Monday, March 21, 2011

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


Alexie's novel follows Junior, a resident of the Spokane reservation who transfers out of the reservation's school -- and into a nearby rich, all-white farm school -- in order to nurture his desire to become a cartoonist. Junior encounters resistance there, a backlash at home, and numerous family problems -- all the while relaying his thoughts and feelings via amusing descriptions and drawings.


When I first started getting into reading, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian had just been released and I had heard endless praise about it online. For some reason, I never read it. When I saw this book in my local libraries store- I decided to buy it and see what happens. Instead of just putting it on my TBR shelf and starting some other book, I decided to start reading it immediately. I’m so glad I decided to read it.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian was unforgettable. Junior was such a real and raw character, it was amazing reading about him. The writing in this book was incredible, I really felt like I was reading from the point of view of a young(ish) boy. Going into this novel, I didn’t think that it would tug at my heartstrings as much as it did. Sherman Alexie knows exactly how to make you sympathetic towards Junior- I felt truly bad for him.
Going into the novel, it starts off with a bang and you know that the story you’re reading isn’t going to be some run of the mills light and fluffy thing. You know it’s going to be deep and meaningful and that when you get done with it- part of you will be changed. That is exactly what happened to me.
I read this in one sitting, so it’s safe to say that despite the hard subjects presented in it, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian remains incredibly addicting.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I truly is a must-read.

FTC- Bought.

3 comments:

Ashley said...

I definitely agree! This book is beyond amazing! I think it is easily one that appeals to a wide variety of reader types and I'm amazed and blown away by how brilliant Alexie is as a writer.

Alyssa said...

I love Sherman Alexie! I definitely need to read this one. I've read "Flight" and "Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" so far, but I've heard great things about this one.
Great review! :)

We Heart YA said...

I loved this one too! Just so funny and real.