Was out of town for much of this week, and got a little bit hooked on a much nicer, slower frame of mind. Having a little bit of trouble getting back into life.
Oprah released her summer reading list, so I figured, hey, why not me? Sure, the authors will probably be a tad less excited that they are on MY reading list, versus the big O, but I'm sure they're okay with it.
I generally read... a lot... but after the month of Native poetry, I noticed how litte I intentionally read much Native fiction. Despite enjoying the nonfiction Native books, and loving literature in general, I don't intentionally go out to find many Native fiction books. So, this summer, I'm making sure I read at least six different Native authors (two/month.)
By the way, if you have suggestons, PLEASE let me know. I put much more stock in suggestions than in reviews and such, and would love to know what Native author books you like!
The List:
Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie
I've only ever read short stories and poems by Alexie, and always "meant" to read the novels. I actually already started on the first chapter of this, and am hooked!
The Painted Drum by Louise Erdrich
Ravensong by Lee Maracle
"From the depths of the sound Raven sang a deep wind song, melancholy green... Cloud crashed on the hillside while Raven began to weep."
I've never head of this novel, or author, before, but I'm a sucker for imagery.
Black Eagle Child: The Facepaint Narratives by Ray A. Young Bear
Bird Girl and the Man Who Followed the Sun by Velma Wallis
I read Two Old Women years ago, and loved it, but never got around to this one.
Dawn Land by Joseph Bruchac
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Kerry Lauerman
gail williams
designanator
Leigh Bailey
natesmith124
Joan Walsh
Salon.com
Comments
I read more non-fiction by Native authors, too. I may have to borrow your reading list.
Great list, thanks so much.
Here are a few more for the list:
Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal Dreams. I read this years ago and it’s still in my top 10. Can’t wait till I have time go back and read it again.
Joy Harjo’s How We Became Human: New and Selected Poems. I haven’t read this latest collection but she has been a longtime favorite of mine ever since I had the honor of meeting her a dozen or so years ago.
Carol Schaefer’s Grandmothers Counsel the World: Women Elders Offer Their Vision for Our Planet. Takelma-Siletz Elder Agnes Baker Pilgrim is one of the contributors to this collection, as well as an amazing international activist on behalf of peace. Granny Aggie signed this book for my grandmother’s 82nd birthday almost exactly two years ago. It was the last gift I ever had an opportunity to give her.
—Melissa