Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part -Time Indian. By Sherman Alexie

Can't wait to share this with my daughter (age 9), but will wait a few years due to some mature themes, primarily a recurring, heart-wrenching storyline exposing the tragic results of alcoholism on the family and community of Junior Spirit, the 14-year-old narrator of the story.  There are also a few mildly risque moments involving Junior (masturbation, relationship with quasi-girlfriend).  This is the coming of age tale of Junior, a smart kid from the reservation who leaves his community to attend high school in a nearby farming town where the only other Native American at the school is its mascot.  The novel borrows heavily from the story of its author, Sherman Alexie, and is at turns poignant, feisty, milk-coming-out-your-nose funny, and heartbreaking.  It's hard to put down, as well. It is written for teens or young adults, but not-so-young adults will enjoy it too.

RCM

No comments:

Post a Comment