The Library and the College of Education are collaborating with Multnomah County Library’s annual Everybody Reads program to read and discuss Louise Erdrich’s powerful novel, The Mighty Red.
Set in North Dakota’s Red River Valley around the time of the 2008 financial crash, The Mighty Red weaves a story of personal heartbreak, economic vulnerability, and environmental transformation. At its core, the novel contrasts the pressures of industrial “Big Farming” with deep-rooted Indigenous land stewardship, exploring how communities navigate survival during times of economic and ecological instability.
Erdrich’s narrative brings to light several interconnected themes:
- Environmental Justice: The novel examines the toll of agribusiness on the earth alongside Indigenous perspectives on history, land rights, and traditional ties to the land.
- Economic Fragility and Climate Change: Set against the backdrop of the 2008 economic collapse, the story illustrates how financial hardship and ecological strain intersect to impact rural and tribal communities.
- Community Resilience: Beyond political and economic systems, The Mighty Red explores how individuals, families, and communities care for one another through times of crisis.
How to Participate
- Get Your Copy: We are excited to offer a book giveaway! Copies are limited. Books are available for PSU students, staff, and faculty, and must be picked up in person at Millar Library in December 2026. Register for your copy before they’re all gone.
- Attend the PSU Panel: Join us on January 20th at 12:30pm in Library 170 for an interdisciplinary faculty discussion. Our panel of experts will draw connections between the novel’s core themes and broader societal challenges—spanning sustainability, geography, education, and community mental health. Bring your questions for an engaging dialogue.
- Attend the Author Talk: Louise Erdrich will speak about her book in Portland on March 18th. Tickets are available from Literary Arts.