World Famous Comics: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
By: Sherman Alexie Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: Little, Brown Young Readers Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 240 Publication Date: September 12, 2007 Reading Level: Young Adult
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.
Sherman Alexie'e The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian Fantastic 5 star story, by Sherman Alexie. At first before I started reading this book I had doubts that I would even finish. But once I got started I litterally could not put the book down. I can honestly say page to page I enjoyed every minute of it. The drawings in the story added spice to the great humor portrayed in this story and really added life to the book. Instantly you fall in love with all of the characters, and wonder how they are going to make it through the entire book. I highly reccomend this book to anyone over the age of fifteen, cause there is some content that might not be suitable for childrens under the age of fifteen.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is a truly inspiring tale of hope and perseverance that is perfect for both its young adult audience and older readers as well. High School freshman Arnold Spirit faces death, discrimination and poverty with wit and humor (not to mention some wonderful illustrations) along the way. I loved how the book dealt with some tough topics in a light way that was still enjoyable, though it definitely pulled at my heart strings. Sherman Alexie is a brilliant author and is adept at portraying the human condition in all its terrible glory.
Recommended Sight Unseen Have you ever recommended a book that you haven't yet read? Well, that's what I'm about to do. Don't get me wrong: I've read most of the published reviews of this book. I have some sense of what it's about. But every so often, perhaps once in a blue moon, an author comes along that seems to speak truth to wisdom without having to ram it down my throat. Sherman Alexie is such an author. I read and taught "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" some years ago and on the merit of this poignant artistic achievement alone I dare to tell you to read this young adult novel too, whether you are a young adult or not. Alexie is one of the few American Indian writers who can get past the pathos to laugh at himself, the circumstances of his people, and their socio-cultural predicament. And by laugh I don't mean belittle but to see the humor in one's situation in life regardless of whether it is imposed or self-sought. For this reason, Alexie is uplifting; he understands the human condition better than most younger writers, in my estimation. He also knows how to tell a good story without preaching and without sticking to some political agenda. He is therefore not politically correct but his writing correctly places itself in the heart and mind of the American Indian, I also believe. If you are a teacher and you're looking for outstanding literature (multicultural or not), consider this: how often do you come across a book by a Jewish American that doesn't mention the Shoah, or Holocaust? How often do you read a book by an African American author that doesn't dwell on race? How often do you read a book by an Asian American author that doesn't talk about being fresh off the boat? How often do you read a book by a Latino author that doesn't mention illegal immigrants or fieldworkers? Of course, if you're a discerning reader, your answer might be "often enough." Or maybe you find these titles in short supply. Alexie manages to talk about being a reservation kid without being fixated on the history that brought his ancestors there. And yet his writing is not a cop out; it's not a story that avoids the hard truth or the nasty historical fact. But it gets beyond all this to touch on what it means to be a poor kid in unusually difficult circumstances. Alexie deserves to be read because he writes about what matters most, whether you're a rez kid or a kid on the streets of meantown. If this YAL novel is half as good as his previous two novels, you won't be disappointed. And if you're a teacher, you now have a title to add to the "not-easy-to-label" shelf of quality multicultural literature.
Sherman Alexie's Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian This book is about Arnold (Junior), a Native-American growing up on an Indian Reservation. He has a lot of problems but he has to figure out how to overcome these obstacles in search of himself. Overall this book is a great read! I had to read it for a YA literature class, and it kept me entertained. Alexie is witty and humorous and the drawings bring to life what he is talking about in the writing. There are some inappropriate language and gestures but the book is great! Definitely worth the time and money!
Aboslutely True to Heart Sherman Alexie perfectly captures the scattered mind of your typical fourteen-year-old boy, possibly this is so perfect seeing the main characters life story is not too far off from Alexie's biography. Alexie's realism brings light to all the dark places using his master of wit and wisdom. Reading this book you will not know whether you should be laughing or crying, all you will know is just how magnificently captivating each page seems to read. Filled with funny illustrations, and great introspective quotes, this book is a gift of enlightenment to anyone that takes the time to read it.
"My Sister is running away to to get lost, but I am running away because I want to find something." (Alexie 46)
This book is not only limited to the adolescent reader, but can be enjoyed by all ages! Come get lost with Junior and you are sure to come out a wiser person in the end!
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