Book lovers everywhere are excitedly looking for the ideal partners for sun-soaked trips and leisurely afternoons as summer spreads its warm embrace over the country. Birchbark Books is tucked down among Minneapolis' busy streets, a literary treasure that calls with its appeal and depth of culture. 

One of the few independently owned Native American bookstores in the country, Birchbark Books is a thriving center honoring Indigenous voices and stories and a sanctuary for book lovers. Let Birchbark Books lead us through a well-chosen collection of must-reads that will captivate, educate, and inspire us this summer as we set out on our seasonal search for engaging books.

I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger

Leif Enger, renowned for his compassionate storytelling, presents "I Cheerfully Refuse," a tale set in a near-future America. The protagonist, a grieving musician, Rainy, sets sail on a sentient Lake Superior to find his deceased wife. Amidst surreal challenges, including storms and a crumbling society, Rainy encounters unexpected kindness and humor, forming bonds.

As his journey progresses, Rainy unwittingly becomes a rebel, drawing others into his cause. Enger's latest novel is a poignant symphony against despair, showcasing his evocative storytelling and rallying call for a brighter future.

Raw Dog by Jamie Loftus

The book offers a cross-country journey across America's gastronomic and class landscape by exploring the socioeconomic foundations of the famous hot dog. Jamie Loftus explores this distinctly American dish's cultural significance, from its modest beginnings to its exploitation by the wealthy.

The book juxtaposes the diversity of hot dog variations nationwide with scathing commentary on the inequalities exposed during the summer of 2021. With humor and insight, Loftus navigates a journey filled with bizarre hot dog concoctions and societal critiques, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of capitalism, culture, and cuisine.

The book is a compelling blend of travelogue and cultural critique that invites readers to reconsider the complexities of American identity and history.

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The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

Ember Lee Cardinal, a Chickasaw woman struggling with her job hunt, fabricates her identity on job applications, landing a coveted accounting position as a White woman. Thriving in her new role, Ember finds romance with Danuwoa Colson, a fellow Native colleague. Their secret relationship faces jeopardy when a colleague threatens to expose them, leading Ember into a web of deceit.

Ember grapples with the consequences of her lies as the stakes rise and must decide between maintaining her facade or risking it all for honesty. Danica Nava's debut rom-com explores identity, love, and the repercussions of deception in corporate America.

Where Wolves Don't Die by Anton Treuer

Ezra Cloud despises Northeast Minneapolis and longs for his home on the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation reserve. Bullied by local troublemaker Matt Schroeder, Ezra defends his friend Nora, leading to a fight. That night, Matt's house burns down, implicating Ezra. Fearing injustice, Ezra's family sends him to Canada to run traplines with his grandfather.

As suspicions mount, Ezra grapples with his identity and family bonds while evading the pursuing Schroeders. In his compelling coming-of-age story, Anton Treuer follows an Ojibwe youngster's path to self-acceptance via hardship and familial love.

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