The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

As I began reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, I must admit I was skeptical. I was not in the mood to read a depressing book and believed, based on the title, that the book would focus on struggling with identity in a way that would leave me feeling terrible. Perhaps I have read too many books lately that did just that, leaving me with feelings of very little hope. The main character of this book, Junior, paints a very realistic picture (I believe) in that he shares the realities of his life – the terrible, the unfair, and the wonderful and comical. Often, when I have read books and short stories focusing on diverse cultures, there is very little humor/laughter/positive involved. Those books left me, as a reader, feeling guilty and hopeless; the way Alexie wrote this novel, complete with wonderful illustrations, I felt sadness at times and laughed out loud at others. Isn’t that how life is? What would the world do without some comic relief? For example, during his grandmother’s funeral, when the millionaire Ted returns her powwow garment (after a lengthy speech) and Junior’s mom tells him her mother never danced and two thousand Indians laughed, Junior states, “And I realized that, sure, Indians were drunk and sad and displaced and crazy and mean, but, dang, we knew how to laugh” (167). Alexie seems to keep a good balance of positive and negative and makes the story seem more “real” as a result.
The book reminds me of a poem I have taught in class – one that I have been searching for everywhere for the past few days (and hope I find before I need it). Anyhow, this poem is written by a young Black female who grew up to be quite successful. It basically says that when people interview her, they ask her how it was growing up black and poor in America and all the (white) people who interview her write about are the struggles – the times without food or electricity, the parents who are always gone (because they are working two or more jobs), and all the negatives. But, she states in the poem, she was loved, and happy, and felt cared for – but no one ever writes about that because the authors can’t fathom that in the midst of poverty and oppression there can be joy and someone can actually be happy. Instead they write how she came from “nothing,” which isn’t the case at all. This book showed the joy, no matter how little it may seem to others, and it is so important to express that as well.
What hit home the most in reading was the rejection Junior received from the members of the tribe once he went to Reardon. Where I teach, students usually stay in the class structure in which they were born. Some very bright students who are of the lower working class have opted to stay in town and work rather than going to college. Those that do go to college are often rejected by their lifelong friends – it isn’t as concrete/obvious/in-your-face as the book, but it is evident. Junior feels guilty for leaving and trying to better himself; the majority of his tribe feels betrayed and would rather ridicule Junior than cheer him on. Perhaps much of that is out of jealousy – because undoubtedly, Junior cannot be the only person on the reservation who wants “out.” Wow – perhaps I just made a major assumption there…like those who interviewed the Black poet. Interesting, but every one has a dream and many people find it quite hard to believe that everyone’s dream does not include improving ones self beyond the life they were born into – but I am sure there are those people that want to stay right where they are and right where they always have been.
Overall, this book surprised me a great deal and it is a strong piece of literature. The rawness of some of Junior’s comments is unforgettable. The illustrations are entertaining and add to the story. The tale he tells – of going against his family, his tribe, his history, his circumstances, and all he has ever known in order to live a life with a different end result – is an important one for any person who is struggling with their inherited identity and want to go against what is expected because of race, gender, class, or whatever their situation may be.
Realistic fiction is suppose to have a “strong sense of actuality” (Galda 232) and this book has that because it shows all the experiences in life – the good and the bad. This book does not have an “answer” at the end, which also makes it very real or “actual” and the book was stronger realistic fiction for that. There were still questions and loose ends after finishing the novel, allowing the reader to ponder and think for themselves about what is possibly next for the characters, what the future may hold for the characters – and perhaps what the future may hold for the reader. What makes this story impressive as well is that the theme is one most young adults (and some adults) can relate to – where do I fit? You do not have to be a Part-Time Indian to ask that question or feel some of the emotions Junior feels. This book focuses on peer relationships, family relationships, current issues of violence, bullying, and alcohol, as well as current issues of class and race – and it does it all in a realistic, honest manner readers would be able to relate to regardless of their identity.