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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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Author: Sherman Alexie
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Category: Book

List Price: ~~$16.99~~
Buy Used: $9.64
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Media: Hardcover
Reading Level: Young Adult
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 240
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1

ISBN: 0316013684
EAN: 9780316013680
ASIN: 0316013684

Publication Date: September 12, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Ex-Library. Millions of satisfied customers and climbing. Thriftbooks is the name you can trust, guaranteed. Spend Less. Read More.

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
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.

Customer Reviews: Read 79 more reviews...

1 out of 5 stars

Not Child Friendly!!!! August 20, 2008
I am very upset this book is being recommended for children-I bought it for my son because of the "glowing reviews". I read it after he did and was appalled to find the "f"word in the book and lots of talk of masturbating!!! I will throw it in the trash just to be sure no other child gets his hands on it!

5 out of 5 stars

the many disadvantages August 18, 2008
How many disadvantages can one person overcome? Junior, the narrator of this book, overcomes several disabilities at birth, and then must overcome the physical manifestations of those disabilities (oversize head, lisp, stutter, etc.) for the rest of his life. On top of that he faces the disadvantages that come with being a member of the Spokane Indian tribe: poverty, endemic alcoholism, and general hopelessness.

But Junior is a determined and very smart kid. Taking the advice of one of his teachers at the reservation school, Junior decides to attend the white school 22 miles away. Here he overcomes the disadvantages of prejudice at his new school and the fact that many people on the reservation, including his erstwhile best friend, consider him a traitor.

The story of overcoming so many disadvantages could easily become trite. But not in the hands of Sherman Alexie. In this semiautobiographical novel, Alexie gives his narrator such an engaging voice (not to mention Ellen Forney's drawings) that there is nothing trite about this book. This story rings true no matter what culture you come from, or what your personal disadvantages may be.

4 out of 5 stars

Fascinating!! August 4, 2008
A very interesting and inspirational story. The sheer candidness and humor with which the author has handled such a delicate subject, leaves the readers in great awe. Great humor and pun broaden the appeal of this book but at the same time don't dampen the irony and the seriousness of the issues brought to light in this fascinating tale of a young Indian boy.

5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic! Strongly recommended for high school and adult readers July 25, 2008
I couldn't put it down. The characters were so compelling and full of depth, and every line was so well written. The cartoons were hilarious too. I can't believe how much I laughed in this book full of tragic moments. It's one of those triumph-over-adversity books, but in such a unique voice and with very important messages about life, for teens and adults. Possibly one of my favorite all-time books.
One of my favorite aspects was the Indian perspective on non-Indians. I think it's important for white Americans to hear this voice, especially those who think they know something about Indians. Be sure to read this book even if just for the entertainment value.

5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely wonderful! July 3, 2008
It only took me one day to read Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian. When this happens, it's because the book is so good and engrossing I don't want to put it down. This book is heartbreaking and joyful and hopeful! It's the story of Junior, a Spokane Indian, that transfers from his reservation high school to an all-white high school in a nearby town. He receives grief from both sides but ends up finding the hope he has always wanted and needed. Junior goes through a lot of life-changing events during his first year at the new school. By the end of the story, he has come full circle. He's able to embrace both his past and his present while looking towards the future. It's an amazing ride! It's a bittersweet look at the life of a boy stuck between doing what he wants and doing what is expected. I highly recommend this book for all ages, young and old!

Copyright 2007 White Hat Communications.
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