by Iris
Recently, when we shared our our blog post about the discomfort surrounding that “American” in our name on our social media, so many people were quick to point out that technically, America is not just the USA. And they’re right, of course, even if in our case it does refer to that specific country (simply because our founders—and in the early years, all of our stock—came from there, not because we are in any way affiliated with US politics. Anyway, read the original post for more on that!).
To showcase the incredible diversity of the American continent and all its many countries, we’re bringing you this new series. In highlighting books from an array of authors, places, languages, and backgrounds, we hope to inspire you to expand your literary horizons.
Obasan by Joy Kogawa
“A Japanese-Canadian woman quietly confronts the trauma of her family’s internment and forced dispersal during World War II through documents and memories unearthed by her aunt’s death.”
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
“A young Ojibwe boy escapes the horrors of residential school through his extraordinary gift for hockey, only to discover the sport can’t fully shield him from the racism and trauma that follow him into adulthood.”
Doppelganger by Naomi Klein
“Explores the author’s uncanny experience of being repeatedly confused with Naomi Wolf, using it as a springboard to examine how conspiracy thinking, political mirror worlds, and the distortions of online identity threaten our grip on shared reality.”
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
“A decade after a secret elk hunt, a vengeful spirit, wearing the faces of their loved ones, begins to target them one by one, invading their homes and sacred moments. This spirit, a manifestation of Nature’s wrath, seeks retribution against a generation that may have never stood a chance.”
American Ending by Mary Kay Zuravleff
“The challenges facing immigrants – and the fragility of citizenship – are just as unsettling and surprising today as they were 100 years ago. American Ending is a poignant reminder that everything that is happening in America has already happened.”
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
“Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right.”
The Underdogs by Mariano Azuela
“At once a spare, moving depiction of the limits of political idealism, an authentic representation of Mexico’s peasant life, and a timeless portrait of revolution, The Underdogs is an iconic novel of the Latin American experience and a powerful novel about the disillusionment of war.”
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
“After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her, Noemí heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. Mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, she may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.”
The Labyrinth of Solitude by Octavio Paz
“This 9-part essay is renowned for being a profound illustration of the Mexican identity and psyche. Though he was not without controversy, Paz was largely viewed as a kind of political hero, and this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Mexican culture and history and the spirit of the Mexican revolution.”
(Massive thanks to JAI‘s Ian Kenny for the help!)
