Reviews tagging 'Classism'

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

14 reviews

taliatalksbooks's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by the one and only Sherman Alexie was a quick, one day read. When I picked this up, I didn’t expect to fly through it, but the comedic/casual tone for such serious topics really drew me in and propelled me forward. Though it’s not a long book, I think it handles really important and intricate topics through the lens’s of a child trying to better himself. Though some moments can be a little harsh, I think this is a great read for young adults, especially those who have limited to no knowledge about the issues that can plague life on native reservations, including poverty and addiction. Overall, I really enjoyed this read, and I think you will, too, despite the language being a bit dated. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Drug abuse, Drug use, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, and Classism

vixenreader's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

With the allegations against Sherman Alexie, this book may be forever tainted by his legacy. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

Moderate: Body shaming, Cursing, Eating disorder, Sexual content, Blood, Vomit, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, and Cultural appropriation

Minor: Medical content and Abandonment

There is also death of and , as well as a huge focus on the effects and shame of poverty.

jhbandcats's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A devastating semi-autobiographical story of a teenaged Spokane Indian who leaves the reservation to break out of the rez cycle of poverty and alcoholism. 

This book isn’t very long and it’s very funny, and it has short chapters that move really quickly - but it seemed to take me forever to finish it. I’d put it down and then I’d procrastinate rather than reading more. It was because it’s about the most painful story I’ve read in I don’t know how long. It would be sad enough anyway, but the fact that it’s based on Alexie’s experiences makes it heartbreaking. 

I know about Alexie’s sexual abuse of women and the harm that he caused. That infuriates me. For someone so talented and so representative of a minority to take advantage of his position in this way is worse than appalling because it gives a bad name to all in that minority. In addition to my anger, I have mixed feelings about recommending his book. It’s the same with Woody Allen and Roman Polanski movies - how do you separate the reprehensible artist from the spectacular art? Is that even possible? 

I don’t know the answer. I just know that this was a phenomenal book that makes me want to read everything else by Sherman Alexie. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism

michaelion's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

I started and finished this book in 6 hours. Now why did it take us like 2 weeks to read it in high school? That's how you know high school is an evil place! Insufferable institution!

Great book, though. I'm glad I reread it.

But I had to take away points for use of the n word. Like damn even if it's not from our main character, it's very disappointing the author wrote that in.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Death, and Racial slurs

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Genocide, Homophobia, Racism, Xenophobia, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship, Colonisation, and Classism

Minor: Animal death, Domestic abuse, and Eating disorder