I’m looking for some recommendations on (fiction or non-fiction) books that explore Native American or other indigenous myths, folklore, or even everyday life and culture, but in a way that’s light, engaging, and not textbook-heavy.
I’m not after straight-up history books, more like stories or narratives that carry the spirit, philosophy, or humor of Native traditions. Could be modern fiction inspired by myths, or non-fiction that reads easily and paints a simple picture of the way of life.
I have already read *The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven*.
by genesis_pig
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The Round House, Louise Erdrich
Never whistle at night is a Native short story anthology that’s sold out several times at the bookstore I work at. I’ve also sold lors of copies of Native Nations if you ever want some nonfiction
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a wonderful story. The protagonist is a Melungeon, a mixed race person mostly but not limited to the Appalachian region. I enjoyed it & learned from it. Surprisingly, my husband who rarely reads fiction enjoyed it too.
The Orenda by Joseph Boyden was a very cool novel set in the Great Lakes region during the colonial time and had characters that were of the Huron Nation and other tribes of the Iroquois Confederation. I recall there being French explorers and missionaries too – but the plot largely centers on First Nations and their ways of living. It’s also part of a series.
You would probably enjoy Tony Hillerman’s award winning series of Navajo Tribal Police novels. They include a great blend of mystery and Navajo culture and are all great stories.
I’d also highly recommend Little Big Man by Thomas Berger. One of the wildest tall stories and hands down funniest books I have ever read.