Books Like...

'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.

"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.

"The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" by Sherman Alexie is a collection of interconnected short stories set on a Spokane Indian reservation. The stories delve into the lives of Native Americans grappling with poverty, alcoholism, and the clash between their cultural heritage and the modern world. Through a mix of stark realism and fantasy, Alexie portrays the struggles of the characters as they navigate issues of identity, tradition, and substance abuse. The writing style alternates between humor and despair, painting a vivid picture of life on the reservation and the challenges faced by its residents.

'The Night Watchman' by Louise Erdrich is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of a Chippewa man who fought against the Indian Termination Acts in the 1950s. The book interweaves personal stories of characters living on the Turtle Mountain Reservation, highlighting themes of family, love, government, and freedom. Erdrich's writing style is described as clear, engaging, and with a mix of Indian magic realism and sober reality, creating a powerful and somewhat hypnotic effect on the reader.

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.

House Made of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday is a novel that delves into the struggles of Abel, a Native American man who returns to his reservation after serving in World War II, but finds it challenging to adapt back to his life. The book portrays Abel's journey of disintegration and attempts at reformation, highlighting themes of cultural dissonance, trauma, and the clash between traditional Native American life and modern Anglo American society. The narrative structure is fragmented, with multiple viewpoints and a blend of poetry and prose, creating a rich tapestry of imagery and storytelling that captures the essence of Native American experiences in the mid-20th century.

'Split Tooth' by Tanya Tagaq is a genre-defying book that delves into the raw and brutal experiences of a young Inuit girl growing up in the far north. The story is a blend of coming-of-age narrative, magical realism, and poetry, exploring themes of abuse, violence, and the harsh realities of life in the Arctic. The writing style is described as visceral, electric, and haunting, with scenes that seamlessly shift between the mundane and the mythical, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

'The Sentence' by Louise Erdrich is a novel set in Minneapolis, focusing on Tookie, a Native American ex-convict working in a bookstore owned by the author. The storyline delves into Tookie's past of body snatching, her marriage to Pollux, a tribal policeman, and her haunting by a deceased customer named Flora. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of real-world events like the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd, offering a unique perspective on current issues. The book intricately weaves together themes of redemption, community, and the power of books, providing a multi-layered and engaging reading experience.

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.

Set on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, 'Winter Counts' follows Virgil Wounded Horse, a vigilante enforcer who takes justice into his own hands to combat the drug problem affecting his community. The story delves into the complexities of Native American culture, addressing issues of drug trafficking, jurisdictional challenges, and the struggle to preserve cultural identity. Through a mix of mystery, crime fiction, and social commentary, the author weaves a narrative that immerses readers in the life on the reservation, showcasing the resilience and challenges faced by the characters.

As Virgil navigates personal tragedies and confronts the corruption within his own community, he is forced to reexamine his choices and reconnect with his Lakota heritage. The book expertly blends action-packed sequences with thought-provoking insights into the social problems of the reservation, offering a compelling portrayal of life, justice, and cultural traditions in a Native American community.