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 Amy Altman

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong? Junior also known as Arnold felt like he didn’t belong. In Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior, a teen suffering from poor eyesight and seizures, finds it hard to fit in with the rest of the kids. One day in Geometry class, Junior saw his mom’s name in a textbook and became really angry. He could not believe the book he was using had once been used by his own mother! Junior furious that his school was using outdated textbooks, threw his textbook at his teacher. The following day, his teacher stopped by his house Expecting to be chewed out, imagine his surprise when the teacher tells junior that he “understood” why he threw the book. The teacher showed an intense interest in Junior’s future and saw that compared to the rest of the “reservation” children, Junior had the skills and determination to make a better life for himself. Junior was shocked when his teacher proposed the idea of leaving, because on the “rez” no one leaves. After some consideration, Junior told his parents of his plan to attend an all-white school off the reservation in Rearden. Although his parents were on board with the plan that was not the case with his closest friend Rowdy. Rowdy is physically abused by his father whom in turn causes Rowdy to take his anger out on the “rez” kids, except for Junior. Junior and Rowdy have a close relationship, though this changed when Junior transferred schools. Junior received lots of harsh looks from not only his tribe and the kids at his new school for his courageous decision. At first, at his new school, Junior found it hard to fit in, but after some fights and speaking up for himself those around him began to show him some respect. Junior meets Penelope, “the love of his life” and they become a little more than friends. Junior makes the varsity basketball team and his first game is against his former school. That was a tough game for Junior because his tribe still had not forgiven him for leaving and Rowdy knocked him out during the game. To make matters worse, his old team won. The loss really motivated Junior to want to beat his old team should they meet again. As luck would have it, the last game of the season was against his old school. Junior played great, guarding Rowdy and never letting him shoot. Even better Junior’s team won.

Once basketball season ended, Junior experienced three deaths in his family involving his grandmother, uncle, and sister. All victims of a drunk driver. Of course it was a tough time in Junior’s life and he really needed someone there for him. Did his former best friend Rowdy ever come to Junior’s side for support? Or did they remain fren-emies?

I recommend this book if you are looking for a blend of humor with serious life events and choices. Reading this book is like eating a yogurt covered pretzel…a bit salty and sweet.