We shouldn't reserve books by Native authors for November, but if you haven't read this, now's the time.

The first traditionally published Native romcom: The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

Nov 14, 2024

As readers, it is our responsibility to read diversely year-round, not just during February (Black history month), March (women’s history month), May (Asian Pacific American Heritage Month), and November — Native American Heritage Month.

But given that it’s November and I haven’t yet written about one of my favorite romcoms I read this year, I want to share with you a book by an Indigenous author: The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava. (Q&A with the author below).

Image of the book The Truth According to Ember near Lake Superior in Minnesota — *Ember* up at Lake Superior, or Gichigami

I read this book in September while up at Lake Superior with my family. Lake Superior — or Gichigami, its Ojibwe name — is a spiritual center for many Natives. The history is intimidatingly rich (I would like to hit pause and spend a year consuming everything I can to learn about it), and the uplifting vibes of the book mixed with the cozy family trip was exactly what I needed at that time.

This book is groundbreaking because it is the first traditionally published Native romcom. In 2024, we are still breaking boundaries like this, which seems unbelievable to me but it’s true. I learned about Ember during its pre-pub season, and I pre-ordered it from Bookshop.org the literal second I heard about it. The book was published in August, and it’s garnering some nice attention.

The New York Times covered it here, calling it “funny and messy in the best way.” (I concur). This week, Ember was nominated for Goodreads’ Favorite Debut of 2024. If you’ve read it and want to vote for it (I did), here’s the link.

The Truth According to Ember is about Ember Lee Cardinal, a Chicksaw woman who’s having a hard time finding good work. After her resumé gets rejected for the 37th time, she has an idea: what if she checked the “caucasian” box instead of “Native American” on the applications? Her white lie gets her ahead and she finally lands a job she likes.

At the job, she meets Danuwoa Colson, a fellow Native who is, naturally, extremely handsome. As a relationship between the two forms, Ember's one lie ripples into many lies, and the time comes when Ember must confront her own deceit. Things get steamy, but the book isn’t spicy for the sake of spice. I think every sexual encounter earned its spot in the novel.

Throughout all of this, Ember narrates the story hilariously — even when she finds herself in trouble. It’s a fresh take on the romcom conventions, and I enjoyed every minute of it

Danica kindly agreed to answer some questions for me! Here is my interview with the author of The Truth According to Ember:

This is the first traditionally published Native romcom. What does it feel like to break this boundary?

With romantic comedy specifically I wanted to see us being funny and desired. Sophie Kinsella and Meg Cabot really shaped me as a reader and I so desperately wanted a hilarious messy heroine. What has been so amazing since the news of my book has been all the Native writers who have messaged me to say I inspired them to finish their stories. That is what this is all about—connecting with readers and having us seen.

Can you share what tribe you are a member of and what that means to you and your family?

I’m a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. For me it feels like I’m part of something so much greater than me on an individual level. The only reason I was able to go to college was through the support and encouragement of The Chickasaw Nation.

You have a young daughter. What's one important thing you want to teach her about your heritage?

My daughter is almost three. Last year I took her and my husband to the Annual Gathering at our capital in Oklahoma. I want her to know what it is to be raised in community and connected. The Chickasaw Press has many children’s books to teach her our Chickasaw folktales.

Who are some of your current favorites authors?

I love to read romance of all genres and especially love to laugh. Tessa Dare, Liana De La Rosa, Emily Henry, Nikki Payne, and Sarah Hawley come to mind as recent favorites.

Do you have any favorite Indigenous authors to share with us?

For those who have never read Native lit I’d always recommend Louise Erdrich. Love Medicine and The Round House are beautiful stories and her prose is so intentional and lovely. Tommy Orange’s authorial voice is so unique to him and I love his urban Native perspective. Vanessa Lillie writes incredible thrillers and her pacing is unmatched. Stephen Graham Jones is the new king of horror. He doesn’t miss. In the young adult space, KA Cobell, Byron Graves and Angeline Boulley write such captivating stories.

Danica’s next book, Love Is A War Song, will be published in July 2025 by Berkley Books.

What are you reading? Have you read The Truth According to Ember yet? If you have any book recommendations by Native authors, please share in the comments below.