The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Though our posts are supposed to be related to the book, I initially want to mention the fact that much of this book was based upon the real-life experiences of the author, a Spokane Native, Sherman Alexie. His intention in writing this young adult novel was to be able to portray a life-like depiction of what reservation life was truly like. By presenting an autobiographical depiction, Alexie was able to relate many themes within this book to the experiences that happen within adolescents lives.

            Compared to some of the other books we have read in this class, I felt that there were more themes than just one or two within this book that need to be discussed. Arnold Spirit Jr, or even the readers, are taken through a roller-coaster of themes and ideas that young adolescents need to be exposed to. Although some reviewers or book critics may be against these themes, I believe that Sherman Alexie wrote about masturbation, racism, drugs and alcohol, bullying, poverty, death, and even anorexia for a reason. Although I think limiting a theme could possibly help students really understand an issue or topic easier, I felt that many themes were included to possibly reach more kids than just a selected group of individuals struggling with a problem. Random thought, it seems like differentiated instruction. He seems to use a variety themes throughout the book to get all kinds of readers involved and interested.  Because of this, I absolutely would teach this book within a classroom, and yes, it absolutely relates to young adolescents. However, let me take a step back and say that although I would enjoy teaching this book, I would find it quite challenging at the same time. For example, I would hate to overstep my boundaries. I think as teacher you just need to make sure you do not disrespect any students that struggle with some of these issues.

            What I found interesting about this book was the way that Alexie introduced themes. If anybody other than the professor is reading this, don’t you agree that majority of the issues and themes throughout the book are discussed or brought up through Juniors ideas or thoughts of stereotypes? With this question in mind, I think the idea of finding ones self needs to be discussed. It seems that the role of identity was considered throughout the book based upon which themes that I listed above were encountered by specific characters. It seemed to me that students that read this book could do the same. Considering that I believe that this book has many themes that can relate to several young adolescents, I rate this book and A (which is my highest grade given yet). One way, personally, that I loved this book was because we were reading about two characters. Not only the life of Junior, but the real life of Sherman Alexie. Though some young adults could struggle finding the connections between the character and the author, I think that as a teacher, an authors biography lesson would be relevant and very beneficial before reading this book, or maybe even after.

*This book was fantastic. An “A” book, my favorite book yet, and a book that can shine within the hearts of many young adolescents.