Brandon Hobson

Brandon Hobson is a Native American novelist and short story writer, enrolled as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. His work frequently explores themes of family, identity, and Native American experiences in both historical and contemporary contexts. Hobson gained widespread recognition for his novel "Where the Dead Sit Talking" (2018), which was a finalist for the National Book Award in Fiction. The book follows a Cherokee teenager in the foster care system and addresses issues of trauma, belonging, and cultural identity. His 2021 novel "The Removed" received critical acclaim and drew on Cherokee folklore while examining generational trauma and family bonds. The book weaves together multiple narratives and incorporates elements of magical realism alongside historical events like the Trail of Tears. Beyond his creative work, Hobson serves as an Associate Professor at New Mexico State University and holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Oklahoma State University. His writing has appeared in numerous publications including The Paris Review, Conjunctions, and NOON.

Readers connect strongly with Hobson's portrayal of Native American experiences, especially in "Where the Dead Sit Talking" and "The Removed." Many note his skill at weaving Cherokee mythology with contemporary stories. What readers liked: - Raw, honest depictions of trauma and foster care systems - Integration of Cherokee culture without feeling forced - Complex character development - Atmospheric writing style - Seamless blend of reality and mystical elements What readers disliked: - Slow pacing in portions of "The Removed" - Some found the narratives too dark or depressing - Multiple timeline shifts can be confusing - Character motivations sometimes unclear Ratings: - "Where the Dead Sit Talking": 3.8/5 on Goodreads (3,800+ ratings) - "The Removed": 3.9/5 on Goodreads (4,200+ ratings) - Amazon ratings average 4.2/5 across all works One reader noted: "Hobson captures the weight of generational trauma without losing hope." Another commented: "His characters feel real - damaged but struggling toward healing."

The Removed (2021) Following the death of their teenage son, a Cherokee family in Oklahoma confronts generational trauma and ancestral memory while preparing for an annual family bonfire ceremony.

Where the Dead Sit Talking (2018) A Cherokee teenager navigates life in the foster care system in rural Oklahoma while developing a complex relationship with another foster child.

Deep Ellum (2014) A man searches for his missing sister in Dallas's Deep Ellum neighborhood while confronting his own past trauma and addiction.

Desolation of Avenues Untold (2015) Set in Texas, this novel follows multiple characters whose lives intersect through a mysterious underground film and its connection to local disappearances.

The Last Ghost (2023) A therapist working at a psychiatric institution for children discovers supernatural connections between her patients and Cherokee spirits.

Tommy Orange writes about contemporary Native American experiences and urban Indigenous life. His narratives explore identity, generational trauma, and cultural displacement in ways that parallel Hobson's themes.

Louise Erdrich creates stories centered on Native American families and communities across multiple generations. Her work incorporates elements of Ojibwe culture and examines the intersection of traditional ways with modern life.

David Treuer combines historical research with narrative storytelling in his works about Native American life. His books examine reservation experiences and cultural preservation through multiple character perspectives.

Stephen Graham Jones writes stories that blend Native American themes with horror and suspense elements. His work explores contemporary Indigenous identity while incorporating supernatural and psychological elements.

Terese Marie Mailhot writes about Indigenous experience through personal narrative and memoir. Her work focuses on family relationships, trauma, and Native identity in contemporary contexts.