It's not heavy weight literature, but I'm enjoying it a great deal and I do find it quite intellectually stimulating. I'm 53 years old & I'm learning a lot from. It's making me think & it's enhancing my understanding of the human condition. I haven't finished it yet, and it's not above criticism, but when I'm not reading it I'm looking forward to getting back to it. It's got heart. I do think there is some wisdom to be gained by reading and thinking about it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian" is one of those books that could be assigned to you in school (to read for History, English or Anthropology class) but is also the kind of book that you might just see in a library or bookstore that catches your attention. No matter how you find the book, try it! Read it...you'll like it! This is a book that is classified "for young/youth readers or teens" but don't let that stop you if you're already past high-school age (I am and I loved it). In a straightforward, easy-to-read way, it describes the life of "Junior", a 14 year old native American boy living on a Spokane Indian reservation. Junior is encouraged by his teacher to leave the reservation and attend an all-white school, in order to get a better education. He is branded as a 'traitor' by his people, and not quite accepted in his new school. Life is tough, but he tries his best and finds the strength inside himself to carry on and succeed. Because Junior wishes to be a cartoonist, the book does have some funny illustrations in it and they did not interrupt the flow of the reading. Actually, they were very good and added to the text. I have to admit...there was a part of the story right near the beginning, about Junior's sick dog, and them having to put it out of its misery. I almost stopped reading right there. Not that it was graphic or disturbing or anything, but I HATE books that make an animal die just to create an emotional response in the reader. But it was very short part, and it was important to add, so I will forgive the book for including this sad part. The book does an excellent job of combining a serious and sometimes sad subject matter with humor and light-heartedness. So it's not a book full of 'literary fluff' but it won't make you depressed to read it. It's not a 'downer'. It would be a good book for anyone to read, ages 12 and up.Read full review
Alexie Sherman was born in the state where I now live. Our city, Spokane, is reading this book. Rather than pay full price and buy it on the stands in our stores, I turned to ebay to see if there was one that I could read. It was fine with me if I was not the first reader. This is an easy to read book of coming of age. It makes you cry and it makes you laugh like any good book. It also makes you think especially if you are or you care about a Native American! If you don't have empathy for our native peoples, you really should read this book. I bought the book from Native Americans and got some beautiful Navajo jewelry at the same time for one shipping - what a deal. I have already sent the book on to be read by others but I am keeping the coral jewelry - it is hard to find these days. But, a book about Native Americans with a true view is difficult to obtain as well. Shop here!Read full review
Required for 9th grade English class. My daughter doesn’t like to read. So, I read it. It was a great book. I’ve been trying explain to my daughter that there is nothing good about drinking alcohol and it pretty much indicates the same in this book. This book is exciting and shows how a teenager with lots of family problems and does not have any money can continue to fight through life and still have friends and success. Good book! Last, but not least, I loved the cartoons!!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A great read by an author from the Spokane Reservation. Very relatable and fun! Must read for anyone from the Spokane area.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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