Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a
part-time Indian. NY: Little Brown
Arnold Spirit, also
known as Junior, is a teenage Indian boy who lives in a very poor Indian
reservation that was founded back in 1881. From the moment he was born he faced
many difficulties including seizures, eyesight problems, and even brain
surgery. Life was definitely not easy growing up. He faced bullying and
loneliness, but he thought he had no other choice than to live with it. As he
entered high school, he came across a teacher that gave him some advice and
changed his life forever. The next day, Junior convinced his parents to take
him to Reardan High School, an all white school that is twenty-two miles away
from their reservation. Although his family was poor, they did everything
possible to support Junior in every way. The change was not easy. All his
tribe, and even his best friend, Rowdy saw him as a traitor. Nonetheless, he
never got discouraged and even though he was the only Indian at his new school,
he made the varsity basketball team and gained the respect of teachers and
students. Sadly, during this time, he also encountered the alcohol related
deaths of his Grandmother Spirit, Eugene, and his sister. By the end of the
year, Junior reconciles with his friend Rowdy and realize the he is a “nomad”
Indian.
This book definitely made me feel a
variety of mixed emotions. From laughing when he’s alone looking at nude women
pictures to having heartache after he loses so many loved ones. The genre of
this book is realistic fiction because it is definitely a believable story that has actual characters, a realistic setting,
and truthful events. The developmental stages are also evident as Junior is
transitioning. His peers and relationship with his parents changes and he is
now attracted to a girl, Penelope.
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