5 Books From Indigenous Writers To Have On Your TBR

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Storytelling is one of the most important elements that hold cultures together. For many storytellers, it's not just a pastime, but a way to remember their history. We as readers have a duty not only to enjoy those stories, but to try our best to broaden our understanding of the people and history of the places we call home. That means we should be tuning into the voices of Indigenous writers, the original storytellers of the land we inhabit. Their words have long carried the fighting spirit, resilience, and memory of their ancestors and this land for generations. 

Indigenous writers allow readers to see the world through their lens, shaped and beautifully colored by history, and an unbreakable connection to the land. Their work should be a reminder to us that stories are more than entertainment. They're a living and breathing record of one's identity, heritage, and community. 

If you haven't read a book by an Indigenous writer, it's time to change that. From a chilling anthology to a story about modern-day Native Americans and their struggles, these are the books by Indigenous writers you should be adding to your TBR as soon as possible. 

"Firekeeper's Daughter" is a must-read work of literature by Indigenous writer Angeline Boulley, and a Reese's Book Club pick that is sure to leave you sobbing. Not only was the book the honorable Edgar winner of 2022, but it's in production to become a Netflix series by Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground Productions. More than 90,000 Goodreads reviewers gave the book a five star rating, with one reviewer describing the book as one full of deeply layered characters and a gripping storyline, but a read that also helped them learn "so much about Native American culture, including their traditions, language, history, how they use plants to create natural medicines, their deep understanding of chemistry, and their remarkable survival skills." 

And the book's plot is a serious page turner. The story follows Daunis, an 18-year-old Ojibwe woman, who witnesses a murder. She must work with the FBI to uncover a dangerous drug operation that is threatening the community she loves and longs to protect. Throughout the investigation, Daunis finds herself torn between her loyalty to the community and her sense of justice and seeking the truth. 

Another reviewer (via Amazon) gave the book five stars and wrote, "This book was so well written and engaging! I couldn't put it down! I love stories that include history, cultural and community traditions, contemporary social issues, mystery, and incredible characters. I especially loved learning about the Anishinaabe people and the impact of meth on their community." 

Louise Erdrich's "The Mighty Red" made our list of one of the most anticipated fall 2024 book releases, so if you loved the author's immersive storytelling, Erdrich's Pulitzer Prize-winning piece, "The Night Watchman," will surely be your cup of tea as well. A member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Band of Indians, she continues to be a powerful voice for Indigenous representation in contemporary literature. 

The main character, Thomas Wazhashk, was inspired by her own grandfather, Patrick Gorneau, who spent most of his life fighting the government's attempt to terminate their legal recognition. Her grandfather's many letters became the blueprint for the novel. "I reread his letters every so often to get a grip on why I'm doing this writing. I mean, he was a wonderful writer. His letters are beautiful, full of humor and storytelling. And he wrote them during this time when he was fighting termination and working as the night watchman," she told NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday in a 2020 interview.

What happens when the government tries to erase your history, culture, and identity? "The Night Watchman" tells the story of Thomas Wazhashk, a member of the Chippewa tribe, who leads his community's fight against a federal bill that threatens to strip them of their rights and identity, while another member of the tribe, Patrice Paranteau, goes on a journey in search of her sister. Their stories capture a powerful portrait of the importance of identity, belonging, and resilience.

If you've never had the opportunity to read the work of an Indigenous author, start with "Never Whistle at Night." This bone-chilling anthology is packed with short stories written by multiple Indigenous writers. There are so many stories, each of them exploring the unknown, the supernatural, and, of course, the deeply human. 

Interestingly enough, many readers first came across the book on TikTok, where it quickly gained traction among fans of horror and dark stories. One reviewer (via Amazon) kept their verdict short and simple: "Heard many great reviews for this book on TikTok and I loved this book." Another wrote, "My partner and I bought this book as we both saw it on TikTok and were interested. I read the stories over two weeks and really appreciated the variety of authors and themes."

Just as the title suggests, many Indigenous cultures believe whistling at night is an open invitation for evil to find you. Interestingly, this isn't an isolated belief. Many East Asian cultures also warn that whistling after sunset attracts bad luck and spirits. The book is a haunting collection with intriguingly terrifying stories, doubling as a nice and easy read that'll help you achieve your reading goals. Be prepared as it will leave you feeling like you want to sleep with the lights on.

As important as it is to know the history of the United States's indigenous people, it's equally important to recognize and read the stories of Indigenous communities beyond our borders. That's why we included "The Berry Pickers" by Amanda Peters on this list. Peters, whose father is Mi'kmaq, dedicates her time to being the voice of her ancestors and telling stories about belonging and identity. 

In "The Berry Pickers," a Nova Scotian family's life is upended when their daughter goes missing. Unable to find her, the family struggles for years, stricken with grief and guilt that doesn't subside. Then, there's Norma, a girl who has never felt that her home was her home. She suspects her parents have long kept a secret about her identity, and now she's determined to find out what it is. As the path of the grieving family and that of Norma's collide, Peters tells a powerful story full of love, secrets, and the yearning to belong. 

More than 200,000 Goodreads reviewers have given the book more than a four-star rating, with many saying it completely took them by surprise. "What a book!! And to think that I didn't even want to read this book, and it is now one of my all time favorites! Did the title appeal to me? No. The cover? Not so much. The synopsis? Not really. But when I opened up this book, each page just took my breath away. I can't remember the last time I read a more magical, compelling book," wrote one reviewer.

Tommy Orange's "There There" was widely celebrated and recognized the moment it hit shelves in 2018. Praised as one of the best books of the year by multiple publications, "There There" takes place in Oakland, California, and follows multiple Native American characters. Slowly, their paths intertwine, revealing just how much of their identity is shared with one another as if some string were tying them all together. Whether confronting questions about their identity, heritage, or dealing with familial issues, each character is struggling with their own troubles. And those troubles are what make the characters so raw and real. 

In a 2018 interview with The Guardian, Orange was asked why he chose to have 12 different narrators, and his explanation is truly intriguing. "I really liked what a chorus of voices could do. I like, within a novel, to jump around and see how the different voices connect. It gives the reader a lot to do. And when the reader gets the connection, something really special happens: like a clicking in place," he explained. 

One 5-star Amazon reviewer said, "I love this book and recommend it to anyone interested in history vs modernity, memoirs, varying perspectives, and deeply human characters and the moments they experience." An emotional story about modern-day Native Americans, this is another great book for those looking to read the works of Indigenous writers.