Reviews

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

envy4's review against another edition

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5.0

An amazing book, so good I couldn't put it down. A nbook has never made me laugh so hard or want to cry so suddenly.

agenericmirkwoodelf's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-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

3.5

3.5 round up! Important story, a few icks! 
I think this is a book that needs to exist. It’s a powerful story with a lot of charm and wit, yet it remains incredibly grounded throughout. It says a lot of things that need to be said, and being semi-autobiographical, every character feels real. 
That said, I do think it handles some issue poorly. Obviously, being autobiographical as it is, the author is free to discuss the protagonist’s issues however he likes. However, I felt like some of the other issues in the book were handled pretty poorly- particularly surrounding the character Penelope. I understand the POV character is an unabashedly thirsty teenage boy, and the narrative style is allowed to reflect that, but it felt absolutely wrong to read about-

 [Spoilers + TW] 


- how “incredibly sexy” this character was immediately after learning she struggled with ED.




That’s just my take, though! :)

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drridareads's review against another edition

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1.0

I'm changing my rating from 4 to 1 star because of sexual misconduct allegations against the writer.
(Google it or here's a link about Sexual Misconduct in Children's Book Publishing

I also realise that besides this I don't think I have read other Native American writer's works. So I'll be looking that up and if you have suggestions please let me know.

goodem9199's review against another edition

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4.0

REALLY good. I listened to the audio which was done by the author, and he was hysterical. Shed alot of light on the plight of modern day Native Americans, that I don't think we hear nearly enough of.

katieinca's review against another edition

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4.0

Damn. Sherman Alexie doesn't pull any punches, does he?
Very boy-centric, very nail-on-the-head for this age. And therefore not destined to be one that lives close to my heart, but pitch perfect at what it is.

evaorbit's review against another edition

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4.75

Such an amazing and beautiful book. I was immediately sucked in and finished it in 2 days. I cried so much. The way that this teaches you about this tribe through the lens of a 14 year old is so well done. It felt so raw and genuine and painful and joyful. Great for middle schoolers but also everyone. 

joana_stormblessed's review against another edition

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4.0

I am surprised i enjoyed this book as much as i did

annika2304's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

snaillydia's review against another edition

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I am removing my positive rating because I've learned that this author has been accused by several women of sexual assault.

https://www.npr.org/2018/03/05/589909379/it-just-felt-very-wrong-sherman-alexies-accusers-go-on-the-record

gennahamilton's review against another edition

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4.0

"And as they expected more of me, I expected more of myself..."

Great quote - best part of the book. So true for all kids. :)