-rending anthology, I remembered hearing very little about the Choctaw beyond the tribe’s name. I learned how, as a farming nation, they valued their future in the seed corn taken with them. Some were ranchers as well as farmers. To my delight, I learned that they considered themselves a Christian nation.
Come, see the journeys as chronicled by or about boys and girls, men and women, the animals bearing them, and even the uses of their pottery. Many families included those of Irish or Scottish descent. You will not be the same after reading of Rising Fawn, just 7 years old and on her own, Joseph, a young boy who died from dysentery. Grandmothers, uncles, mothers, fathers just like yours and mine. Wild-at-Heart, who saved life of a tiny girl, who honored commitments he made in spite of the cost. Tushpa, whose father, before he drowned, had entrusted a copy of scripture to him for the future of his people.
Quotes from Touch My Tears that eloquently describe the Choctaw and this anthology include:
“When asked what they want non-Choctaws to know, many Choctaws have provided a simple answer: As one tribal member put it, “We want people to know that we’re still here.” And what a testimony that is to the character and strength of the Choctaw people.”
“The world needs to know about our history. We need to get our stories down so we can tell others who we are.”
I highly recommend Touch my Tears for those who appreciate history and accurate accounting of a wise and brave Native American tribe who has not only survived, but eventually thrived after embarking on the Trail of Tears.
I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touch My Tears: Tales from the Trail of Tears****
by Sarah Elizabeth Sawyer, editor; Marilou Awiakta, contributor; Julie Cantrell, forwarded by

Touch My Tears is a collection of short stories written by Choctaw authors, sharing their ancestor's journey, the Trail of Tears of 1830's. These stories gives us some insight into what happened all those years ago; the struggles, heartache and grief of their long journey as well as their courage, strength, perseverance and faith. I have heard of The Trail of Tears, knew a little about what happened but never got to actually “see” into these Native Americans lives. Neither did I realize their faith, how spiritual they were and that they knew Jesus.

I am saddened by their forced journey but enjoyed the background given for each story about the author and the families involved. Some of these families are ancestors of the authors. Woven in the story are words of the Choctaw language with a glossary in the back of the book. Even though their journey was filled with hardships, danger, grief and so much more, they held onto each other, their faith and their heritage. Starting over in a land that they did not choose was difficult at best.

Many years ago I started my own family's genealogy and learned that my great-great-grandmother was of Native American heritage, but have yet to find which tribe she was from. So these stories spoke to my heart in a special way.

~~I received an e-book copy of this book from BookFunNetwork for my review~~
~~~Posted reviews on Bookfunnetwork, DeeperShopping, Goodreads-->facebook, Amazon, Barns & Noble~~~

[Bethany Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both inspiring and sad, it is hard to read about the Choctaw leaving their life and generations of history in Mississippi. Touch My Tears, edited by Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer is a collection of short stories written by many authors about injustice, hardship and strong, beautiful people who were not treated with value.

“September 27, 1830, the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was signed and the fate of the Choctaw Nation, sealed.” It began a Trail of Tears leading West with so much grief and so many poignant people. The stories of many individuals are the shafts of sunlight in the dark and cloudy sky of this period.

The editor’s work of weaving many short stories together into a beautiful tapestry showcasing the character of the Choctaw is both extremely hard to read and terribly important. Touch My Tears gives us the opportunity to learn from this time in history.

Too often we make heroes of the people from our own culture—our own story. Touch My Tears gives us all a full view, with leaders and heroes on both sides.

I am grateful that prior to this journey missionaries told the Choctaw the truth about the Great Spirit and His love for all people. Told them about His Son, the life and hope which lives with them to this day. Morning sun came with the beginning of a new season—a new start for the Choctaw.

Too both those who finished their journey on the Trail of Tears and to the many who traveled to their new land in Oklahoma: we remember.

[Mollie Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the thing that surprised me the most about this book was that there is not a single weak story in the anthology. Each author's contribution is unique (one story is even told in the first person from the perspective of a Choctaw pony!) while still telling a complete story that is cohesive in spirit and tone.

As a whole, the stories do a good job of presenting the removal in a very personal, human way - politics aside, what did the removal mean for individuals? While candid and frank, the themes of the stories are never bitter or bleak, and heartache is leveled with just the right amount of humor.

History buffs will enjoy the editor's notes on each story, including which stories were based off of the authors' actual family histories (a majority of them were). Also helpful is the included glossary of Choctaw words (native words are used judiciously throughout the stories to lend authenticity without alienating its English-speaking audience.)

As a non-Choctaw, I was surprised by how engaged I felt by this book on a personal level. The first and last stories in the book both had me blinking back tears. I would recommend this book even if you know very little about the removal - "Touch my Tears" shares the Choctaw heritage in a very accessible and entertaining way.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing collection of stories, with a wide range of experiences based on the forced leave of The Choctaw Nation from their homelands after the signing of The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. This removal became known as the Trail of Tears as many lost family members, their own lives, as well as possessions. Written from a variety of view points your heart can't help be touched as you read of the way these human beings were treated as anything but, by many. Lies were told, families torn apart, homes burned, and so much more. The Choctaw Nation could easily have given up, but no, they carried on. Singing, lifting up each other, holding tight to their faith and their determination.

This is a great read, and one I would highly recommend, and I'm Canadian. Since reading this book, I have done some reading online to better understand the Trail of Tears, something I had never heard of before. This book has definitely touched my heart and it will yours as well. You will cry, but you will also be uplifted and encouraged. Pick up a copy today and see for yourself.

I was given this ebook by bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna Mcginnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching and well written collection of short stories about the Choctaw Nation when they were forced to leave their homes and travel the Trail of Tears in the 1830's to an unknown land. What happened to the Choctaw Nation was a travesty and an embarrassing time in our nation's history.
These stories saddened my heart and brought tears to my eyes but brought truthful insight to see what the Choctaw's had to endure. These families were torn apart, lied to and many lives were lost as they traveled on this journey to a new land. They suffered brutal weather, illnesses, lack of warm clothes even shoes, lack of food, grief and many more struggles while on the Trail of Tears. I admire the Choctaw's for their courage, strength, determination and endurance. Their love of family and a strong faith.
There is a lack of true history in our classrooms about this and many other things that make up America's history.
There were an number of authors involved in writing this book about their ancestors.
I highly recommend this book.

I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

[Sharee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touch My Tears is a collection of precious, tragic stories from the Trail of Tears. It opened my eyes to the travesty behind such a sad, embarrassing time of American History. Each story brings to life real families who endured horrible conditions. The stories are not easy to read and I would definitely recommend tissues. I think this should be a must read in every history class! It’s a good reminder to all of us that there are some things in history that should never be repeated. One of the things I absolutely loved about this book is a quote from Julie Cantrell, “the comment from Gary Batton, Assistant Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, who said: “Even if we have a Choctaw that’s one/one-millionth, they need to understand, that’s what makes them Choctaw.” Touch My Tears is a fantastic read and highly recommended. I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touch My Tears is a collection of stories told from the points of view of young, old, and even animals, about the Removal of the Choctaw people from their land in Mississippi to Oklahoma. It chronicles the hardships and losses this brave and stalwart tribe endured as they were forced to travel hundreds of miles, often on foot, to be relocated.

Each story carries its own unique voice and tale of heroism in the midst of tragedy. Through the various tales, the character and culture of the Choctaw people is revealed. Even though it saddened me, there were scenes that evoked a smile as well. I enjoyed the stories and the way the authors brought out the personalities of the characters.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the not so glamorous and sometimes shameful side of American history.

I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Touch my Tears" is a collection of stories of The Removal as passed down through generations of Choctaw families and edited by Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer. The "Trail of Tears" was aptly named as the devastation of families being forcefully uprooted from the land of their families and ancestors was full of pain, sorrow, sickness, and death.

These stories are poignant and devastating as they chronicle the journey of the Choctaw people from their homes to what is now known as the Choctaw Nation. I highly recommend every person read them and tell them to their children. We need to hold them close, pass them down so that our children and our children's children never forget. We need to pass them down so we remember to keep from being part of a future that repeats our history. Keep tissues close by as you open the pages of Touch My Tears and come face to face with another side of history.

I received a copy of this book free through BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, a compilation of stories, is about the removal of the Choctaw Indians from their native home to a home thousands of miles away. While they traveled they underwent disease, miserable weather, derision from people in towns along the way and many deaths.
This book opens the eyes of the reader to the journey from many points of view. There is a young girl, animals, young man, a man who was to die in the new land and even a clay pot. Each story will break the heart as it opens the eyes to the way these people were treated when they were trying to fulfill their part of a promise. Sarah Elizabeth Sawyer did an excellent job in presenting the story of this journey. For the person who is interested in history of this country or the Native Americans I would highly recommend this book.
I was given this book by bookfun.org and the author, in exchange for my honest review.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of beautifully written stories that touch the heart and tell a story that is often left out of so many history books. Each story is unique and special on its own way, yet they are all nicely woven together. The stories tell of the brave Native Americans and one of the saddest moments of our nation's history- the trail of tears.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it. I'm going to be sharing these stories with my ten year old daughter. It is a part of history that I want her to know yet is hard to find. I really feel this book helps fill a gap in American history in a powerful way.

This truly is a wonderful read with beautifully woven tales of courage, strength and faith. Don't miss this one!

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touch my tears is a wonderful collection of stories that tell of the Native Americans and the "Trail of Tears." Each story is so special and touching.

I had a rough start reading this book, but once I got into the stories, I had a very hard time putting it down. I do recommend it. There are many stories of courage and strength. The Native Americans are such a part of our history that are slowly being removed from our history (classes, books and tales)that books like this on the shelves of our libraries, both in school and our personal ones, would revive that part of our heritage.

I received a copy of this book (ebook form) by the author for The Book Club Network in return for my honest opinion and review of this book.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most amazing and moving books I have ever read. The heartbreaking stories of the Choctaw tribes being forced to leave their homes, their lives, and their history in Mississippi; the stories of loss along with stories of heroism from both sides. The stories are so heartfelt and wonderfully written. I learned so much about what the amazing people...the Choctaw went through. So much more than anything I ever learned in school in regards to this people and their history. It has forever touched my heart! You must read this book! Outstanding!

I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is a collection of stories about individuals/families of the Choctaw Nation and the mandatory evacuation of their homes. It is a piece of history that is often overlooked. I appreciate the authors' gentle yet realistic and emotional handling of these stories that have been passed down for generations. Thank you for bringing to my attention this dark piece of American history.

I received a copy of this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are my own.

[Joan Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of stories. I had heard about the Trail of Tears, but didn't know about the hardships the Choctaw people faced. But in spite of the injustice of being forced from their homes, they persevered and began a new life that endures to this day. Now their descendants tell the stories in this book that is sure to make you think differently about the way we treat others who are not of the same ethnic background.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah does a phenomenal job at preserving tales of the Trail of Tears. Perfect for anybody interested in Native American history and culture or for Choctaw people wanting to know more of the people they come from.