SCPL Teens discussion

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

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



Junior is an Indian living on one of the few intact Indian Reservations in America. The place is a dump, and its inhabitants, including his parents, consist of washed up and flawed people. Junior is a bright boy, and when he hits his teacher Mr. P in anger for not having modern books. He is given a chance at a fresh and better start, leaving the reservation for the first time. This creates implications all around, with his best friend Rowdy. Junior’s facial disfigurations become an object of ridicule but his Indian background slowly starts to win over the mostly white school.

At the same time, at home, Junior’s home life is struggling as the implications of the Indian’s drunken lifestyle begins to take a toll and Junior must learn to cope with loss and look at his potential future for the first time. Alienation is a big theme, as Junior feels conflicted between his Indian roots and his white school, and he must learn how to maintain a future while not assimilating completely. Ultimately, over the years, Junior learns who his true supporters are and how to cope with the blows that life gives.

An award winning book, Alexie manages to use his own experiences, teenage comedy and art to relate to the reader and draw them into the story. Alexie is not afraid of being crude, which for the target audience, is simply necessary in order to engage the reader. I would highly recommend this book to the disgruntled immigrant in conflict with their background, or anyone looking for 2 hours to procrastinate.