November Wrap-Up || 2018

TL;DR

November reading wrap-up featuring Native, Indigenous, and First Nations authors, with diverse genre selections.

Transcript

Bibliophiles of the internet, my name’s Adriana, and today I’m here to bring you my November Wrap-Up. For those of you who may not know, November was National Native Heritage Month. So I chose to exclusively read books written by Native, Indigenous, and First Nations authors. Towards the end of the month, I did obviously take part in Tome Topple, s... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Native authors provide diverse narratives, addressing personal struggles and cultural heritage.
• 🎏 Unique storytelling techniques, like stream of consciousness narration, enhance the reading experience.
• 📔 Themes of trauma, ritual, and identity are prevalent throughout the books.
• ❓ The importance of representation and reclaiming narratives is highlighted.
• ❓ Exploring modern Native experiences in literature challenges stereotypes and erasure.
• 👶 Post-apocalyptic and speculative fiction offer new perspectives on traditional genres.
• 🖕 Middle-grade fantasy can tackle complex themes of self-doubt and personal growth.

Questions & Answers

Q: What themes are explored in "Heart Berries" by Terese Marie Mailhot?

"Heart Berries" delves into sexual trauma, estrangement, mental health, therapy, unhealthy relationships, and navigating Native stereotypes. The author's writing style is sharp, fragmented, and engages the reader with honesty.

Q: How does "There, There" by Tommy Orange explore modern Native identity?

"There, There" weaves multigenerational narratives of Native characters making a pilgrimage to a traditional powwow, delving into the complexities of being authentically Native in a modern world while addressing historical traumas.

Q: What is the premise of "Trail of Lightning" by Rebecca Roanhorse?

"Trail of Lightning" follows Diné monster hunter Maggie, wielding unique clan powers, on a post-apocalyptic urban fantasy adventure. The story offers a fresh perspective on Native mythology and features a compelling protagonist.

Q: How does "Nevermoor" by Jessica Townsend compare to other fantasy works?

"Nevermoor" presents a middle-grade fantasy story reminiscent of the Harry Potter series with its magical world and captivating trials. However, it distinguishes itself through its strong emotional themes and character growth.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Focus on Native, Indigenous, and First Nations authors for National Native Heritage Month.

• Books covered range from memoirs to literary fiction, post-apocalyptic urban fantasy, and even a middle-grade fantasy book.

• Each book brings unique perspectives on the modern Native experience, history, and identity.