White Butterfly
A True Story
by,
Michele Elizabeth
A note from the author...
I began writing this story in 1997 after going through a mental breakdown the year before. This book was my catharsis. In 1996, I found out my mother was terribly ill with bipolar and delusional disorders. Up until that point, she had raised me in a secret, mystical way without any inkling a sickness dominated her.
This is a story about how, if undiagnosed, a parent’s mental illness can corrupt the psyche of a child. For 15 years, I absorbed my mother’s bizarre teachings, and eventually grew a twisted view of the world, and especially, of God. This is the reason for my breakdown. A false identity collapsed. I learned most of my foundation was built upon lies of a crazy mind.
Going forward, the only thing to do was to unravel all the delusional layers spun around my soul to uncover who I really am.
Today, I am still unraveling. It is a work of a lifetime...
I present to you, in White Butterfly, once the dark night of a soul...and the courage to ultimately find the illumination of truth.
May this book lighten your path with grace and the courage to know thy true Self.
In truth & love,
Michele
Reviews
"Incredible, unbelievable, and couldn't put it down! I am a radio talk show producer in Phoenix, and I got a call from a publicist who wanted us to interview an author on the subject of National Depression Screening Day. I had a choice of having a medical expert on the show, but opted, instead, to leave the subject to Michele Elizabeth, the author being promoted. I hadn't read the book yet (the host was hogging it all to himself), but I stole it from him and now cannot put White Butterfly down. Oh, and the interview (like the book) was an amazing outpouring of emotion from Michele, as well as from our audience, and even from our staff. I can't wait to book her on the show to promote her NEXT book!! You ROCK, Michele Elizabeth!"
Mary J. Conniff Executive Producer, The John Dayl Show, KFNX AM 1100
"A Wellness Perspective. As a student studying Exercise and Wellness and Family studies, this book brings to mind the intricacies of what goes on in each of our families. We are as sick as our secrets and each page of this book painted a portrait of what most of us only aspire to have the strength and integrity to do....live in truth. I did not see this as just a life story of manipulation of the disease but a new perspective on those that surround us everyday. I did not just finish the story; I took a seat in Michele Elizabeth's life as she inspired me to choose to live my life well using my experiences as tools to walk through my own personal struggles. She reminds me that although our experiences are our own, sharing is a gift to ourselves and to others and how we choose to live our lives having those experiences can truly be up to us. Thank you for doing what I hope to be able to do someday, share my truth. To me that is exercising wellness."
Christina, "Tina", Phoenix, AZ
"A beautifully written novel that takes you on a sensual journey through the delicate eyes of a daughter tormented by family secrets, and yet leaves the reader with a deeper understanding, empathy and hope for a recovery for those afflicted with loved ones suffering mental illness. This book is not just limited to survivors of this disease but also speaks equally as a timeless piece of literature that only the exquisite voice of Michele Elizabeth can be bring to the page. TRUELY WORTH READING......"
Jennifer D. McNeil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
"Its nothing short of amazing. I loved every minute of it...I cant really explain how it impacted me. It was...I dont know..gentle and terrifying at the same time. It rips out your heart and gives you hope all in a few pages...this book is something that I will always keep and read again and again because its so well written, its a work of art..."
Lindsey Mlekush 23, Phoenix, AZ.
"White Butterfly is an amazing coming of age story where the protagonist seeks to further our understanding of mental illness and it's effects on the development of a young girl. Michele Elizabeth paints an eloquent portrait of the life she led from early adolescence to adulthood. A life of repression, fear and longing for a mother who could never be satisfied and a love that had to be earned. This is an amazing book for those who suffer from a parent with mental illness or anyone who knows the effects of abuse. The book is written is a flowing, intricate manner that entices the reader to push forward and consume the book - it is near impossible to put down. I look forward with excitement to read Michele's next effort."
Kathleen Tomlin 31, Dallas, TX
"It has been said that the mark of brilliance is when the artist can engender in us what is presumably what the artist herself has felt and experienced. With White Butterfly, Michele Elizabeth has done exactly that. Armed with a poet's sensitivity and a journalist's obsession for uncovering the truth, Elizabeth has created an autobiography of such uncompromising honesty, the reader will feel that this is as much a story written to liberate readers from their own demons, as it must have been written as a triumphant catharsis for the author herself."
Mathew Dry, 34 Phoenix, AZ
"Mesmirizing and awed by the writing style! I am a big reader. I am now in my 50's, I have read books for breakfast..meaning, I read alot of books. I have yet to experience the unique writing style of Michelle Elizabeth. The usage of her words just flow in such an original way..like I've never heard before. This is a book that makes you feel..real emotions...an empathetic book, for sure. I'm looking forward to the next book, I can't wait to read that interesting prose!!"
Laura Harbin 52, Roanoke, VA
"Couldn't put this mesmerizing masterpiece down! It is difficult to say what was more appealing about this literary masterpiece: the almost-unbelievable real-life adventure that was Michele's beginning, or the manner in which she so brilliantly tells it. This book is so well-written that even if one has no frame of reference from which to compare it to, it is easy to fall in step with the author as she "clip-clops" through the underworld, eventually emerging as a healed healer. This woman is a fantastic writer; I can't wait for the release of her second book! If you or anyone you know is suffering from the mental illness of self or another, this is a must read! If neither applies to you, this book will take you on a wild ride of unbelievable proportions! Pick it up and chances are you will not be able to put it down!!!"
Brian Stuesser 35, Madison, WI
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