Alexie, S. (2007). The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. NY: Little, Brown, and Company.
Summary
Junior is a Spokane Indian. He was born with water on the brain, and his family is extremely poor. After his teacher encourages him to leave the reservation, Junior moves to an all white high school in Reardan. This causes a fight between Junior and his best friend, Rowdy. The other reservation Indians also shun him for leaving. Junior makes friends and the school, and they begin calling him by his first name, Arnold. After awhile, he starts to feel like a part time Indian because he is Junior at the reservation and Arnold at school. After a series of alcohol related losses, Junior must come to terms with accepting himself and mending his friendship with Rowdy. He decides that he doesn't belong to just one tribe, but to multiple tribes: American Immigrants, basketball players, book worms, cartoonists, etc.
Commentary
The book was an easy read and the pictures helped to add a little bit of fun. Although I enjoyed the book, I found it to be quite sad. A few years ago I visited an Indian Reservation as part of a mission trip, and saw first hand the effects that alcohol has on those communities. I know that there are students that can relate to the feelings of being trapped by poverty and hopelessness. This book also addresses the topics of fitting in and figuring out who you are.
Book Review
Author's Websitehttp://fallsapart.com/
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