📚 Books to Read After Ceremony
Just finished ceremony? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels
Rating: 4.13 / 5 (12,836 ratings), Published: 1996
When to read it: When you're reflecting on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of trauma and loss.
This poignant novel traces the life of a young holocaust survivor and a man grappling with his past. Michaels weaves together themes of memory, identity, and healing with exquisite prose that lingers in the heart. It's a profound exploration of how we navigate the wounds of history and find solace in connection.
Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Poetry, War, Coming-of-Age
After reading: Readers will feel a renewed sense of hope and a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling in processing pain and finding peace within oneself.
📘 There There by Tommy Orange
Rating: 4.03 / 5 (116,900 ratings), Published: 2018
When to read it: When you're craving a raw, unflinching look at the complexities of Native American identity in modern America.
Orange's debut novel is a searing exploration of urban Native American experiences, interweaving the lives of twelve characters as they navigate issues of tradition, identity, and community. It's a revelatory read that confronts the impact of historical trauma and the quest for belonging with unapologetic honesty.
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Cultural, Diversity, Identity
After reading: Readers will be compelled to confront their own biases and preconceptions, while gaining a deeper understanding of the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities.
📘 The Round House by Louise Erdrich
Rating: 4.04 / 5 (96,477 ratings), Published: 2012
When to read it: When you're seeking a powerful narrative that delves into the complexities of justice, family, and indigenous identity.
Erdrich's novel is a masterful exploration of a young Native American boy's quest for justice following a devastating crime on a North Dakota reservation. Through a blend of mystery, coming-of-age themes, and cultural richness, Erdrich crafts a compelling story that resonates long after the final page.
Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Cultural, Family, Legal
After reading: Readers will be left contemplating the intricacies of morality, the bonds of family, and the enduring strength found in cultural heritage, prompting a deeper reflection on the complexities of justice and belief systems within indigenous communities.
📘 Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Rating: 4.63 / 5 (60,697 ratings), Published: 2013
When to read it: When you're in need of nourishing your soul with insights on the interconnectedness of nature, spirituality, and indigenous wisdom.
Kimmerer beautifully intertwines her experiences as a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to offer a profound exploration of our relationship with the natural world. Through storytelling and scientific knowledge, she invites readers to rekindle a deep reverence for the earth and all its inhabitants.
Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Nature, Environment, Indigenous Cultures
After reading: Readers will feel a deep sense of interconnectedness with the world around them, gaining a renewed appreciation for indigenous wisdom, the healing power of nature, and the importance of reciprocity in nurturing a harmonious relationship with the Earth.
📘 The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
Rating: 3.93 / 5 (47,838 ratings), Published: 2020
When to read it: When you're craving a chilling yet thought-provoking exploration of guilt, identity, and the haunting consequences of the past.
Jones delivers a riveting horror novel that blends cultural commentary with a gripping narrative about four American Indian men haunted by a shared act of violence. As their past returns to exact a brutal toll, the story unfolds with visceral intensity, delving into themes of tradition, retribution, and the impact of choices made long ago.
Genres: Fiction, Horror, Thriller, Cultural, Psychological
After reading: Readers will be left in awe of Jones' ability to craft a deeply unsettling yet profoundly resonant story, prompting reflection on the enduring power of guilt, the complexities of cultural heritage, and the inescapable grip of the past on our present actions.