jenjones83 's review for:

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

3.5

fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Rating: ★★★½

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a powerful, semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story that tackles serious topics like poverty, racism, identity, and resilience—with a strong voice and sharp wit. Sherman Alexie brings Junior’s world to life through a raw and honest lens, and the illustrations by Ellen Forney add a lot of personality and humor to the narrative.

What really works is the authenticity. Junior’s voice feels real—funny, awkward, angry, and deeply human. The way the book addresses tough issues with both humor and heart is impressive. There are moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud, and others that hit hard emotionally.

That said, the book’s tone occasionally feels uneven. The humor sometimes undercuts the emotional depth, and a few side characters could’ve been more fleshed out. There are also moments that feel rushed or underdeveloped, leaving certain emotional beats less impactful than they could have been.

Still, this is an important book with a unique voice, and I’m glad I read it. It’s the kind of story that opens up conversations and makes you think—even if it doesn’t land perfectly on every page.