10 Audiobooks to Read During Native American Heritage Month

#1 – The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich

The best thing about a historical fiction novel is how you learn about our nation’s and peoples history all in one. The Termination Era is something that we can’t forget and should always be concerned with its potential in the future.

#2 – Postcolonial Love Poem by Natalie Diaz

I always have to give my flowers to fellow California Indian folks and a 2SLGBTQ+ author at that is even more of a bonus. This Pulitzer Prize winner has humor, relevant commentary on politics and climate change, and a deep telling of experiencing love and intimacy.

#3 – Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Perhaps the most popular Indigenous authored novel as of the past few years, but worth it for inspiring a radical reimagination of our relationship with our plant spirits and how to restructure our economy and politic for our future generations.

#4 – The Sentence by Louise Erdrich

My favorite novel I’ve read this year, especially as an Indigenous bookseller myself, which lives through the character Tookie. You cannot miss the ending!

#5 – The Language Warrior’s Manifesto by Anton Treuer

As a Native Linguist, language is my every single day. Anton does not hold back in delivering the raw truth of the grit and revolution language revitalization necessitates.

#6 – The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson

Tragic, real, and hopeful. If you’re looking for an adoptee perspective and a beautiful fiction novel to follow Braiding Sweetgrass, this is it.

#7 – My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones

Horror fans rejoice! Seriously, horror fans. Jade will be able to list off at least five of your top favorite horror films probably within the first 30 minutes you listen. Also, cannot miss the ending.

#8

Our History is the Future by Nick Estes

Standing Rock was the most contemporary Indigenous resurgence since Wounded Knee and exposed how our technological advancement is now seeping into arming the colonial class with even more weaponry against our Indigenous movements for the climate. You will absolutely learn a thing or twenty!

#9 – In My Own Moccasins by Helen Knott

My favorite genre is memoir and hearing this was deeply personal and diving into such challenging topics as addiction and sexual assault, you’ll be taken on a healing journey through traditional ceremony and historical awareness.

#10 – Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

One of the most successful Indigenous fantasy to date that takes you through an entire family in generations and on a love story. Perfect for readers like me who struggle with fantasy and futurism because I get so confused and distracted, but the audio format helps so much!