The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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

Bibliography

Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time indian. New York, NY: Little Brown and Company. ISBN 0316013684

Summary

Arnold, also known as Junior, decides to leave the "rez" to go to school.  He battles the anger of his people and the suspicions of his new peers to be an overcomer of obstacles once again in his short life.

Critical Analysis

As the title suggests, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian recounts a short span in the life of a teenage Spokane Indian who spends time away from the reservation.  Alexie's portrayal of Junior is brutally honest, witty, and touches on issues faced not only by Indians but many young teenage boys.  Junior must navigate alcoholism, abuse of friends, burgeoning sexuality, bullying, and making tough, life-altering decisions.  Occasionally in a novel the illustrations play a pivotal role.  This is the case here.  Ellen Forney's art, which represent Junior's cartoons, adds to the humor and to the development of Junior as a dynamic character.

 
Review Excerpts

* Breathtakingly honest, funny profane, sad...will stay with readers. --KLIATT (starred review)

* This is a gem of a book.... May be [Sherman Alexie's] best work yet. --The New York Times

* Fierce observations and sharp sense of humor... hilarious language. -- Newsday


Connections

*This book will resonate with teens, but some parents may object to the discussion of masturbation.

* Prefer to listen?  This book is available on audio here.

* Want to discuss this book with friends or your class?  You can find a dreading group guide on the right side of this page.

* Excerpt from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

I was fourteen and it was my first day of high school.  I was happy about that.  And I was most especially excited about my first geometry class.
     Yep, I have to admit that isosceles triangles make me feel hormonal.
     Most guys, no matter what age, get excited about curves and circles, but not me.  Don't get me wrong.  I like girls and their curves.  And I really like women and their curvier curves.