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

Sherman Alexie's book, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, made me laugh and cry (well I don't really cry, not since my black lab, Mo, died anyway). A poignant personal narrative, loosely based on the author's own life, the story focuses on the life of Junior, a Spokane Indian growing up on the reservation, or rez.

Junior is typical of kids on the rez in that he has to deal with a lot of violence and alcoholism. He was born with a brain defect that left him with a chip on his shoulder, and a creative turn of mind; Junior wants to grow up to be a cartoonist, and the book is full creative and humorous drawings.

He quickly learns that for many, staying on the rez can be a death-sentence, so he decides to attend an off-rez public school, full of white farm kids. He encounters and overcomes racism and his own insecurities to become a star basketball player, and one of the most popular kids at the school.

This book appealed to me for a number of reasons. I love stories about real people surviving and thriving in the real world - which is messy! Many of the personal trials and challenges described in the book are the same as those going on behind closed doors in our own neighborhoods, or even in our own homes. Also, the story takes place in eastern Washington, where I went to college at Washington State University, so it was easy for me to visualize.

I loved the book and fully recommend it, but that recommendation comes with a warning; the book contains lots of sexual references and violence. Alexie didn't pull any punches when it came to describing just how brutal real life on the reservation can be, so make sure to check with your parents before reading this book.

Cover art from http://www.fallsapart.com/truediary.htm