Reclaiming Our Narratives: Crisis in the Philippines and Love in Indian Country 

The phrase “own voices” gets tossed around the bookish internet a lot, but have you ever paused to think about why it truly matters? Today’s podcast sheds light on the importance of reading stories told by the people within those communities. From the political crisis in the Philippines from an intrepid Filipina journalist to the first traditionally-published romance novel by a Native author featuring Native characters, we spotlight why #OwnVoices is more than just a hashtag.

Renee’s Reading Corner: Some People Need Killing (0:21)

Renee shares one of her favorite non-fiction books of the year so far, Some People Need Killing by Patricia Evangelista. Even if you think the deadly politics of the Philippines has no impact on your day-to-day life, tune in to hear why you should absolutely read this book. If nothing else, it’s a feat of longform journalism that you won’t want to miss.

The Bridget Jones of Indian Country (8:40)

We’ve waited until 2024 to have our first traditionally-published romance by a Native author featuring Native characters, but it was worth the wait! Sally chats with Danica Nava, author of The Truth According to Ember, about Native stereotypes and discrimination, her favorite romcoms, characters, and tropes, and her book, which we’ll gladly deem “the Bridget Jones of Indian Country.”

Books and Resources Mentioned:

Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country by Patricia Evangelista

The Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction Short List – podcast episode with Sally and Renee

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Reservation Dogs

Legally Blonde

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Support this episode’s hosts and guests:

Follow Renee: Instagram // The StoryGraph

Follow Sally: Instagram // The StoryGraph

Follow Danica: Instagram // Threads

Today’s episode is sponsored by Gretchen Sisson, author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood. Your support helps keep feminist media independent!

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This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people.

Original music by @iam.onyxrose

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Sally Mercedes

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Sally is a queer Dominican New Yorker currently living in Tulsa, OK. She loves Broadway, road trips, long walks, and cold brew, and she’s on a mission to reclaim all things as sacred, especially her self. You can usually find her listening to an audiobook while cooking, baking, or working on a jigsaw puzzle.