Sherman Alexie's "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian"

Before reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian I had read a few short stories by Sherman Alexie and knew of his background. In my senior high school class we read the short story “This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona,” watched the movie Smoke Signals, and having a teacher who was Native we discussed a lot about the Native culture in the Northwest. I remember her suggesting this to a friend of mine in the class who was a reluctant reader but was also from a Native background. My friend thought it was very funny and loved it. Also, my brother-in-law is a teacher at Cusick High School where many of the kids are Native and he said the English teacher uses this book in her curriculum.

It would be interesting to me to see how students growing up in that culture, living not far from where this book is set, react to this novel. I wonder if the closeness would be disconcerting and seen as an accurate but negative depiction they would rather not share. Or if the students would become really engaged and inspired to follow in Sherman Alexie’s footsteps by attempting to shed light in the injustice. I would hope the later because I think the character Arnold, based on Alexie, does a wonderful job of keeping his honor and pride in being Native even when he felt isolated being the only Native student at the Rearden high school.

I think this book gives an insight to the social injustice that plagues not just the Native community but also impoverished communities. It is important for students to see that there are places still, maybe close, that students struggle in learning for reasons like their school can’t afford books. It also sheds light on the issue of alcoholism and how it affects families. Which is one of the several reasons this book should be taught properly in the classroom. Students may be offended by the use of the word Indian or the representation of the presence of alcoholism in the Native community. With any book dealing with topics like these, it is just making sure understand the background of the author and their purpose in writing it.

Overall I loved this book. I think it would be great at getting reluctant readers to become engaged from the humor but while also showing and making students think about deep and difficult issues.

Thanks!