Jenna Likes to Read

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Posted on 20 August 2009

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

In his first book for young adults, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author’s own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by acclaimed artist Ellen Forney, that reflect the character’s art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.

What a great book!  It was so well written and the comics were perfect.  I found myself laughing and crying along with Junior many times.  There were many aspects of this book that are “tough” to deal with – racism, rez life, Junior’s reality – but overall the book ended on such a positive note.  For all the tears and hilarity, in the end it was the story of Junior being accepted by the world around him (on and off the rez) and accepting himself and his potential.  I recommend this book to anyone.

One of my favorite quotes from the book: “If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing.”