#The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

[inlovewithquotes]

You have to love somebody that much to also hate them that much, too.

-The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-time Indian

[iluvmyweinerdog-books]

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

This book was really good at evoking emotions, and I had to choke back tears as I read the ending in a Starbucks. Heart breaking and relatable.

[light-of-dove]

“Drinking would shut down my seeing and my hearing and my feelings,” she used to say. “Why would I want to be in the world if I couldn't touch the world with all of my senses intact?”

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

[kristenreviewsmedia]

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Realistic Fiction from Diverse Perspectives  The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Alexie, S. (2007). The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 3.5 Stars "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is a coming-of-age novel by Sherman Alexie. Set on the Spokane Indian Reservation, the story follows Arnold Spirit Jr. or Junior.  Junior is faced with the harsh realities of poverty, alcoholism, and systemic racism, and he struggles to find his place in the world. The novel provides a candid and raw portrayal of life on the reservation, highlighting the challenges faced by Native American communities, including alcoholism, poverty, and systemic racism. 

Junior feels trapped by the limited opportunities available on the reservation because of the lack of opportunities and resources available to its members. So, he transfers to a predominantly white high school off the reservation. A choice that will bring both opportunities and challenges. Junior must navigate the unfamiliar territory of a new school, where he is ostracized and bullied, while also dealing with members of his tribe who view his decision as a betrayal and see this as him abandoning his heritage and turning his back on his community.

Despite the obstacles, Junior refuses to give up. With the support of his family, friends, and unexpected allies, Junior begins to carve out a path for himself, pursuing his passion for drawing and ultimately finding a sense of belonging and identity. This book is essential because literature has many white narratives; white experiences are often prioritized and centered as the norm. However, we must expand our horizons beyond only white authors as readers. Stories from marginalized communities tend to be marginalized or overlooked. Lack of representation can perpetuate stereotypes, reinforce inequalities, and contribute to a limited understanding of diverse experiences and perspectives. This book provides representation, raises awareness, fosters empowerment, and advocates for education. It is a powerful and meaningful narrative that resonates with Indigenous readers and helps others better understand different cultures and their aspects. Providing representation, raising awareness, fostering empowerment, promoting cultural pride, and advocating for education. It is a powerful and meaningful narrative that resonates with Indigenous readers and contributes to the conversation about Indigenous rights and representation.

Awards: National Book Award for Young People's Literature: 2007 American Indian Youth Literature Award: 2008 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award: 2008 California Young Reader Medal: 2009 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award: 2007

[ihearttseliot]

GOOD BOOKS: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie

[quotespile]

If you're good at it, and you love it, and it helps you navigate the river of the world, then it can't be wrong.

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

[intricate-ritualz]

hi. absolutely true diary of a part time indian hyperfixation round FOUR 😭😭why i couldn’t get hyperfixated on trains or home stuck like a normal bitch idk

[wardsutton]

My latest for the Boston Globe.

[litsnaps]

[philosophybitmaps]

[quotessentially]

From Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

[inlovewithquotes]

If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing.

-The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-time Indian

[logorrhea5mip]

Book bans and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

An important topic in the news recently is the new wave of censorships, book bans, and other attempts by the American far right to restrict access to information that they might not want people to have.

And because of that, I will tell you my own story of how much a book can change one's outlook on things and how dangerous they truly are to the people in power.

I first read the The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian a few years ago, and it's amazing how much things such a short book can teach you. If you didn't know(and do read it, please), it's about Junior, a dirt-poor, disabled, Native American kid, who struggles through a hard life imposed on him by the world around him.

It is sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but most importantly every page of it is dripping with knowledge about an oppressed minority half way around the world.

The experiences of the author, adapted into a semi-autobiographical novel, express so clearly the generational suffering of his people under the status quo of modern America.

And had that book been banned, for its at times mature or "problematic" contents, I would have never known the messages within, and would probably have stayed ignorant to the real world problems it describes.

That is why those who want us to be ignorant ban and burn books. That is why we have to stop them.

[harmonyhealinghub]

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian: A Captivating Journey of Identity and Resilience

Shaina Tranquilino

October 26, 2023

Sherman Alexie's novel, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," is a powerful coming-of-age story that delves into the challenges faced by Native American teenager Arnold Spirit Jr., also known as Junior. Through humour, heartbreak, and introspection, Alexie skillfully explores themes of identity, resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at why this novel has resonated with readers worldwide.

A Glimpse into Reservation Life: "The Absolutely True Diary" offers readers an authentic glimpse into reservation life on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington State. As Junior navigates between his community and the predominantly white school he chooses to attend outside the reservation, we witness firsthand the stark disparities in resources and opportunities. This contrast underscores deeper issues like poverty, alcoholism, racism, and cultural assimilation that many Indigenous peoples face daily.

Humour as a Coping Mechanism: Alexie brilliantly infuses humour throughout the narrative to alleviate some of the weighty topics addressed in the book. Junior uses his wit to cope with difficult situations while providing readers with moments of genuine laughter. These humorous anecdotes serve as reminders that even amidst adversity, it is essential to find joy wherever possible.

The Quest for Identity: One of the central themes explored in "The Absolutely True Diary" is Junior's quest for identity. Struggling with feeling like an outcast both within his tribe and at his new school, he embarks on a journey to find his place in the world. Alexie paints a complex picture of how one's sense of self can be shaped by culture, heritage, family dynamics, personal experiences, and societal expectations.

Friendship as a Lifeline: Throughout his journey, Junior develops profound friendships that provide solace during challenging times. With his best friend, Rowdy, and a new ally in Penelope, Junior finds unwavering support, loyalty, and understanding. These relationships highlight the significance of connection and how it can help individuals overcome adversity.

Resilience and the Power of Education: As Junior leaves behind the reservation to attend a predominantly white school outside his community, he faces numerous obstacles. However, his determination to pursue education becomes a symbol of hope for both himself and those around him. Alexie emphasizes the transformative power of knowledge and the importance of breaking free from societal constraints to achieve one's dreams.

An Authentic Voice: One cannot discuss "The Absolutely True Diary" without acknowledging its semi-autobiographical nature. Drawing from his own experiences growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, Alexie brings an authentic voice to every page. This personal touch adds depth and rawness to the story while allowing readers to gain insights into Native American culture often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream media.

Final Thoughts: Sherman Alexie's "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is a profound exploration of identity, resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. By blending humour with heart-wrenching moments, Alexie crafts a novel that resonates with readers from different backgrounds worldwide. Through Junior's journey, we are reminded of the importance of cultural pride, empathy, understanding, and perseverance in navigating life's complexities.

Whether you're seeking an emotionally charged coming-of-age story or hoping to gain deeper insight into Native American experiences, "The Absolutely True Diary" is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who embarks on this remarkable literary adventure.

[random-writing-ideas]

Remember when you used to be a human being? When people thought you were smart and your brain was useful?

Uh, actually, that is what happens.

Sometimes you don't have a real teacher.

Dodge suddenly went all pale.

Sometimes you have a real teacher who quit, leaving you without a replacement.

Sometimes you pick one of the other teachers and make him the science teacher.

Well, isn't that interesting? Thank you for sharing that with us, Gordy.

Remember when you used to be a human being? When people thought you were smart and listened when you spoke?

Maybe you were damaged, maybe you were prone to seizures, but you were still useful.

Still human. Beautiful, sacred, magical.

[e-b-reads]

Books of the month: Nov 2022

Now that I am about 5 books into December...let me post my books of the month for November! Since I have been gaining a steady trickle of new followers, I will reiterate that I usually try to pick the books I read in a month that I would recommend to other people to read. This doesn't necessarily mean my favorites of the month, and it also doesn't mean that they're objectively the best books ever, though they're usually books I like and that I think are at least pretty good.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (Sherman Alexie): I think this is good to read because, even though it's fictionalized, it's a book about the true experience of being a young Native American guy trying to figure out how best to grow up. Obviously, this fictional kid's specific struggles and wins aren't universal to all Native Americans, but it's still good for us non-Native people to read about them. Also, I think that despite being very specific, Junior's experiences can be somehow relatable to a lot of folks in one way or another.

A Long Way From Chicago and A Year Down Yonder (Richard Peck): These are readable alone, but also they're both very good and they're children's books, so they're quick. In the first, Joey narrates stories over a series of summers as he and his younger sister visit their larger-than-life grandmother in the Illinois countryside; in the second, Joe's all grown up and Mary Alice is the narrator as she lives with Grandma for a year during the depression. The books are full of understated humor, and a lot of heart.

Animal Dreams (Barbara Kingsolver): It was interesting to reread this recently, after having read lots of Kingsolver's more recent books since the first time I read it. It's not a happy book, in a lot of ways. But it has hope, which is maybe more important. A consistent thing in Kingsolver's fiction is that she doesn't shy away from describing the scary things in the world--whether personal or global--but she also considers how her characters, and we, get through them or exist--even thrive--despite them.