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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: $8.35
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New (66) Used (21) from $8.35

Media: Hardcover
Reading Level: Young Adult
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 240
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.5 x 5.5 x 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: Very close to new.

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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 94 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely Hilarious December 5, 2008
Junior is just another unlucky kid living on an Indian reservation, but unfortunately, he's even unluckier than most. He was born with brain damage and a strangely disproportioned body, which causes him to be alternately beat up and ridiculed by all the other kids on the reservation except his only friend Rowdy. Junior might be smart and a good artist, but growing up in poverty and surrounded by alcoholics and broken dreams makes him believe that he's destine to the same life he's always had. But the wise advice from a teacher prompts Junior to take control of his life and fight against what little is expected of him. And despite animosity from nearly every side, this unlucky kid is determined to succeed.br /br /The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is both profound and humorous, making for a very enjoyable read. Junior's frank voice made for plenty of deep thoughts and giggles. Junior was so interesting to read about, both because of his character and circumstances. I found Junior to be surprisingly mature for his age, and it made him seem older than he actually was, but then again, this maturity may have arisen from his difficult life. Life on the reservation was realistically portrayed, as heartbreaking as it was. Drawing and art did not play as large a role in Junior's life as I would've thought; instead, sports, particularly basketball, were central to Junior's struggle for success. This novel definitely left me with that warm fuzzy feeling that can inspire anyone to strive to accomplish their dreams, no matter how far-fetched. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a fun and heartwarming read about life and death, friendship and family.br /br /The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a feel-good novel while still retaining its authenticity. Fans of this story's message will also enjoy Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith.

5 out of 5 stars

Everyone needs to read this book November 17, 2008
I purchased a book in the bookstore recently. It is called "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie. Just by reading a little while in the bookstore, I thought it was going to be lighthearted and funny. However, I could not put it down once I started reading it. When I closed it for the final time yesterday, I felt so heavy-hearted. There are times when you laugh and times when you cry. It is one of the most beautifully and sensitively written books I have ever read and I am an English major. I have read a whole lot of books in my lifetime. The book is about a young teenage boy growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. He decides to break away from the difficult life living on the rez and decides to attend the white school on the outside, trying to escape the poverty and difficulties of living on the rez in order to survive and preserve his identity. It is based on Alexie's real life experiences as a young teen. Even though this book is directed towards young adults, I would like to encourage everyone to read this book. It is one that will stay with you long after you close the book.

5 out of 5 stars

diary of a part time indian November 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is an amazing coming of age novel that also encompasses a young man straddling two cultures and triumphing.

5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic! November 1, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Truly a wonderful book. I initially picked it up because I thought I could use it in my 6th grade classroom, after reading it I found the language was much more advanced and not appropriate for 11 year olds, but I fell in love with this book. A must read for any age!

5 out of 5 stars

Courtesy of Mother Daughter Book Club.com October 16, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Arnold Spirit is a freshman at a high school on the Spokane Indian reservation in northwest Washington. All his life he's been picked on because he looks strange: his head is large because he was born with hydrocephalus, he has seizures, too many teeth and he wears thick glasses. But Arnold is very smart, and he likes drawing. When a teacher counsels him to find hope in the form of attending a white high school off the reservation, Arnold makes a bold move toward a future he didn't think was possible.br /br /Through Arnold's eyes we see the problems faced by many on modern Indian reservations: alcoholism, poverty, lack of opportunity and despair. Yet, we also find acceptance of the shortcomings among those we call family and a way to follow your dreams without denigrating those you leave behind.br /br /Arnold's story is for anyone who chooses to follow a different path than the one clearly laid out before him. Issues of race, friendship, love and community should provide great discussion for mother-daughter book club members.

Copyright 2007 White Hat Communications.
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