Paula Gunn Allen

Paula Gunn Allen was a Native American poet, literary critic, activist, professor, and novelist. Born on October 24, 1939, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she was of Laguna Pueblo, Sioux, and Lebanese-American heritage. Allen was a key figure in the Native American Renaissance and was known for her work on the role of women in American Indian traditions. Her most notable work includes the 1986 anthology 'Studies in American Indian Literature' and the 1986 book 'The Sacred Hoop: Recovering the Feminine in American Indian Traditions.' She passed away on May 29, 2008.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Grandmothers Of The Light

    Cover of 'Grandmothers Of The Light' by Paula Gunn Allen

    This book is a collection of Native American stories focusing on the feminine aspect of the divine, exploring the central role of women in various indigenous myths and traditions. It delves into the spiritual and cultural significance of female figures in creation myths, fertility rites, and tribal ceremonies, highlighting the wisdom and power of grandmothers as keepers of knowledge and spiritual guides. Through retelling these stories, the work emphasizes the importance of the feminine perspective in understanding the world and the interconnectedness of all life, offering readers insight into the rich heritage and enduring legacy of Native American spirituality.

    The 5162nd Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. The Woman Who Owned The Shadows

    Cover of 'The Woman Who Owned The Shadows' by Paula Gunn Allen

    "The Woman Who Owned The Shadows" follows the journey of Ephanie Atencio, a Native American woman grappling with her identity and the complexities of her heritage, which is rooted in both Pueblo and Plains Indian traditions. Struggling with the dissolution of her marriages and the challenges of raising her children, Ephanie embarks on a spiritual and psychological journey to understand her place in the world. Through vivid dreams and interactions with the spiritual realm, she seeks to reconcile the fragmented parts of her identity and heal the shadows of her past, ultimately striving for renewal and self-empowerment.

    The 9254th Greatest Book of All Time