Our Next Read + Book Guide
April/May book
Book Coven is a free virtual book club dedicated to empowering members through literature as a tool for both personal and collective liberation. learn more
Book Coven! We are ready for book two of the year - No Spiritual Surrender: Indigenous Anarchy in Defense of the Sacred by Klee Benally.
If you haven’t grabbed a copy of No Spiritual Surrender yet, you can order it through the publisher or through Firestorm:
• Publisher: Detritus Books
• Firestorm Books: Order here
I also encourage you to check your local bookstores and visit your library—many libraries offer physical, digital, and audiobook copies. Additionally, check Libby, a free app that allows you to borrow e-books and audiobooks through your local library. Supporting independent bookstores and public libraries strengthens our communities and keeps knowledge accessible to all.
Register
Our Book Coven meeting will be on Monday, June 2nd, at 7 PM Eastern Time. This will be our review and discussion session for No Spiritual Surrender.
Important: At the end of this guide, you’ll find calls to action in support of Native Americans and our planet Earth. It only takes a moment of your time, so be sure to check it out!
Register HERE.
If you need any support please reach me at support@iamjulietdiaz.com
Why No Spiritual Surrender Is an Important and Timely Book
In an era marked by ongoing colonial impacts and environmental crises, “No Spiritual Surrender” offers a critical perspective on Indigenous resistance and self-determination. Benally’s insights challenge readers to confront systemic injustices and consider the role of direct action in effecting change. The book’s emphasis on defending sacred lands and cultures resonates strongly amid current global movements for Indigenous rights and environmental protection.
Reading Guide for No Spiritual Surrender: Indigenous Anarchy in Defense of the Sacred
By Klee Benally
About the Author
“No Spiritual Surrender” is a compelling anti-colonial analysis rooted in frontline activism. Klee Benally (Diné) passionately challenges colonial politics, advocating for Indigenous autonomy and the complete liberation of Nahasdzáán (Mother Earth). The book delves into themes of resistance, spirituality, and the intersection of Indigenous struggles with anarchist principles.
About the Book
The most bitter medicines are the strongest. We end despair by ending what is causing our suffering: destroying what destroys us. After all, anti-colonial means anti-settler society.
No Spiritual Surrender is a searing anti-colonial analysis rooted in frontline experience. Klee Benally (Diné) unrelentingly agitates against colonial politics towards Indigenous autonomy and total liberation of Nahasdzáán (Mother Earth).
Suggested Reading Schedule
We start April and meet for the final discussion on June 2nd at 7 PM Eastern Time.
To thoroughly engage with the material over two months, consider the following schedule:
• Week 1-2 (April 1-14): Introduction and Chapters 1-3
• Week 3-4 (April 15-28): Chapters 4-6
• Week 5-6 (April 29-May 12): Chapters 7-9
• Week 7-8 (May 13-26): Chapters 10-12 and Conclusion
Reading Prompts to Guide Reflection
1. Reflect on how Benally defines “spiritual surrender” and its implications for Indigenous resistance.
2. Consider the relationship between anarchist principles and Indigenous sovereignty as presented in the book.
3. Analyze the role of spirituality in motivating and sustaining activism.
4. Examine the impact of colonialism on Indigenous environmental practices and beliefs.
5. Discuss the effectiveness of direct action versus institutional engagement in achieving social change.
Discussion Questions for Group Meetings
1. How does Benally’s personal experience influence his perspective on resistance and autonomy?
2. What are the key arguments Benally makes against colonial politics, and how do they challenge mainstream narratives?
3. In what ways does the book inspire readers to engage in or support Indigenous struggles?
4. How can the concepts discussed be applied to current movements for environmental justice and Indigenous rights?
5. What critiques or questions arise from Benally’s approach to Indigenous anarchy?
Recommended Interviews & Videos
To deepen your understanding, check out these resources featuring the book and author:
• Book Trailer: An introduction to “No Spiritual Surrender” by Klee Benally.
• We Want to be Free: An Interview with Klee Benally
Some of my favorite Quotes & Passages
1. “The most bitter medicines are the strongest. We end despair by ending what is causing our suffering: destroying what destroys us. After all, anti-colonial means anti-settler society.”
2. “When I speak of liberation, it is not to foment yet another social justice project, it is an inclusive and fervent agitation against domination and exploitation of existence, for the liberation of Mother Earth is liberation of all existence.”
Calls to action
1. Demand Congress Support Indigenous Communities by Passing the Not Invisible Act - This petition urges lawmakers to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) by passing the Not Invisible Act, which aims to increase coordination across agencies and provide resources to combat this issue.
Sign the petition
2. Demand Congress Address Environmental Racism
- This petition calls for the passage of the Climate Equity Act to tackle environmental injustices disproportionately affecting communities of color.
Sign the petition
3. Support the Release of the ‘Compostela 5’ and Protect Land Rights Defenders
- This petition seeks justice for Indigenous peoples and farmers in the Philippines who are defending their land, livelihoods, and the environment.
Sign the petition
4. Stand Up for Real Climate Action
- The Nature Conservancy is rallying individuals to demand that the United States honor its commitments to global climate action, such as the Paris Agreement, and advance climate solutions domestically.
Sign the petition
BOOK COVEN
Welcome to Book Coven— Book Coven is a free virtual book club dedicated to empowering members through literature as a tool for both personal and collective liberation.
I’m so grateful you’re here. This is more than just a book club; it’s a Coven for those who believe in the power of literature to create change, heal, challenge, and transform. Whether you’re here to deepen your personal journey or to connect with a community dedicated to collective liberation, you are in the right place.
Rooted in Literary Activism At its core, Book Coven is about more than books—it’s about action. We believe literature has the power to spark change, and we are committed to using this space to amplify urgent causes, share calls to action, and keep each other informed. Together, we engage with stories that challenge systems, honor voices too often silenced, and imagine new possibilities for ourselves and our communities.
Join us
What You Can Expect
As part of the Book Coven community, you’ll receive:
• Monthly Reads – One book each month (with extended time for longer reads when needed).
• Curated Book Guides – Reflection prompts, discussion questions, reading schedules, and deeper resources to enrich your experience.
• A Private Chat Space – Ongoing conversations, insights, and support.
• Monthly Virtual Gatherings – Discussions where we come together to share thoughts, questions, and reflections.
• Guest Author Visits – Whenever possible, we invite the authors of our chosen books to join us for conversations.
• Polls to Help Shape Our Selections – You’ll get a say in what we read next.
• Event Announcements – Be the first to hear about upcoming virtual and in-person gatherings.
Note: You’ll receive the registration link for each virtual meeting directly in your monthly book guide.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to read, reflect, and grow alongside you.
With appreciation and solidarity,
Juliet Diaz (Founder of Book Coven)
By Juliet Diaz:
Juliet Diaz is an Indigenous Taino and first-generation Cuban American, as well as an award-winning and internationally bestselling author and literary activist. Her writing is rooted in liberatory and decolonial themes, empowering others to reclaim their voices, align with their truth, and embrace their innate magic and humanity.
As the founder of the Literary Craft Society, she leads a revolutionary writing community dedicated to fostering change, healing, and liberation through the transformative power of words.
Her works, including Witchery: Embrace the Witch Within, Plant Witchery, The Altar Within, the Seasons of the Witch Oracle Deck series, and the Earthcraft Oracle Deck, have inspired thousands across the world to create meaningful change within themselves and their communities.
I have my own newsletter:
A monthly community newsletter: The Altar Within—notes on life, magic, and liberation.
“Writing is a way of making sense of the world, of uncovering what’s hidden and reclaiming what’s ours. Here, I share reflections on life, the unseen forces that shape us, and the ongoing work of liberation—personal and collective. No fluff, no pretenses—just honest writing as a tool for deeper understanding and transformation.”
Really impressed with how you’re facilitating the book club so far 🥰 love the reading prompts, discussion questions provided ahead of time, extra resources, and calls to action! Ordered my book yesterday and I’m excited to get into it. Thank you for all you do 🙏
Wow, I really wanted to join a book club this year and haven’t found one. I’d love to join! This book sounds amazing, I’ll order it tonight!! Is there anything we need to do to join?