The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexi (reviewed by Larry Lieberman)

The narrator of this novel, by Sherman Alexie, is a fourteen-year-old Spokane Indian, living on the reservation with his family. Supposedly, it is fiction, but it seems mostly autobiographical. There are numerous references to the plight of the native American; poverty, alcoholism, drug abuse, and crime. It is seen through the eyes of an adolescent, who has a keen wit, is committed to self-deprecation, and is able to find hope and inspiration through a loving family and mentors. It is a book about growing up with physical and social challenges, and finding those things in one’s life that can be controlled. Making a decision to attend the all-white high school, 22 miles away, is the major alteration in Arnold Spirit’s (aka Junior’s) life path. This decision triggers animosity and hatred in both places; school and reservation. Yet, Arnold prevails through determination and resilience and achieves success in both worlds. This choice drives the narrative and creates the scenarios that contribute to his coming of age.

 The Absolutely True Diary has been billed as being for young adult readers, but that doesn’t do it justice. It provides wisdom and understanding for all ages. It is funny, poignant, sad, and uplifting. The book is filled with brilliant insights into the mind of an adolescent, and not just a native American adolescent. The universal nature of this stage of life is evident from beginning to end. Every member of the group made a commitment to give this book to his grandchildren at a time deemed appropriate. It has great potential to be a gateway into the world of reading, for those adolescents who might not love reading. This book has won numerous awards. All deserved.

 —Laurence Lieberman