Native Voices

Native Voices

From Behind the Mic With Kirkus Reviews by Kirkus Audiobook Reviews

February 19, 2026 · 21 min · Episode 1905

About this episode

The episode discusses audiobooks by Native authors, exploring themes of community, belonging, and cultural survival.

Host Jo Reed and contributor Kendra Winchester open this episode with Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley, narrated by Isabella Star LaBlanc, a YA mystery that explores community and belonging through a performance rich in emotional nuance. The conversation turns to We Survive the Night, written and read by Julian Brave NoiseCat, a memoir that moves fluidly between family history, Indigenous storytelling, and themes of cultural survival. They close with The Devil Is a Southpaw by Brandon Hobson, performed by Shane Ghostkeeper, whose steady, grounded narration helps orient listeners inside a surreal, character-driven story of rivalry and unreliable memory. The three titles underscore how Native authors use voice, history, and perspective to shape memorable listening experiences. Audiobooks Discussed: Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley, read by Isabella Star LaBlanc (Macmillan Audio). We Survived the Night, written and read by Julian Brave NoiseCat (Random House Audio). The Devil Is a Southpaw by Brandon Hobson, read by Shane Ghostkeeper (HarperAudio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Jo Reed

Guest: Kendra Winchester

Topics covered

  • Native authors
  • audiobook narration
  • cultural survival
  • Indigenous storytelling
  • YA mystery

Keywords

  • Native Voices
  • audiobooks
  • Indigenous
  • YA mystery
  • cultural themes

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Sisters in the Wind, We Survive the Night, The Devil Is a Southpaw

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