**Celebrating Native Women Writers: Vanessa Lillie’s Recommendations for Native American Heritage Month**
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In recognition of Native American Heritage Month this November, Cherokee author Vanessa Lillie offers a curated selection of works by Native women writers. Lillie’s list spans multiple genres—from fantasy and horror to literary fiction and romance—highlighting diverse themes such as identity, resilience, and Indigenous perspectives. Her suggestions serve not only to entertain but also to provoke meaningful discussion, making them ideal for both individual readers and book clubs.
Lillie, whose novel “The Bone Thief” has drawn significant attention, expresses particular enthusiasm for these voices, stating, “as a Cherokee author, I am very biased. I think these are the voices we most need to be reading.” She encourages readers to immerse themselves in these works, asserting that they offer rich material for contemplation and conversation.
One of the standout recommendations from Lillie is *Braiding Sweetgrass* by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This intricate work intertwines memoir, scientific insight, and Indigenous philosophy, inviting readers to reflect on their relationship with nature and one another. Lillie cites Kimmerer’s poignant line about vegetable gardens, which beautifully captures the reciprocal bond between humanity and the earth: “It’s a place where if you can’t say ‘I love you,’ you can say it in seeds.” The author urges readers to perhaps opt for the audiobook, noting Kimmerer’s captivating narration.
Another compelling pick is *To the Moon and Back* by Eliana Ramage. In this coming-of-age narrative, the protagonist, Steph, aspires to become the first Cherokee astronaut. Spanning three decades, the novel examines themes of ambition, motherhood, and the intricacies of familial relationships against the backdrop of space travel and its environmental ramifications. Lillie highlights a moment between Steph and her father that encapsulates the novel’s exploration of ambition, raising the question of how small comments can influence our life paths.
Transitioning from themes of aspiration to horror, Lillie recommends *Man Made Monsters* by Andrea L. Rogers, a young adult story collection that features interconnected tales spanning over a century. Through a mix of supernatural beings—like vampires and zombies—and man-made horrors stemming from violence and colonisation, Rogers delves into complex themes of survival and familial trauma. Lillie appreciates the collection’s provocative questioning of the monsters that reside within all of us, illustrated by the arresting opening line.
For readers yearning for fantasy, *To Shape A Dragon’s Breath* by Moniquill Blackgoose offers a thrilling alternative timeline set in the 1840s. The narrative follows a Native teenage girl’s journey as she bonds with a dragon and navigates various political and social challenges. Blackgoose’s work not only provides an engaging fantasy but also critiques colonialism through a unique Indigenous lens, inviting readers to reconsider typical fantasy tropes.
A gripping literary thriller, *And Then She Fell* by Alicia Elliott addresses postpartum mental illness and intergenerational trauma within a contemporary setting. The protagonist, Alice, struggles to connect with her Native identity after losing her mother. Lillie notes the profound emotional weight of passages that reflect Alice’s sacrifices in motherhood, offering a stark commentary on the expectations placed on women.
Another potent narrative is *The Berry Pickers* by Amanda Peters, described as a deeply affecting family saga. The story revolves around a young girl’s mysterious disappearance during a blueberry-picking outing, creating an emotional thread for her brother grappling with guilt. Peters’ debut unfolds over five decades, making it ripe for discussion around themes of identity and family ties.
Finally, Lillie recommends *Love Is a War Song* by Danica Nava, a refreshing contemporary romance featuring a disgraced pop star seeking refuge on her family’s horse farm situated on a Muscogee reservation. With a charming grumpy-sunshine trope, the story serves as a light-hearted exploration of love while also challenging stereotypes surrounding Native identity in modern America. Lillie emphasises that Nava’s work not only provides escapism but also celebrates the joys and complexities of being Native today.
Lillie’s recommendations highlight the richness and diversity of narratives produced by Native women, offering insights into their experiences and cultural legacies. Through these selections, she aims to foster a greater understanding of Indigenous perspectives while encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and the wider world. With such an array of genres and topics, these books are sure to resonate and inspire a broad audience during Native American Heritage Month and beyond.
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