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authenticallyalexandra's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
taggerung's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
happylilkt's review against another edition
A good friend of mine died of complications from hydrocephalus, so I appreciated this book's drawing more awareness to that condition.
Contains bullying, racism, alcoholism and abuse, masturbation.
No rating because I didn't get deep enough into it.
Contains bullying, racism, alcoholism and abuse, masturbation.
No rating because I didn't get deep enough into it.
ashction's review against another edition
5.0
So short, but so powerful. I can't believe the amount of times I walked past this book in numerous libraries and never picked it up!
librarylandlisa's review against another edition
4.0
Listening to Junior describe his life on and off of the reservation as a teen indian was great. I really loved the good and sad moments in this book about life for one Spokane Indian teen. It was suprising to hear that this book was published not so long ago as it seems our culture would be past racist remarks like he hears from classmates. Sometimes the truth (or truth-ish) is a sad realization that much in our world needs repair.
camilliant's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
lovelyloro's review against another edition
4.0
Wow... I don't even know where to start. First I can't even remember the last time a book had me laughing and crying at the same time. I was really touched by this story. It had a prevailing theme of the human will or ability to create hope and then ultimately triumph. It was absolutely fantastic!
notspacemanlee's review against another edition
5.0
Yes, Alexie is a creep and an egomaniac (my Goodreads ratings are always about the merits of the book), but I've always loved his raw and unfiltered poems, stories, and books about Rez Life.
Arnold Spirit Jr. finds himself stuck between two worlds - living on a reservation with little hope - and attending a white high school 22 miles away. Amidst the material that have always given prudes the vapors (oh my gosh - masturbation, teens calling each other f--s, and boners; won't someone think of the children!) - there is a lot of profound wisdom and great discussion opportunities when handled by a skilled high school English teacher. There are relatable situations for every teen. Though the book is 10-15 years old, I could see how it would keep the attention of teenagers who otherwise have little interest in reading. I'm pushing 40, and I did not put the book down once.
While I did not live in a rez and had a stable middle class home life - I can completely relate feeling very out of place a rich kid's boarding school because I had good grades and could dribble a ball while all my childhood friends went to local public schools. And then I had a scholarship to a university flush with oil money and was even more out of place!
Enough about me though, this YA book is relatable to most teens and adults.
I'm surprised the Moms For Liberty haven't gone after this book, along with everything Sherman Alexie has ever written, but perhaps it's because his name doesn't sound like a minority name - plus none of them actually read the books on their protest lists.
Arnold Spirit Jr. finds himself stuck between two worlds - living on a reservation with little hope - and attending a white high school 22 miles away. Amidst the material that have always given prudes the vapors (oh my gosh - masturbation, teens calling each other f--s, and boners; won't someone think of the children!) - there is a lot of profound wisdom and great discussion opportunities when handled by a skilled high school English teacher. There are relatable situations for every teen. Though the book is 10-15 years old, I could see how it would keep the attention of teenagers who otherwise have little interest in reading. I'm pushing 40, and I did not put the book down once.
While I did not live in a rez and had a stable middle class home life - I can completely relate feeling very out of place a rich kid's boarding school because I had good grades and could dribble a ball while all my childhood friends went to local public schools. And then I had a scholarship to a university flush with oil money and was even more out of place!
Enough about me though, this YA book is relatable to most teens and adults.
I'm surprised the Moms For Liberty haven't gone after this book, along with everything Sherman Alexie has ever written, but perhaps it's because his name doesn't sound like a minority name - plus none of them actually read the books on their protest lists.
catzach's review against another edition
emotional
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