The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

This was a really great book. Reminiscent of JD Salinger, John Knowles, SE Hinton... Great stuff. If I were I teenager again, I think I would read this over and over.

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!

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.

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.

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.