The Diné Reader: An Anthology of Navajo Literature

by Esther G. Belin (Editor), Jeff Berglund (Editor), Connie A. Jacobs (Editor)

2022 Before Columbus Foundation American Book Award Winner

The Diné An Anthology of Navajo Literature is unprecedented. It showcases the breadth, depth, and diversity of Diné creative artists and their poetry, fiction, and nonfiction prose.This wide-ranging anthology brings together writers who offer perspectives that span generations and perspectives on life and Diné history. The collected works display a rich variety of and creativity in home and history; contemporary concerns about identity, historical trauma, and loss of language; and economic and environmental inequalities.

The Diné Reader developed as a way to demonstrate both the power of Diné literary artistry and the persistence of the Navajo people. The volume opens with a foreword by poet Sherwin Bitsui, who offers insight into the importance of writing to the Navajo people. The editors then introduce the volume by detailing the literary history of the Diné people, establishing the context for the tremendous diversity of the works that follow, which includes free verse, sestinas, limericks, haiku, prose poems, creative nonfiction, mixed genres, and oral traditions reshaped into the written word.

This volume combines an array of literature with illuminating interviews, biographies, and photographs of the featured Diné writers and artists. A valuable resource to educators, literature enthusiasts, and beyond, this anthology is a much-needed showcase of Diné writers and their compelling work. The volume also includes a chronology of important dates in Diné history by Jennifer Nez Denetdale, as well as resources for teachers, students, and general readers by Michael Thompson. The Diné Reader is an exciting convergence of Navajo writers and artists with scholars and educators.

 

Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Indigenous, Native American, Anthologies, Essays, Collections

432 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2021

Reviews

[Krista Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first venture into Navajo Literature, and I entered with very little understanding of Navajo culture, language, history, etc. This collection helped orient me to those things without ever providing a specific poem or story called, "This is what Diné culture is" or "This is Exactly How the Language Works." But the writers in this anthology are so talented that one learns those things by osmosis and art.

Perhaps a quote from the forward sums this up nicely, "The layers of each line, image, or word carry not only personal story but the entirety of a people's history and worldview. These stories restore memory and reconnect a people..." (page XVI)

I liked how the authors were arranged in something of a chronological order; it was interesting to see how Diné literature formed and changed shape through the years. I also enjoyed the interviews with each author before their selected works were presented; I noticed that everyone had the same advice for a beginning writer - read, read widely, and read some more!

I very much enjoyed learning more about the Diné language. English is noun-based, but the Diné language is verb-based. So while I say the word "computer," a Diné language speaker might say something like "thinking metal box." It was so cool to read authors who flowed between these two languages that see the world so differently. That flow absolutely comes out in both their prose and their poetry. Sidenote: if you are interested in linguistics or language, this is an anthology for you.

Lastly, I was particularly struck by the short story, "In This Dream of Waking, a Weaver" by Natanya Ann Pulley on the subject of family lines/ties/trees/webs/weaves.

[Karin Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a long time to make my way through this rich, deep, incredibly moving book - I learned so much and am in awe of the voices represented here.

[Brady Turpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection took me some time to get through, but that's due to these stories, poems, and essays needing to be savored. I grew up only a few hours drive from Navajo Nation, yet knew relatively little about the lives of those who live there. This book changed that. The diversity of styles and experiences here was refreshing.

Did I love everything I read? No, but I rarely do in anthologies. I found the works of Sherwin Bitsui to be exceptionally touching; I intend to read more of his works in the future.

I would recommend to those looking to learn more about the lives of Native peoples in the western states or just looking to enjoy some good storytelling.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Abby]

This was a great idea. The entire ethos of the book makes a warm place on the shelf. Writers sort of got inadvertently, brilliantly arranged in a chain of connection based on who each mentions as the first Diné writer they read, like the woven web of family in Natanya Ann Pulley’s story. The Chronology and Resources for Teachers in the back are super useful teaching tools. I suppose this came out a bit too early to loop in Stacie Shannon Denetsosie and Brendan Shay Basham, and no anthology can be completely comprehensive. But my residual feeling is that I have been so lucky–we have been so lucky–to enter the timeline when a generation of Diné teachers have made possible one of the most exciting current literary flowerings I know of. Many people I knew–not writing majors–raved about Luci Tapahonso’s Creative Writing class at UNM and never forgot it. This was only possible because Tapahono’s generation was the first to teach in university settings. Which is wild to think about.

Who was the first Diné writer I read? For all the local color in my primary and secondary education, I think the most we ever got was Laughing Boy by a white guy. Ironically, I was probably in college in Ohio the first time I encountered a Diné writer in print, in the Seminar in Native American Women Writers taught by (the marvelous) Karen Poremski. But the first Diné work I remember clearly was by Sherwin Bitsui, whom I approached after his reading in Laramie, Wyoming just to tell him I grew up in Farmington, like he was supposed to know what to say to that. What I meant to tell him was just: I miss that land, too.

[Shundiin Antonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has mixed stories and poems that were written told by different people. "The Diné Reader," edited by Esther G. Belin provided many stories from different poets and authors about their experiences with Navajo culture, paranormal activity, or childhood backgrounds.

I personally enjoy learning Navajo related knowledge and stories told by people who share what they have learned and experienced. Are you interested in Navajo Anthology? ☝️🤓 Well this book if for you. I enjoyed reading about experiences people had and shared.

One of my favorite poems from this anthology is called, "Beauty of Navajo Land," written by Mitchell Blackhorse. This is my favorite poem because he uses his literary talent to describe the reality of how Navajo land has been polluted by, "Red neck piss," aluminum beer cans, and other trashy items that have ruined the beauty of Navajo land. There are similar writings by the same person and other people that I find interesting because I and most people understand and have seen this situation expand through out the years almost everywhere.

I recommend this book to people who enjoy anthologies, Navajo related stories, and enjoy poems. I don’t enjoy poems but I enjoyed this as much as nostalgic books. This is why you should read this even if you don’t enjoy poems because the poems are relatable if you care about Navajo culture. ☺️🦆👍

[Kerry Pickens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently visited The Museum of Indian Art and Culture in Santa Fe, NM and this book was on a reading list that the museum provides. It is a collection of Navajo authors writing including a biography, interview questions and a sample of each authors writing. Some of the authors I was already familiar with and I did learn about some new books to read like Miracle Hill: The Story of a Navajo Boy by Emerson Blackhorse Mitchell. It is important for young people to be with other readers and know that writing is a profession that is available to them.

[Marie Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful anthology of short stories and poetry, written by powerful Navajo voices. Contributors include Blackhorse Mitchell, Grey Cohoe, Nia Francisco, Luci Tapahonso, and many more. This anthology is not only a wonderful collection of Navajo writers, it also has an interview with each writer featured. After learning a little about each writer, it made reading their work more meaningful, and deeply moving. I enjoyed this book immensely, and highly recommend for anyone who enjoys poetry or short stories.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many years ago, I performed in a devised theatre piece that was purely movement based on poems. Some of the pieces consisted of poems from Luci Tapahonso, Orlando White, and Tina Deschenie. Their words have been engraved in my memory. Also knowing Tracey Atsitty personally has expanded my poetic knowledge and appreciation. This book has brought back to me the richness of my culture and familiar stories for me to experience them in an entirely different way.

[Pat Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite collection of poems and prose. Took me a long time to complete it -- because it's got so MUCH to cover and it needs to be savored/dealt with.

Even after reading all the celebrated poets, my favorite is still the anonymous (forced boarding school student) poem, "If"

If I were a pony,
A spotted pinto pony,
A racing, running pony,
I would run away from school,
And I'd gallop on the mesa
And I'd eat on the mesa,
And I'd sleep on the mesa,
And I'd never think of school.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

The editors have put together a bundle of published Diné authors. Several Navajo authors provide insight into traditional culture while still respecting boundaries.

[rylie occhipinto]

*read for school*

did not read the entire anthology but read the majority for class. a great anthology full of life and culture.

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this anthology. A broad range of types of fiction and non-fiction. Funny & heart-breaking & thought-provoking. I am so, so glad this book exists in the world.

[Vydell Willie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Diné Reader: An Anthology of Navajo Literature, is one of my favorite books I have read. This book is amazing because it drew me in right from the title. Once I started this book I could not stop reading. From start to finished, I felt a connection as an Indigenous reader and I started understanding the words between the lines in my head while I was reading. It was very inspiring because multiple Diné authors contributed to this book by sharing their poems and you can hear many voices within them. The poems consist of K'é (family), Saad (language), Hane' (stories), and Íhoo'aah (teachings). The 35 authors have contributed their knowledge which makes it stand out. I have highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys poetry.