Book Synopsis
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 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.
Review
I have to say, if there are only two books you read this year (not that i’m saying you should only read two books but if you absolutely can’t read any more); this has to be one of them and of course The Fault In Our Stars has to be the other!
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is narrated by Junior, he’s 14 years old, he lives on a reservation with his mum, dad, grandma and sister and he gets bullied A LOT.
Throughout the book you’ll realise that Junior has quite a few illnesses that should make him disabled, he’s poor and everyone picks on him. He’s been dealt a tough hand in life and if I were him I would have given up a very long time ago. What really struck me whilst reading this was how optimistic he is, even when he claims he’s depressed. Junior’s real name is Arnold Spirit and although Spirit probably has more to do with Junior’s Indian descent, I think Sherman Alexie chose that name for him for a reason. It shows that Junior’s “spirit” cannot be broken, he may be weak but he’s certainly the toughest kid in the whole book.
I don’t want to spoil this book for anyone but honestly if you think back on all this kid has to go through in his life it’s enough to make you cry and be incredibly grateful for all you have.
I truly believe that Neil Gaiman’s quote on the back cover is accurate:
“Excellent in every way, poignant and really funny and heart-warming and honest and wise and smart… I have no doubt that in a year or so it’ll be winning awards and being banned.”
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a book of hope. Even in the worst circumstances you can get through it if you have hope and you’re optimistic about life. Junior doesn’t give up, not ever. His drawings and choices in life are proof of that.
Final Thoughts
As you can tell I really liked this book, it flowed really well, the drawings were really funny and Junior is just a brilliant character. Sherman Alexie covers a great deal of topics in this book with humour e.g. racism, bullying and culture.
I’m rating this book 5 stars. I definitely recommend you read it.