The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

"The Best Kids Books Are Written in Blood" wrote Sherman Alexie in a 2011 WSJ post about how trying to protect children from the harsh realities of life is pointless.

This YA novel dances and laughs in the shadows and with ghosts of poverty, loneliness, abuse, alcoholism, depression, racism, etc.. Alexie does his redemptive dance with tears that both salve and baptize the reader. His voice is real. His pain is authentic. His narrator IS hope. This is a book that is built to confront difficult issues, to pour salt and sunshine on wounds that refuse to heal. I don't know how someone can read Alexie and not walk away lifted up.

I also think he narrates the HELL out of this book. I can't imagine anyone else giving this book the same kind of heart and soul. Listening to Alexie read his book was amazing. I kept having to remind myself that Alexie was not Arnold. Sometimes I've wondered if authors would be better off letting pros read their work, but Alexie absolutely demolished that bias.

I loved this book. This is a accurate accounting of what really happens in the life of an Native American "Indian", told in way that makes you laugh and cry. Growing up in a town on what was a former Indian reservation turned public/private owned land I can relate totally to this story. The author hits the mark in every aspect. While his story may seem like fiction to some - those who lived it know just how truthful this is. I recommended this to anyone who wants to know what modern day Native Americans face on a daily basis - Most Indians are not rich from casino dollars, as many non-Indians people seem to think.

This story is about my home - exactly as it was when I was growing up there. I am from a small town that was split down the middle by the neighboring reservation to the one in this story. I was thrilled by the way Mr. Alexie wove the story of this amazing young man into the fabric of my own memories so seamlessly. This goes into my top 5 of all time. If you are searching for a sure-thing, a book that guarantees laughter, tears, joy, brutal honesty, amazing insight into a world few have glimpsed - then you need to get this book.

Fifteen year old Junior lives on a reservation, overcoming almost insurmountable obstacles to seek a better life. Born with too much fluid on his brain; attending a failing school system; having 2 parents who drink, but love him, Junior/Arnold receives advice to attend a county school about 20 miles away.

Alexie wrote and narrates a straightforward, mater-of-fact, witty Native American how-to guide for surviving an all-Caucasian school and navigating the reservation where many are angered by his leaving. He's intelligent, resourceful, and his stumblings to fit in are funny, yet there is an underlying sadness. You learn a great deal in this short novel about the heartbreaking conditions on the "Indian" territory and of one boy's spirit and perseverence to reach his potential.

Nothing wrong with this guy's brain. That's actually part of the story and what a wonderful story it is. The book is a collection of anecdotes that remind me of This American Life or The Onion. The book is magical and touching, short and sweet. The book is very well written and narrated by the author. No fluff here; just succinct, cohesive, meaningful stories of a Spokane American Indian coming of age in a modern world. These are frank and candid memoirs appropriate for adults and young adults. The book is highly rated on most lists and deservedly so.

I have listened to this this book four times in the last 5 months. I have never read a more touching story for young adults. I read a lot of YA books because I am a teacher. This is the best by a mile. I recommended it to several students and they all LOVED it. Boys and girls have enjoyed it equally.It should be required reading.

I love when an author reads their own book - and Sherman Alexie's distinctive voice really makes for a more rich experience of his novel. This book deals with some tough topics - identity, disability, alcoholism, violence, and the harsh realities of life on a reservation - but there are also many moments of humor, hope, and triumph. I heartily recommend it!

Alexie immediately grabs you with this story of Spokane tribal member and high school student Arnold Spirit, aka, Junior. Written in the first person, it is believable from the beginning and you think that Alexie is telling his own story.

Taking place mostly over Junior's freshman year, this book is a coming of age story as Junior learns more about himself and the world around him. There are thought provoking subtexts of the nature of friendships, redemption, and choice.

Some may be put off to the multiple references to masturbation, but this is a story about a 14 year old boy. With that warning, I think this book could, and maybe even should, be read by all 13+ year olds.

Let me start by saying that Sherman Alexie is one of my all-time favorite writers. That being said, hearing him read his own (semi-autibiographical) words elevates the experience to a whole new level. Alexie's reading in the sing-song cadence of the rez adds to the dimension to the characters. The story itself reveals the brutality and beauty that humans are capable of and gives a truly honest window into the life on the reservation as well as the experience away from it. Full of sorrow and hope and many moments of tear-jerking hilarity. I was so sad when it was over. In short, get this one now!

I selected this book before reading any reviews; I was curious about the title and found it kept getting my attention.

Alexie is a gifted word picturer. He had me totally on the res and feeling the emotions that he was relating. I'm not from the rez - just a little white boy who somehow grew up in similar surroundings and felt that this was a little bit of my story. I laughed and cried so much that I had to keep listening until the end. A must for your library. An easy but great listen.