The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

 

By: Sherman Alexi

 There are few books that make you laugh, make you cry, and make you reflect on your life. I will say that even more rare is the book that I want to read more than once.  The book which I believe is partly autobiographical tells the story of a 14-year-old Indian who refers to himself as Junior. He goes to Reardan High School, an all-white school off the reservation (which he refers to as the rez).

Junior wants to be a cartoonist, and he fills this "diary" with funny, reflective, self-deprecating drawings. Junior's best friend is Rowdy, a troubled kid who acts out, violently at times, who may suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome. Rowdy and Junior's relationship becomes strained when he leaves the rez to go to Reardan and much of the book deals with this dynamic. Junior seems to be caught outside of both the world of Reardan and the world of the rez, very much the outsider.

Dealing with very flawed parents, a depressing community, the crushing depression that kids in poverty can feel, and struggling against it all; I could relate with Junior. His story of seeking to do better and rise above it all with humor and creativity feels authentic. I recommend this book to both adults and teens because of its humor and uplifting story which transcends any age.