Books Like...

Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi is a unique and compelling novel that delves into the experiences of Ada, a young woman with multiple personalities shaped by trauma and traditional Igbo spirituality. The book explores themes of internal conflict, mental illness, and self-discovery through the lens of Ada's relationships with the spirits inhabiting her body. The narrative is described as raw, visceral, and deeply disturbing, with a focus on Ada's struggles to navigate her identity and existence between two worlds.

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.

'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.

'Borrowed Finery: A Memoir' by Paula Fox is a poignant account of the author's difficult childhood, where she faced neglect and abandonment from her parents. Despite the hardships, Paula Fox grew up to become a successful writer, penning numerous children's books and novels. The memoir delves into the author's life experiences, offering insights into the characters and themes in her literary works. Paula Fox's writing style, characterized by descriptive and minimalist prose, effectively captures the emotions of her childhood self and the wisdom of her adult perspective.

'Son of a Trickster' by Eden Robinson follows the story of Jared, a young smart-mouthed teenager living with his troubled mother. Despite facing unfortunate events and unreliable adults in his life, Jared's strong core of compassion and sense of duty shines through as he navigates through teenage struggles and family dysfunction. The narrative weaves together elements of magical realism with raw realism, portraying Jared's life with a mix of teenage drama, family dynamics, and the introduction of fantastical elements like talking animals and supernatural beings. The writing style is described as sparse yet engaging, with witty and gritty dialogues that bring the characters to life in a vivid and authentic manner.

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline is a dystopian novel set in a future Canada where indigenous people are hunted for their bone marrow, the key to dreaming which the rest of the population has lost. The story follows Frenchie, a 16-year-old Metis boy who joins a group of indigenous people fleeing north to escape the recruiters. Through a nonlinear narrative, the book explores themes of survival, loss, family, and the exploitation of indigenous cultures in a post-apocalyptic world.

Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline weaves together the legend of the rogarou, a werewolf-like creature, with the modern-day story of Joan searching for her missing husband, Victor. Set in a Canadian First People community, the novel explores themes of indigenous myths, colonialism, and the exploitation of indigenous lands, all while blending elements of magical realism with a contemporary setting. Dimaline's writing style is described as beautiful, sometimes profound, and akin to that of a poet, making the story a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley is a compelling coming-of-age mystery novel that delves into the life of Daunis Fontaine, a young woman navigating her Native American heritage and the complexities of her community. Through Daunis' journey, readers are exposed to themes of identity, family relationships, grief, discrimination, and the cultural richness of the Ojibwe tribe. The story intricately weaves together elements of mystery, Indigenous culture, and societal issues, offering a poignant exploration of tradition, resilience, and self-discovery.

"Elatsoe" by Darcie Little Badger is a fantasy novel set in an alternate USA where supernatural elements are accepted. The story follows Elatsoe, a Lipan Apache girl who can see and summon ghosts, continuing her family's tradition. When her cousin is murdered, Elatsoe sets out to uncover the truth with the help of her family, friends, and her ghost dog. The book blends urban fantasy with Lipan Apache myth, creating a rich and vibrant standalone fantasy with elements of mystery and magic. The writing style is described as easy to fall into, with a snappy plot that touches on themes of grief and compassion.

Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich is a powerful and complex novel that delves into the lives of two Native American families, the Kashpaws and the Lamartines. The book is structured as a series of interconnected short stories, each narrated by different characters, creating a multigenerational saga set on a Chippewa reservation in North Dakota. The writing style is poetic and memorable, focusing on character studies and voices that weave together to explore themes of family, identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in everyday life.

The novel is praised for its rich portrayal of Native American culture and tradition, as well as its vivid and vibrant characters that come to life on the page. Love Medicine is not a plot-driven novel but instead focuses on the robust personalities and passionate life experiences of its characters, making it a compelling exploration of family histories, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions.