The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

     One of my all-time favorite books is The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.  This book is about a young American Indian boy named Arnold who lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation, where he is surrounded by extreme poverty, rampant alcoholism, and a profound sense of hopelessness. Desperate for a better chance at a successful life, Arnold transfers from the high school on "the Rez" to the nearby all-white high school. Already a frequent victim of bullies, Arnold finds that this move causes him to be completely ostracized by his fellow Indians, but what hurts the most is being rejected by Rowdy, his best friend. And since he is the only Indian at the all-white high school, Arnold has difficulty fitting in with his classmates. Arnold drifts through two completely different societies but is not accepted by either one.

     I love this book! First of all, as a white, middle-class female I found this book to be eye-opening. I understand that I have lived a privileged life. I am lucky to have no knowledge of poverty. I knew that the US had many Indian reservations but had no idea how desperate and depressing life could be there. I therefore appreciate this book for what it taught me about how others are forced to live.

     Second, Arnold is an open and honest character. He very matter-of-factly describes what it is like to be poor. He describes what it feels like not to receive Christmas presents, to go to bed hungry, and not to be able to pay when on a date. He also offers no apologies for the excessive drinking he witnesses, even in his own family, and the heartache it can cause. 

     Although many of the subjects of this book are gritty and somber, Arnold's inner strength is what saves him. He refuses to give up and succumb to the demons that surround him. As hard as things are, Arnold perseveres.