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nickiitay's review
4.0
As Stephen King once said "...if they ban a book in your school, haul your ass to the nearest bookstore or library ASAP to find out what they don't want you to read."
And let me tell ya, they banned this because it paints a true picture of what Indigenous life looks like due to systematic oppression. I can only imagine what its like to hear that billions of dollars are going to international aid or deep space exploration when the government can't be bothered to provide your tribe with clean drinking water.
An important read, and an eye-opening one if you're not familiar with living conditions on Indigenous reservations. Glad a friend recommended this one to me.
And let me tell ya, they banned this because it paints a true picture of what Indigenous life looks like due to systematic oppression. I can only imagine what its like to hear that billions of dollars are going to international aid or deep space exploration when the government can't be bothered to provide your tribe with clean drinking water.
An important read, and an eye-opening one if you're not familiar with living conditions on Indigenous reservations. Glad a friend recommended this one to me.
marissagoodell92's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.0
chelseatm's review
5.0
I couldn't believe how amazing this book was. It was starkly honest and heart felt. I'm a teacher and would to have this book in my class and even focus on it for collective book reads. I feel like everyone could get something out of this whether it's empathy or perspective. Highly recommended
jdjumper's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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? No
4.0
bmpicc's review
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Banned Book Club: This YA novel doesn't say anything that most high school students haven't already heard (or said) themselves. At the end of the day, for me, this was a book about friendship, family, bullying, and learning to stand up for yourself. There were things I liked (illustrations, grandma, the honestly about alcoholism on the reservation, etc.) and things I didn't (ex. billionaire Ted).
I'm not mad I read it, but I'm grateful I borrowed rather than purchased. Especially when I realized why I recognized the name Sherman Alexie.
I'm not mad I read it, but I'm grateful I borrowed rather than purchased. Especially when I realized why I recognized the name Sherman Alexie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Bullying, Racism, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Eating disorder
alicebme's review against another edition
5.0
6. Personal Response: Alexie writes of handling painful crushing blows of high school as a minority in a funny way. It’s humbling and dare I say wise.[return]7. Connections: Modern Native Writers unit or display. This should be marketed to adults as well, especially the retired, white ones that vote a lot.
janagaton's review
4.0
This was the first fiction novel assigned in my Young Adult Literature class in college, and I enjoyed it a lot. I loved the graphic novel-esque format Alexie chose for this book because it really gives the reader insight to Junior's teenage mind. Alexie includes themes such as bullying, racism towards Native Americans, classism, and coming of age and translates them into a language catered toward young adult readers. The incorporated humor helps lighten up a lot of the more serious topics as well, making it more appropriate for the young adult genre.
moniska89's review
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
envy4's review
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
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]
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! :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Gun violence, Bullying, Homophobia, Child abuse, Racial slurs, Drug abuse, Classism, and Racism
Moderate: Eating disorder, Sexism, Emotional abuse, and Car accident