The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Reviews (See all 966) Write a reviewfor this

• 
  

  This book caught my eye immediately because of the idea of a "Part-time Indian." I honestly had no idea how a person could be considered "part-time" of their own nationality. I work at Borders, so I began reading this during my hour break. After reading the first page, I was hooked! I ended up borrowing this book from the library because I couldn't wait until my next shift to see what happens.

  The main character is so realistic and down to earth, you can't help but ... (show more)

  This book caught my eye immediately because of the idea of a "Part-time Indian." I honestly had no idea how a person could be considered "part-time" of their own nationality. I work at Borders, so I began reading this during my hour break. After reading the first page, I was hooked! I ended up borrowing this book from the library because I couldn't wait until my next shift to see what happens.

  The main character is so realistic and down to earth, you can't help but love him. He is very easy to relate to because many of us have felt like outsiders in our home town or in our schools growing up. He also discusses things openly that would be considered taboo in our society.

  I love the honesty of this character and the author who wrote it. I think this is an exceptional book about life and coping with the pressures of growing up in a not so perfect world. Everyone, whether they are young or old, should read this novel. It deals with racism, gangs, abuse, poverty and many other issues we face every day as human beings. Sherman Alexie has many lessons to teach us in this story that I believe are timeless and ageless. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook-användare on Feb 05, 2009 at 02:52AM

  Already read

  Is this review helpful? yes no
   
• 
  

  I was urged to read Alexie’s book when it was first published by a readerly co-worker of mine. However, I put it to the back of my pile of books to read simply because the age of the main character, at fourteen, seemed too far of a stretch for my own students. I dusted the copy off during the Christmas break now that my own oldest son is reaching towards that age, and as a mom, I was seeking some sense of what a fourteen year old thinks like. This is a perfect book to get into the head of a s... (show more)

  I was urged to read Alexie’s book when it was first published by a readerly co-worker of mine. However, I put it to the back of my pile of books to read simply because the age of the main character, at fourteen, seemed too far of a stretch for my own students. I dusted the copy off during the Christmas break now that my own oldest son is reaching towards that age, and as a mom, I was seeking some sense of what a fourteen year old thinks like. This is a perfect book to get into the head of a sensitive teen-aged boy.

  Told through honest and concise language coupled with hilarious illustrations reminiscent of a graphic novel like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the reader walks away from Part-Time Indian having laughed and cried. I have read reviews and heard people discuss how shocking the language and references Alexie makes. However, I disagree. I would much rather read “inappropriate” language and sexual slurs than be subjected to violence. Life, when written without a filter, is ugly. Alexie has somehow managed to put a beautiful spin on it.

  Favorite passages:
  “But he was so wrong. And he knew he was wrong. He was the loser Indian father of a loser Indian son living in a world built for winners.” (p. 55)

  “Yes, it’s a small library. It’s a tiny one. But if you read one of these books a day, it would still take you almost ten years to finish.”
  “What’s your point?”
  “The world, even the smallest parts of it, is filled with things you don’t know.”
  Wow. That was a huge idea. (p.97)

  If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing. (p.129)

  “I used to think the world was broken down by tribes,” I said. “By black and white. By Indian and white. But I know that isn’t true. The world is only broken into two tribes: The people who are assholes and the people who are not.” (p. 176) (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook-användare on Jan 02, 2010 at 12:16AM

  Already read

  Is this review helpful? yes no
   
• See all reviews
  Write a review