Tolog Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by Sherman Alexie
reviewed by Catherine Condit

Life on an Indian Reservation is rough. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie looks back on the hard life of Arnold Spirit, a boy who was dedicated to everything he tried. Arnold, also called Junior, was born with too much cerebral spinal fluid in his skull, and according to him, should have suffered with “serious brain issues” for the rest of his life after his surgery. Instead, he “showed all the doctors” by pulling through and going on to being one of the smartest kids in his class. Though physically, he was set back. Because he was born with the fluid in his brain, the brain damage caused Arnold to have forty-two teeth, horrible eyesight, common headaches, giant feet, and a huge skull. In the reservation, or rez, Arnold was bullied by kids and adults alike, and not given the proper education someone as bright as him deserved. 

When one of Arnold’s teachers told him he needed to escape the rez and go to school in the town full of white people 22 miles away, he realized just how badly he had to get out. Making the decision to go to a school with only white students caused him to be considered a traitor with the Indians. His best friend suddenly became his enemy, and Arnold struggled to fit in with the new environment. There was a whole new set of rules he had to learn, and follow. All of his old friends hated him. It was a lonely lifestyle. His never-ending hope that he had made the right decision is what helped him get through the rough start. 

Eventually, through Arnold’s losses, discoveries, and adventures of high school, he finally learns what family and love mean. This heartwarming story about discovery really made me look back into my past and reflect on my own personal events that have taught me important lessons. Arnold took risks to make his life better, which I greatly admire because I know that can be a very hard thing to do. He took control of his life and did not let other people get in his way even after the ridicule and shunning he endured. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good and heartfelt story to read about discovery and hope for the future of a young boy trying to find his place in the world.