Books Like...

Thomas King's 'Green Grass, Running Water' is a humorous and thought-provoking novel that weaves together various historical, religious, and cultural events from both Native American and Caucasian perspectives. The story follows Blackfoot Lionel Red Dog as he navigates a dead-end job in Blossom, Alberta, while encountering four ancient Indians who escape from a mental institution, impacting the lives of Lionel, his family, and friends. Through a blend of reality and pseudoreality, King explores the complexities of cultural clashes between modern Native American Indians and white Christian society, incorporating elements of Native Canadian mythology into a modern narrative.

'Motorcycles & Sweetgrass' by Drew Hayden Taylor is a humorous and thought-provoking novel that blends elements of Anishnawbe legend with modern-day life in an Indigenous community in Ontario. The story follows the reawakening of Nanabush, the Ojibwe Trickster, who returns to Otter Lake disguised as a handsome young white man named John, riding a 1953 Indian Chief motorcycle. As the community grapples with Nanabush's presence, themes of family, community, and the importance of tradition and magic are explored. The writing style is described as entertaining, funny, and educational, with a touch of myth and magic that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich is a novel that delves into the lives of various people living on an Indian reservation in North Dakota and a nearby small town. The story revolves around a shocking murder that took place many decades before, leading to the lynching of three innocent Indian men. Through multiple perspectives and shifts in time, the book explores the complex and tangled consequences of these events, as well as the interweaving relationships among the families of the victims and perpetrators. The writing style is described as slow, intricate, and meandering, creating a compelling narrative that lingers with the reader even after the final page.

Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson is a coming-of-age novel that delves into the life of Lisamarie, a Haisla girl living in Kitamaat, British Columbia. The story follows her journey as she navigates her Indigenous heritage, family relationships, and the mysteries of her community, all while dealing with the disappearance of her brother Jimmy. The narrative weaves back and forth between past and present, exploring themes of tradition, culture, and the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples, all depicted through a lens of modern language and storytelling techniques.

The anthology 'Love After the End' curated by Joshua Whitehead features a collection of speculative fiction stories by queer Indigenous two-spirit authors. The stories explore a range of themes including alternative futures, Indigenous identities, love in various forms, and the intersection of queer and Indigenous identities. The writing style varies across the stories, with some set in distant futures and others in modified present times, offering a diverse and thought-provoking reading experience.

'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 Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America" by Thomas King is a history book that provides a unique perspective on the treatment of indigenous people in North America by European settlers. The author blends memoir and history, exploring the impact of colonization on native cultures and the ongoing struggles faced by Native Americans today. King's engaging and entertaining writing style, infused with humor, helps shed light on the often grim subject matter, challenging readers to rethink their perceptions of Native Americans and their history.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history of native involvement in Hollywood, the portrayal of natives in film, the challenges faced by North American tribes in determining identity, and the injustices perpetuated by various governments since the 1600s. Through a conversational and witty narrative, King skillfully presents the complexities of Native White relationships, historical misfortunes, and the ongoing political strategies that have perpetuated racial inequities. Overall, "The Inconvenient Indian" offers a thought-provoking and eye-opening account of the struggles and resilience of Native peoples in North America.

"Ceremony" by Leslie Marmon Silko is a powerful and poetic exploration of the struggles faced by Tayo, a Laguna Pueblo Indian, as he returns from World War II suffering from battle fatigue and seeks healing and acceptance. Through a blend of ancient rituals, Native American traditions, and a narrative that weaves together themes of loss, healing, and identity, Silko takes the reader on an epic journey of self-discovery and community restoration. The story is rich with symbolism, folklore, and poetry, offering a unique perspective on the challenges of navigating between cultures and generations, while also shedding light on the impact of war on the individual psyche.

Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese is a powerful and heartbreaking story that delves into the life of Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway boy who was taken from his family and sent to a residential school in Canada. Despite the brutalities he faced, Saul finds solace in the game of hockey, using it as an escape from his traumatic past. The book beautifully captures Saul's journey of healing and self-discovery as he navigates through the challenges of racism, abuse, and addiction, ultimately finding strength in his cultural roots and community support. Wagamese's writing style is described as poignant and poetic, with vivid descriptions that evoke strong emotions in the readers.

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.