Daybreak Star Book Club
Welcome to the Daybreak Star Book Club, where stories come alive and connections flourish! We are forming a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating the rich literary voices of Native American authors, and we’d love for you to be part of our reading family.
There’s something truly special that happens when we gather around books written by our Native relatives. These aren’t just stories on pages – they’re vessels carrying forward ancestral wisdom, contemporary struggles, triumphs, and the beautiful complexity of Indigenous life. Whether you’re drawn to powerful memoirs that speak truth to history, novels that weave traditional knowledge into modern narratives, or poetry that captures the heartbeat of the land, you’ll find your literary home here.
Our book club is more than just monthly meetings and reading lists. We’re building bridges between readers and the incredible Native authors who pour their hearts, cultures, and experiences into their work. Through thoughtful discussions, author interviews, and community connections, we create space for these vital voices to be heard, celebrated, and supported.
Every book we choose together is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to honor the storytelling traditions that have sustained Indigenous communities for generations. Come join us as we dive into stories that will challenge you, move you, and expand your understanding of the world. The Daybeak Star Book Club is open to all First Peoples who are enrolled or are reconnecting with their Nation and their families. Whether you’re a voracious reader or just getting back into books, there’s a place for you in our circle. Together, we’ll celebrate the art of storytelling while uplifting the voices that deserve to be at the center of our literary conversations.
Your next great read – and meaningful community connections – are waiting for you here.
How to join?
Send us an email in the form below with your name and Tribal Affiliation/Ancestry (you do not need to be an enrolled Tribal Member to join the group) and we will send out the link to our virtual meeting.
Where are the meetings held?
We are currently hosting virtual meetings via Zoom.
What do I need to attend?
You will need Internet access on your phone or computer, the book (hardcopy, audio, or virtual), and the desire to meet other Native American’s who love to read.
What if I can’t afford the books?
We are posting our list early so you can request the books at your local library.
What if I have book suggestions?
We love that! We have chosen the books for 2025, but really want the group to choose the books in 2026. Come with your suggestions and we can vote. The books must be written or edited by a Native American, First Nations, or Indigenous author. Otherwise, all genres and topics are open to the group.
When are the book club meetings?
We plan to have the meetings monthly in January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, and November on the third Thursday of the month at 5pm PST. The meeting will last 60-90 minutes. We will present 2-3 questions for the group to discuss to get things rolling, but please bring your own insights and questions. If schedules align, we will have the author join the meeting.
Where can I buy the books?
We provide a link to purchase the books. Just click the link. We prefer you purchase from Native American book sellers first, but feel free to find them wherever you prefer to purchase the books. We support Birchbark Books for the books they carry.
Books to Read for 2025:
August 21, 2025 at 5:00pm PST:
Thomas C. Gannon (Lakota) memoir Birding While Indian: A Mixed-Blood Memoir
September 18, 2025 at 5:00pm PST:
Danica Nava (Chickasaw Nation) novel Love is a War Song
October 16, 2025 at 5:00pm PST:
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology (Many Nations represented: Haudenosaunee, Métis, Edisto Natchez-Kusso, Lipan Apache, Navajo, White Earth Nation Anishinaabe, and more) short story collection edited by Shane Hawk & Theodore C. Van Alst Jr
November 20, 2025 at 5:00pm PST:
Deborah Jackson Taffa (Quechan and Laguna Pueblo) memoir Whiskey Tender: A Memoir
No Book Club in December — See you in 2026!
Sign-up for the Daybreak Star Book Club:
Previous Books Read by the Group:
Michael Wasson (Nez Perce) poetry book Swallowed Light Click HERE to watch the Interview
Michael Steven Wilson (Tohono O’odham) and Prof. José Antonio Lucero’s book What Side Are You On: A Tohono O’odham Life Across Borders Click HERE to watch the interview.
