Reviews

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

tessapm's review against another edition

emotional funny 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? Yes

4.0

thekristinashow's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative fast-paced

4.0

My August banned book of the month choice, this story is an emotional rollercoaster that'll have you laughing one minute and crying the next. Arnold "Junior" Spirit, a Native American teenager, invites us into a world with raw honesty and humor. Through his diary, filled with hilarious cartoons and poignant observations, Junior navigates life on and off the Spokane Indian Reservation.

Alexie captures the struggle of identity, belonging, and hope in a way that's both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Junior's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, dreams, and the courage to break free from what holds us back. 

Whether you're looking for a story about friendship, family, or the quest for a better future, this book delivers it all. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of life on a reservation while enjoying a narrative that's as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. 

Favorite quote: "I think the world is a series of broken dams and floods, and my cartoons are tiny little lifeboats."

Perfect for: Readers who love coming of age stories, cultural insights, and a mix of humor with heart.

krusty_koolaid's review against another edition

4.0

This one hit a little too close to home

washed_guapi_lee's review against another edition

4.25

I need to return to this book. I thought it was hella unique and funny when I first read it.

alaskan_bull_worm's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

aylaravenstar's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

malikasbooks's review against another edition

5.0

One of the top five most heart-breaking books I've ever read. Beautifully done, very funny, and piercingly painfully TRUE.

isarebecca16's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful 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

5.0

cellardoor10's review against another edition

5.0

Great book, could use slightly less talk about boners, though. I suppose it is the diary of a teenager, so it would be disingenuous without it.

mongert's review against another edition

4.0

I did not expect to be so moved by this book. It was so sad, but ultimately it was full of hope.

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MMO Personal Rating Scale:
1 Star: Not for me;
2 Stars: It was ok;
3 Stars: I liked it;
4 Stars: I really liked it;
5 Stars: I loved it.