Author Tommy Orange discusses his latest novel 'Wandering Stars' and the themes of addiction in the Native American community. He talks about the inspiration behind the sequel, weaving historical context into narratives, and the psychological impact of historical trauma. The podcast also features Birch Bark Books, a Minneapolis store promoting Indigenous literature and language revitalization.
Tommy Orange's Wandering Stars can be read independently from There There, showcasing his exceptional storytelling skills.
Tommy Orange emphasizes capturing characters' unique voices to ensure authenticity and depth in storytelling.
Birchbark Books promotes indigenous language revitalization and education, collaborating with tribes for curriculum development.
Louise Erdrich's Birchbark Books serves as a national hub for Native literature, fostering cultural awareness and pride.
Tommy Orange recommends 'The Prophets' by Robert Jones Jr. as a compelling and impactful read for all audiences.
Birchbark Books curates a diverse selection of Native and non-Native literature, prioritizing inclusivity and underrepresented voices.
Deep dives
Tommy Orange's Inspiration for Wandering Stars
Tommy Orange, the acclaimed novelist, shares the origin of his book Wandering Stars during a book signing session in 2018. While signing books, the song Wandering Star sparked an idea for the sequel to his previous novel There There. The concept began with a straightforward continuation from the cliffhanger of the first book, delving into Orville's recovery after a gunshot.
Narrative Voice and Character Representation
Tommy Orange discusses his approach to matching narrative voices with characters. He emphasizes the importance of capturing the internal aspects, thoughts, and idiosyncrasies of characters to understand their essence before incorporating them into the plot. By focusing on their individual traits and emotions first, he ensures the authenticity and depth of each character's voice.
Native Language Revitalization and Education
Birch Bark Books, owned by Louise Erdrich, serves as a community hub for indigenous literature and language revitalization. The bookstore collaborates with various tribes and bands across the US and Canada to design curricula for Native languages in schools. It actively promotes education on Native history and culture, aiming to preserve and revitalize indigenous languages, supporting immersion programs and language learning initiatives.
Exploring Louise Erdrich's Birch Bark Books
Birch Bark Books, a renowned independent bookstore, stands out for its commitment to Native literature and community impact. Louise Erdrich, a Pulitzer Prize winner, founded the bookstore in a neighborhood dentist shop, engaging the community in its development. The store serves as a national community hub, advocated for Native joy and pride in literature, focusing on Native futures and collaborations with diverse tribes to promote cultural awareness.
Book Recommendation by Tommy Orange
Tommy Orange recommends reading 'The Prophets' by Robert Jones Jr., a powerful and celebrated book. He highlights the profound impact of this novel, describing it as compelling and currently popular. Tommy's endorsement emphasizes the depth and significance of 'The Prophets' in the literary landscape, urging readers to explore its profound storytelling.
Diverse Book Selection at Birch Bark Books
Birch Bark Books, a unique bookstore, offers a curated selection of Native American and diverse literature, promoting cultural awareness and education. The store emphasizes indigenous cultures, languages, and histories through a specialized collection of Ojibwe, Lakota, Dakota, and Cree language books. Its mission includes promoting language revitalization efforts and fostering connections with various tribal communities.
Inclusivity and Cultural Representation in Book Curation
Birch Bark Books prioritizes inclusivity and cultural representation in its book curation, featuring a diverse range of literature beyond Native American titles. The bookstore serves as a hub for marginalized voices, offering a unique perspective on history, art, and storytelling. Through extensive community engagement and collaboration, Birch Bark Books strives to amplify underrepresented narratives and foster a sense of cultural pride.
Impactful Translation of Literature
Tommy Orange praises Emily Wilson's translation of 'The Iliad' as a captivating and engaging rendition of the classic work. He highlights the enjoyment derived from her translation style, citing it as a page-turner. His recommendation emphasizes the transformative experience of revisiting literary classics through innovative and skillful translations, enhancing the reading experience.
Promotion of Native Language and Education
Birch Bark Books actively supports the revitalization of indigenous languages and community-based educational initiatives, aligning with tribal communities' language revitalization efforts. The bookstore's role extends beyond literature, advocating for the preservation of native languages through school curricula development and collaborations with various tribes. By promoting linguistic diversity and cultural awareness, Birch Bark Books contributes to indigenous language revitalization across the US.
Cultural Connectivity and Community Impact
Birch Bark Books, founded by Louise Erdrich, serves as a cultural hub and community center for promoting indigenous literature and language revitalization. The bookstore's unique focus on Native American art, books, and history underscores its commitment to cultural connectivity and community impact. Through collaborations with diverse tribes and bands, Birch Bark Books fosters awareness and appreciation of indigenous cultures, enriching the literary landscape with diverse narratives.
Community Engagement and Language Preservation
Birch Bark Books engages in community-based initiatives to preserve and revitalize indigenous languages, collaborating with tribes nationwide to develop school curricula. As a bookstore dedicated to supporting Native American literature and culture, Birch Bark Books advocates for linguistic diversity and educational inclusion. By promoting language revitalization and cultural awareness, Birch Bark Books strives to amplify indigenous voices and stories, fostering a deeper appreciation of native languages and traditions.
Tommy Orange has written a second novel. Although technically a sequel, you can easily read Wandering Stars without having experienced There There. But you should read at least one. Or both. Oh to heck with it, we love Tommy Orange and we will read anything he writes. He is incredibly talented. And we pair him with Birchbark Books & Native Arts, a bookstore that is a beloved Twin Cities landmark, while also serving the national and international Indigenous community. Tune in to find out how.
Books mentioned in this week’s episode:
There There by Tommy Orange
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector
The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone
James by Percival Everett
Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
The Round House by Louise Erdrich
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
Waltzing the Cat by Pam Houston
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
The Iliad translated by Emily Wilson
The End of the World is a Cul de Sac by Louise Kennedy
