The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Book #35: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

This book is based on Alexie's actual life experiences.

Junior was born with water on the brain which gives him many difficulties to overcome--a studder and seizures. He is very bright and artistic though. When he receives his math book, he reads the front and sees his mom's name written in the front cover. This angers him and he decided to go to the high school in Reardon--an all white small-town school. While there he is able to overcome many difficult life situations and find people who have things in common with him.

This book was emotional and uplifting. It shows the resiliency of people in the face of adversity. Alexie writes with the wit and humor of a freshman in high school. With that in mind, this is not a book for elementary students. You may be able to bring it out in 8th grade but beware: sex and violence rear their ugly heads as much as deep and unabiding sorrow and words of encouragement.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who can accept that boys will be boys and they talk about sex and violence. It was a great book. Funny, encouraging, sad, hopeful. Everything you want in a good book.