Books matching: american culture
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- #1
Save:A soul-nourishing blend of story, science, and wisdom - Braiding Sweetgrass invites us to see nature as a gift and challenges us to rebuild our connection with the earth. Read it for inspiration, perspective, and a gentler vision for our shared future.
'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a blend of indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge, focusing on the interconnectedness between nature, culture, and humanity. Through a series of essays or stories, Kimmerer shares her personal journey as a Potawatomi person and a biology professor, exploring themes of reciprocity, gratitude, and sustainability. Her writing style is described as poetic, reflective, and meditative, offering a unique perspective on environmentalism and indigenous philosophy.
Hurtling downward, she saw only dark water below. But in that emptiness there were many eyes gazing up at the sudden shaft of light. They saw there a small object, a mere dust mote in the beam. As it...September 2013•400 pages A fascinating, myth-busting deep dive into the Americas before Columbus, packed with new discoveries. Read it if you want your view of history forever changed!
'1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus' by Charles C. Mann is an engaging exploration of the pre-Columbian Americas, challenging traditional narratives about the indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere. Mann presents a well-researched account of the advanced cultures and civilizations that existed before European contact, shedding light on their population density, societal structures, and environmental impact. His writing style is captivating, making complex historical and anthropological concepts accessible to readers, while maintaining a sense of discovery and intrigue throughout the narrative.
The seeds of this book date back, at least in part, to 1983, when I wrote an article for Science about a NASA program that was monitoring atmospheric ozone levels. In the course of learning about the...2005•578 pages- #3
Save:Sweeping, dramatic, and unflinching - this is a riveting and fiercely told history of the Comanches and their last great chief, though those seeking a more balanced or exclusively Comanche perspective may leave wanting more.
'Empire of the Summer Moon' by S.C. Gwynne tells the story of the rise and fall of the Comanche tribe and their conflicts with settlers in Texas. It focuses on key figures like Cynthia Ann Parker and her son Quanah Parker, who became a leader of the Comanches. provides a gripping narrative of the forty-year struggle between the Comanches and the settlers, highlighting the brutal realities of war and the cultural complexities of the time. The author's writing style is described as engaging, well-researched, and balanced, offering insights into the history of Native Americans in the mid-19th century.
CAVALRYMEN REMEMBER SUCH moments: dust swirling behind the pack mules, regimental bugles shattering the air, horses snorting and riders’ tack creaking through the ranks, their old company song rising...May 2010•401 pages A powerful, necessary (if sometimes tough) read that dramatically shifts your view of American history - essential for anyone ready to confront the country’s legacy with honesty and depth, but better as a starting point than the final word.
'An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States' by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz offers a perspective on American history told from the viewpoint of Indigenous peoples. The author delves into the genocidal program of the US settler colonial regime that has been largely omitted from traditional history books. Through the narrative, Dunbar-Ortiz reveals how Native Americans actively resisted the expansion of the US empire over centuries. discusses the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples, the historical context of colonization, and the impact of settler colonialism on the Indigenous population.
The writing style of the book is described as informative, brutally honest, and necessary for understanding the reality of white Americans' actions towards Native Americans over the last four hundred years. While not a comprehensive history, the book presents a detailed account of Anglo-Indigenous relations throughout American history, shedding light on the sobering truth of the country's treatment of Indigenous peoples. Dunbar-Ortiz's work challenges traditional narratives of American history and encourages readers to view the nation's past from a different perspective, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and learning from the Indigenous perspective.
Humanoids existed on Earth for around four million years as hunters and gatherers living in small communal groups that through their movements found and populated every continent. Some two hundred tho...September 2014•315 pages- #5
Save:A compelling, meticulously-researched epic of Sioux family and culture - deeply rewarding for those who savor immersive historical fiction, but not for the faint of heart or those wary of controversy.
'Hanta Yo: An American Saga' by Ruth Beebe Hill is a fictionalized, multi-generational story of a Lakota Sioux family that offers a glimpse into Sioux life up to the 1830s. The author, who lived with a Sioux tribe to learn their language and customs, wrote the novel in their native language and then translated it into English, creating a powerful and fascinating narrative that transports readers to the spiritual and moral lives of the Dakota people.
The book delves deep into Native American culture, providing a social and anthropological insight into the Lakota people's history from their first encounter with Europeans to the capture of their land and property. With a mix of historical facts and moving storytelling, 'Hanta Yo' offers a rich and empathetic portrayal of a culture now lost, leaving readers with a sense of respect and empathy for The People and their way of life.
1979•869 pages - #6
Save:A deeply moving, beautifully written novel about family, justice, and coming of age on a reservation. Expect to be both heartbroken and inspired. Highly recommended for thoughtful readers looking for substance and emotional depth.
'The Round House' by Louise Erdrich is a powerful coming-of-age story set on an Ojibwe reservation in North Dakota. The narrative follows 13-year-old Joe Coutts as he grapples with the aftermath of his mother's brutal rape and the challenges of seeking justice within the complex legal and social systems of the Native American community. Through Joe's perspective, the novel delves into themes of childhood innocence, family dynamics, cultural identity, and the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Native Americans. The story weaves together elements of mystery, social commentary, and Native American folklore, painting a rich and compelling portrait of reservation life in the 1980s.
Small trees had attacked my parents’ house at the foundation. They were just seedlings with one or two rigid, healthy leaves. Nevertheless, the stalky shoots had managed to squeeze through knife crack...October 2012•359 pages - #7
Save:An engaging, eye-opening anthology of Native American myths and legends that’s both educational and entertaining - best for mature readers ready to experience a vibrant variety of storytelling traditions.
"American Indian Myths and Legends" edited by Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz is a comprehensive collection of stories and myths from various Native American groups across North America. presents a wide range of tales including creation myths, heroic stories, and cultural legends, providing insight into the rich and diverse Native American cultures. The stories are organized thematically, offering concise summaries and context for each tale, along with information about the tribes, oral traditions, and historical background.
Readers find the book to be an engaging and informative resource for learning about Native American culture, history, and values through their traditional stories. The content spans different aboriginal cultures, from the far north to Mexico, and covers a variety of themes such as creation heritage, cataclysms, and natural disaster myths. is praised for its comprehensive introduction to Native American folklore, offering a vast selection of stories that are entertaining, illuminating, and culturally significant.
Creation myths deal with both how the physical world as we know it came to be and how the many features of specific cultures originated. While the tales in Parts Two and Three will deal with the first...January 1984•535 pages - #8
Save:A beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that brings Indigenous history to life through unforgettable characters - required reading if you want a deeply human perspective on the American West.
Fools Crow by James Welch is a historical novel set in the late 19th century, depicting the life of Native American tribes, specifically focusing on the Pikuni tribe in Montana. The story follows the journey of Fools Crow, a young brave who evolves from an outcast to a respected member of his tribe, navigating through the challenges posed by white settlers encroaching on their territory. The book captures the clash of cultures between Native Americans and whites, exploring themes of survival, honor, and the impact of assimilation on the indigenous people. The narrative is rich in details about Native American culture, including marriage practices, dream visions, hunting, and tribal relations, providing a comprehensive view of their way of life.
NOW THAT THE WEATHER had changed, the moon of the falling leaves turned white in the blackening sky and White Man’s Dog was restless. He chewed the stick of dry meat and watched Cold Maker gather his...November 1986•431 pages - #9
Save:A standout in urban fantasy, bringing Navajo lore front and center with a gritty heroine and immersive world. Well worth reading for its originality, even if some genre conventions linger.
In 'Trail of Lightning' by Rebecca Roanhorse, readers are transported to a post-apocalyptic world where the Navajo reservation, now known as Dinétah, has been reborn after a climate apocalypse. The story follows Maggie Hoskie, a Dinétah monster hunter trained by an immortal being. As she navigates a world filled with gods, heroes, and monsters, Maggie faces personal struggles and battles against supernatural threats. The book is a unique blend of urban fantasy and Native American mythology, with a focus on strong character development and a plot filled with unexpected twists and betrayals.
The writing style in 'Trail of Lightning' is fast-paced and engaging, with deep emotions and complex characters that resonate with readers. The book delves into themes of survival, identity, and the impact of trauma, all set against a backdrop of a richly imagined world where magic, monsters, and ancient legends come to life. Rebecca Roanhorse's storytelling weaves together elements of fantasy, mythology, and post-apocalyptic landscapes to create a gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
His stench is part the acrid sweat of exertion, part the meaty ripeness of a carnivore’s unwashed flesh, and part something else I can’t quite name. It fouls the evening air, stretching beyond smell t...June 2018•304 pages - #10
Save:Atmospheric, unsettling, and deeply original - The Only Good Indians is a must-read for horror fans craving something fresh, haunting, and meaningful, though the unique narrative style might not work for everyone.
'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones is a horror novel that delves into the consequences of a past mistake made by four young Blackfeet men during an illegal elk hunt. The plot revolves around a vengeful entity, the spirit of a slaughtered elk, seeking revenge on the men ten years later in a chilling and suspenseful manner. The writing style is described as intense, lyrical, and poetic, with a strong focus on Native American culture and folklore. The story explores themes of justice, revenge, cultural identity, tradition, and the respect for nature, all while providing a unique and eerie setting on an Indian reservation.
So far it only comes on with its thready glow at completely random times. Maybe in relation to some arcane and unlikely combination of light switches in the house, or maybe from the iron being plugged...2019•327 pages
