May 27, 2010

Alexie book a must-read


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

Arnold Spirit, aka Junior, lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation where he gets beaten up almost everyday. He was also born with a variety of medical problems. To cope, he draws cartoons. But cartoons can't solve his family's poverty. 
Encouraged by a teacher, Junior takes a big risk. He leaves the rez to attend an all-white school in a neighboring town. With his sharp observations and biting wit, Junior makes a place for himself despite the racism at his new school, the scorn of the rez, and the tragedies he must endure. 
Ellen Forney's artwork capture Junior's personality so well that he becomes a real living person, not just a fictional character. Funny, honest, cynical and sad, Sherman Alexie has written an unforgettable book.

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