Yahoo! Review by Cicely A. Richard,
Complete Review at
Complete Review at
http://voices.yahoo.com/book-review-absolutely-true-diary-part-time-1370895.html
Although The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is written from the perspective of an Indian, the universal theme of independence permeates throughout its pages. Junior must gain the strength to leave behind the life to which he has become accustomed, including letting go of his best friend and family and some of the baggage associated with living on the reservation. He must continually fight the urge to give up amid a number of personal tragedies and return to the life he is familiar with instead of moving toward the life he must lead.
Another overwhelming theme in the story is fitting in
a world in which you are clearly the outsider. Junior's dilemma is
faced by many minorities trying to escape the confines of their
neighborhoods. In the reservation world, he is called an "apple" by many
in the community, red on the outside and white on the inside, and they
turn their backs on him figuratively and literally. In the white world,
he faces the stereotypes that people have of Indians.
The
strengths of the story is Alexie's ability to weave a story that deals
with Native American issues in a way that doesn't alienate people who
are not a part of that world. As in many of his other creative works, he
uses humor as a tool to soften the blow of the seriousness of the
issues he writes about. He makes these issues palatable for readers to
consume. After the laughter, a reader feels compelled to reread the
words to absorb the meanings behind the laughter.
This book
should be a part of every high school's reading list because it can
serve as a catalyst for discussion not only about Native issues, but
issues associated with growing up. Additionally, a reader at any age can
enjoy this story because the language is not simplistic or juvenile.
The Book Smugglers Review,
http://thebooksmugglers.com/2010/07/book-review-the-absolutely-true-diary-of-a-part-time-indian-by-sherman-alexie.html
This review is one of praise like the others. It concludes with a video and text that reads:
"This video is part Sherman
Alexie reading from the book, a part that is HILARIOUS in which Junior
and his geeky white friend talk about how books and reading give them
boners. Then, he answers questions and talk about YA authors are
welcoming and made of awesome.
Verdict: The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian
is unique, raw, funny as hell. A triumph in storytelling, filled with
heartbreak but also so much warmth and I can’t recommend it enough.
Rating: 9 Damn Near Perfection"
Pile on the Praise,
New York Times:
New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/books/review/Barcott3-t.html?_r=1
Amazon Customer Reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/Absolutely-True-Diary-Part-Time-Indian/dp/0316013692
The Guardian Review:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/sep/22/part-time-indian-sherman-review
Powell Review:
http://www.powells.com/biblio/7-9780316013680-14
From WordPress:http://leeswammes.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/book-review-the-absolutely-true-diary-of-a-part-time-indian-by-sherman-alexie/
11 Question Interviews via Mr. Alexie's Website,
With Lorrie Moore:
http://www.fallsapart.com/lorrie_moore_interview/
With Jess Walter:
http://www.fallsapart.com/jess_walter_interview/
In Other News,
Alexie on the Colbert Report Discussing The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian in 2008 stating because of the presidential election that "John McCain has been great for Native Americans, but he's bad for the country."
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/189691/october-28-2008/sherman-alexie
Alexie on the Colbert Report Discussing War Dances in 2009 criticizing digital technology for taking away the local celebration and appreciation of books.
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/257719/december-01-2009/sherman-alexie
For the Teachers,
http://www.shmoop.com/absolutely-true-diary-part-time-indian/
http://www.andreeinstitute.com/teachers/PartTimeIndian.html
http://libwww.freelibrary.org/onebook/obop11/0_Absolutely_True_Diary_Curriculum_full.pdf
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/sherman-alexie-born-1966-20724.html
http://www.edhelper.com/books/The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_PartTime_Indian.htm?gclid=CNKTh_3d1a8CFYgFRQod8CLndQ
http://www.d.umn.edu/~lmillerc/TeachingEnglishHomePage/TeachingUnits/AbsolutelyTrueDiaryofaPart-TimeIndian.htm
http://www.hhs.helena.k12.mt.us/Teacherlinks/Oconnorj/ShermanAlexie/ShermanAlexie.html
http://www.randomhouse.com.au/content/teachers/tsk%20absolutely%20true%20diary.pdf
In Juxtaposition,
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/160930-some-parents-seek-to-ban-the-absolutely-true-diary-of-a-part-time-india
This review is very revealing about the true sentiments of young adult readers because in the comments such readers lash out against the published content dismissing it by saying for example "As a sixteen year old high-school student, I truly believe that "The
Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian", by Sherman Alexie, should
have no right to be banned from the shelves of public libraries or
schools."
Other such sentiments are widely publicized and available.
Dare I Say More? The majority of critics agree. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a winner!
Alexie on PBS,