The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian

Title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Author: Sherman Alexie
Publisher: Little Brown and Company

ISBN Number: 0316068209
Age Range: 14 & Up (Mature Book) 

What it's about: Junior, or Arnold Spirit, is an Indian who lives on a Spokane, Washington reservation. He was born different, with water on the brain and a series of other complications that leaves him very different from other indians. He is teased mercilessly for his differences. Junior is also tired of the constant poorness and the lack of education he is getting. On the first day of High School at the reservation, he opens his Geometry book and finds that it was the same one his mother had used. No new books in thirty years. Overcome by his anger, he accidently throws the book and hits the teacher square in the nose. Instead of the teacher becoming extremely angry, he decides to try to help Junior and convince him that he has to get off the reservation. Inspired by this, Junior decides to go Reardan, a prestigious white school. However, Junior embraces the opportunities. He is getting good grades, he is actually making friends, and is doing very well at basketball. He is starting to aspire to make more of himself and hopefully go to college than he would have at the Rez. However, through a series of tragedies, Junior realizes that his choices have a series of consequences and he blames himself for the deaths that are occurring. However, he is still able to live and to aspire to something greater. 

Why it's good: I was not actually sure what to expect from this book. I had heard a lot of discussion about it and had heard it was a great read so I decided to read it. Alexie is a great writer, very engaging. This book is very controversial and I can see why it is on the ALA Top Disputed Books of 2011. I think that Junior's journey is very fascianting. This is an extreme departure from my other book choices (mostly fantasy!) however, I think it was a really fun and interesting read. I was expecting it to be really slow, but it wasn't. Hwoever, this book was described to me as a comedy and I cannot see how this book is at all remotely funny, but that's just me. I definitely recommend it to other people for not just interest in that subject matter, but just to read something that is a departure from a typical reading. 

Genre: Drama

Awards: National Book Award Winner