On our first ever between the book episode (a minisode, a .5, whatever you want to call it!) we bring you the story of the Native American literature world's very own Rachel Dolezal. Becca and Corinne try to break down John Smelcer's many grifting ways in the aftermath of a PEN Literary award scandal. Lessons learned: do some leg work.

**NOTE: this episode was produced and published many months before the news of accusations against Sherman Alexie reached outside of the publishing world. The Bookstore stands in solidarity with victims and the #metoo movement.

Next week we read Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Find it at a bookstore near you and read along!

Episode Sources:

Smith, Rich. The Stranger. Meet John Smelcer, Native American Literature's "Living Con Job".

Mailhot, Terese. Indian Country Media Network. John Smelcer: Indian by Proxy.