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Friday, April 24, 2009

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

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Author: Sherman Alexie
Genre: YA
Published: 2007
Pages: 230 of some of the best writing I've ever read!!

From Goodreads:
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.






My Thoughts:

My son read this book last year and told me how much he loved it. I'd been meaning to get to it sometime but kept letting other books get in the way. Saturday during the Read-a-Thon this book was in my short list of possible reads. Marc came in to check on my progress and said, "Mom, you have to read this book next." So I did and I have to tell you that it blew me away!! I can see why it won the National Book Award. This is a story of a young man who has only known life on the "rez." This life encompasses poverty, alcoholism, funerals, and a school where not much is expected or given in return. Junior is smart, too smart for reservation school. His teacher tells him that he must get out of the rez so that he can be saved. The only way for him to do that is to go to an all-white school 20 miles away. When he decides to do this he experiences racism ,not only from the white kids, which he expected, but also from his own people. Through this ordeal Junior deals with his emotions and experiences by expressing himself with his art. The added bonus in this book is the marvelous illustrations. You will cry, laugh, and root for Junior every step of the way. His journey will give you hope. You will want everyone you know to read this book so that they too can be inspired by this special kid who didn't let anything stand in his way of becoming a better person. This book is at the top of my all-time favorite YA books and one of the best books I've read this year. Run don't walk to the library to get your hands on this one!!


16 comments:

  1. Wow, it sounds like this book really resonated with you and your son. It's so fabulous when you find a book that you love so much. You just hate to see it end.

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  2. I think I need to get my hands on a copy of this book. And then pass it on to my nephew who is in 7th grade - would it be appropriate for him?

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  3. Wowwwwwwwwwww....I love your review...I think me & Adam should read this one! :):):):):):):):):):)

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  4. Great review! Really makes you want to run out and get it!

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  5. I agree: some of the best writing I've read. It made me want to check out some of his adult books, though a friend mentioned that they're really violent. I haven't -- yet -- though maybe I'll get around to it.

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  6. I've given you an award! Here it is at www.bookbirddog.blogspot.com

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  7. Okay, okay...I'm going! This sounds wonderful and your review and son's enthusiasm has made me anxious to get my hands on this book!

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  8. I reeeealy need to read this one. Robin (another blogger) gave me this book for Christmas 2 Christmas' ago and it's just been sitting on my bookshelf since then! I don't know why it's been there so long..sounds great though!

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  9. Don't you love it when your kids recommend books to you? This one sounds great - thanks for the review.

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  10. Hi: Don't forget to pick up the award I gave you at www.bookbirddog.blogspot.com

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  11. Sounds great! And isn't it lovely to havecross-generational recommendations?!

    I have an award for you here

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  12. You've sold me on this one and I'll be requesting it from the library. Great review!!!

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  13. Awesome review. Adding it to my list!

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  14. I read about this book somewhere and meant to read it. I am glad of the reminder :)

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  15. "This book is at the top of my all-time favorite YA books and one of the best books I've read this year."

    wow! I already wanted to read this, but now I seriously can't wait to!

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