Bookish Thoughts: The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian

 "If you speak and write in English, or Spanish, or Chinese, or any other language, then only a certain percentage of human beings will get your meaning. But when you draw a picture, everybody can understand it. If I draw a cartoon of a flower, then every man, woman, and child in the world can look at it and say, 'That's a flower.' So I draw because I want to talk to the world. And I want the world to pay attention to me." [excerpt from The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian]

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

Little Brown, 2007

Fiction (YA); 240 pgs

In 2010, The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian was banned from the school library by the Stockton Board in Missouri after a parent complained about objectionable content.  In recent years, other school districts banned or attempted to ban the book from curriculum for the author's use of foul, racist language and the descriptions of sexual acts.  By focusing on those issues, the people fail to recognize the insight this book has to offer--both for us as individuals but also as a society.  

The main character is a Native American, poor and with a family history of alcoholism.  Life on the reservation is far from ideal.  Junior was born with major health problems that followed him into childhood.  He is picked on and bullied by his classmates and other Native Americans in his tribe.  He knows all about prejudice and discrimination--so yes, you'll find talk about racism and such in the book.  

As for the sexual acts . . . He's a teenage boy.  He masturbates.  So what?  Don't most teenage boys masturbate?  Let's stop making our boys feel bad for doing something normal and pretending it doesn't happen.  Same goes for foul language.  Frankly, I don't recall a lot of that in the book, but then I tend to be immune to a small amount of cursing in books.

From the Publisher:

In his first book for young adults, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by acclaimed artist Ellen Forney, that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.

Have you ever been reading and are so lost in a book that you forget you are reading?  That happened to me with Sherman Alexie’s book, The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian.  I got completely wrapped up in Junior’s narrative.  The writing is brilliant; the author capturing the voice of his teenage protagonist so well.  The book was both humorous and sad, touching on several very serious issues, including poverty, alcoholism, bullying, prejudice.  It was also a story about love, friendship, family, and self-discovery.

Ellen Forney’s artwork complemented the book perfectly, not only fitting in with the text but also drawing out the character of Junior more.   Alexie’s book is a book I think many people can identify with on some level.  His writing is frank and yet thoughtful. 

The portion of the book that stood out most for me was Junior’s struggle to fit in and the loneliness he felt.  These were issues I could identify with—issues I think most of us can identify with.  Junior had it particularly rough because he was straddling two different cultures, neither one fully willing to accept him initially.  Add to that the contrast between the two.   Even despite the cards Junior had been dealt in life, he had courage and strength. I don’t think he ever really realized that.   I thought he was a pretty amazing young man.

This really is a book you have to read yourself to get the full effect of. 

Rating: (Very Good +)

You can learn more about Sherman Alexie and his books on the author's website.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book for my own personal pleasure. 

See what others are reading or have to say about Banned Book Week this week! 

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