The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (2009, Paperback, Reprint)

"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian" is one of those books that could be assigned to you in school (to read for History, English or Anthropology class) but is also the kind of book that you might just see in a library or bookstore that catches your attention.

No matter how you find the book, try it!
Read it...you'll like it!

This is a book that is classified "for young/youth readers or teens" but don't let that stop you if you're already past high-school age (I am and I loved it).

In a straightforward, easy-to-read way, it describes the life of "Junior", a 14 year old native American boy living on a Spokane Indian reservation. Junior is encouraged by his teacher to leave the reservation and attend an all-white school, in order to get a better education. He is branded as a 'traitor' by his people, and not quite accepted in his new school. Life is tough, but he tries his best and finds the strength inside himself to carry on and succeed.

Because Junior wishes to be a cartoonist, the book does have some funny illustrations in it and they did not interrupt the flow of the reading. Actually, they were very good and added to the text.

I have to admit...there was a part of the story right near the beginning, about Junior's sick dog, and them having to put it out of its misery. I almost stopped reading right there. Not that it was graphic or disturbing or anything, but I HATE books that make an animal die just to create an emotional response in the reader. But it was very short part, and it was important to add, so I will forgive the book for including this sad part.

The book does an excellent job of combining a serious and sometimes sad subject matter with humor and light-heartedness. So it's not a book full of 'literary fluff' but it won't make you depressed to read it. It's not a 'downer'.

It would be a good book for anyone to read, ages 12 and up.

the shipping took to long but the wait was worth it. the book was brand new and worth the price. thank you

Fantastic! You will learn the trials of growing up in 2 cultures. The audio version is read by the author.