West of The Big Road is a Collection of short stories by author Judith L. Butler about home and place and the diverse people who became the true West. Stories of Basque herders, Native American families and small town America draw readers into their quiet and not so quiet lives beneath the tall Sierra mountains and beyond. The Lands of the West hold a sacred power. Perhaps one day this Valley that claims me now will breathe the sounds of my remembrance.Time will write the last chapter of the wandering spirit. We go along mindful of the days. Hands open to the possibilities.
Had she never left that home soil she would carry that edge of wonder. That one day have borne a restlessness inside. That in time could cloud her seeing. Of that holy ground. The truth was painted on the open terrain. She belonged to those mountains as much as she would ever belong to any earthly soil. This was her true north. A place called home. (from West of The Big Road ) Butler who has written previous books on the Forgotten Women of the West now tells the stories of weathered cowpokes and salt of the earth farming folks whose names have been lost in the dust of time. Meet Santiago and Indian Dave and Basquo Pete and you will meet the real America. The heroes and settlers, drifters and storytellers who deserve a page in the crowded history books. I can hear the dogs barking at falling leaves and children playing. It is both a fresh memory and a sad reminder I am too far away from my sacred homeland. Perhaps these stories will get some folks on the east road in search of truth, home and the raw power of the creator. (from West of the Big Road ) These are the stories of brave immigrants, God fearing souls and restless wanderers. The tapestry of the vivid rich soil and inhabitants of the West.