The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a semi-autobiographical novel by Sherman Alexie, recounting his own experiences as a Native American living on the Spokane Indian Reservation. The novel's main character, Arnold "Junior" Spirit, is a typical Native American student attending the local reservation school. He and his family are forced to deal with a myriad of issues and problems, including his father's addiction to alcohol, medical conditions, and poverty. His education, as well, is lackluster. After a certain incident at school, he decides to leave the reservation daily to attend a white high school in nearby Reardan. At this school, Junior makes new friends and is finally given an opportunity to succeed. His presence at a non-Native American school, however, has caused some of his fellow tribe members to turn against him, including his best friend Rowdy. Nevertheless, Junior gains his confidence and learns how to be a contributing member of society.
|