The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian
By: Alexie, Sherman
Alexie’s first Young Adult title won him the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature last year. My 11-year old daughter described this book as, “very funny and sad at the same time,” which we adults somtimes call “bittersweet.” But what narrative of Native American life, historical or modern, would not be tinged with sadness? Alexie, who is of Spokane heritage, writes with humor and poignancy about his anti-hero, Arnold Spirit, born hydrocephalic who happens to have a great jump shot, and a number of odd friends and relations. Life on and off the “res,” and the shifting boudaries between modern Native American and Anglo culture are deftly explored. This book is not preachy at all, but there are lessons here for all of us.
Reviewer: Tim Strawn
