The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (National Book Award Winner)

Reliable service. Books are always as described. Noting ex-library copies or unmarked pages is appreciated. Not all sellers are that forthcoming.

Very unique, funny and engaging perspective on adolescent struggles and triumphs in a population that typically doesn't get a lot of attention.

For Arnold Spirit, Jr., two worlds existed, the tightly knit impoverished community on the reservation and the outside world filled with White people and possibilities. When he's handed a textbook used over 20 years ago by his mother, he realizes his reservation school will never prepare him for college or offer him the opportunity to escape poverty. He makes the decision to go to a school in a predominantly White farming town. Arnold must learn to believe he is worthy of a better education and a different life. During his journey, Arnold becomes stuck in between the two worlds, not quite an Indian and not quite White - a traitor to his community and an outsider at his school. Arnold 's world is based on the author's own experiences dealing with food scarcity, alcoholic family members, bullying, poverty,and hopelessness. What makes this story unique is the author's use of humor as a coping mechanism and a reflection of the joy he derives from his family and friends. You'll laugh and cry as you read this; parts will make you angry about the injustices in our society, but you'll also learn about hope and the power of education.

This refreshing book, which examines the dynamics between reservation life and the privileged whites just outside of town, keeps you reading chapter after chapter captivated by Junior’s sagas.

The book ‘The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian’ is an awesome read that I would recommend to anyone and everyone with $15 in their wallet and a few hours of time.First off, let me speak about the build quality and the service provided by Amazon. The book arrived in good shape, and had no visible damage on it. I believe this took 3 or 4 days to arrive, which is a nice amount of time for free delivery. I couldn’t really ask more from Amazon.The book is a good read. The age range is for teenagers about 12-16, so it should be a very simple read for just about anyone. The book recounts Sherman Alexie’s high school career, and his struggles with bullying, racism, and the American school system on and off the Spokane reservation.Junior, the protagonist, does not fit in. He is a nerd who keeps getting beat up and bullied by his peers as well as adults in his community. As an impoverished Indian, he struggles with getting to school, and when he transfers schools he has to walk miles on end.The drawings and cartoons lighten up the read from the otherwise dark and depressing topics of systemic racism and hate towards the protagonist. If you want to get somewhat emotional, while still being entertained and having a laugh once in a while, this book will take you on that roller coaster ride. It is an easy read, and relates to high school students the most. If you are in high school, chances are you have read this book at least once, maybe twice already. I would still recommend reading this book regardless.Overall, I really liked this book. I am giving it 5 stars for the good price point, great story itself and the ease of the read. I would recommend this book to anyone, and I will probably read it again in the future.