The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a realistic fiction novel, largely based on the author’s, Sherman Alexie’s, life. Using a unique voice and a twist of  dark humor, Alexie has written a novel that both entertains and informs.

Growing up on a Spokane reservation, Arnold Spirit Jr. understands the meaning of suffering. Surrounded by poverty that has left his tribe hungry, angry and broken, Spirit begins to realize that the reservation is a trap where Native Americans are born and die unnoticed.

Following a small hope for a better future, he enrolls in Reardan, a high school comprised of the wealthy and the white.  Viewed as a betrayer by the Spokane and a nobody at his new school, he struggles to gain respect. While persevering through the complications and grievances of life, he makes new and unexpected friends.

Despite the world’s cruel efforts to break his spirit,  inner fight drives him to many victories and allows him to defy society’s expectations for him.

Although the writing appears humorous, readers can learn of the injustices that modern day Native Americans face, as well as their poor living standards and education on reservations.  It also reveals the common issues of alcoholism and domestic violence.

The novel also reflects the life of a teenager, the values one learns from people they meet and decisions they make.  It teaches about an inner strength that is capable of enduring the worst pain imaginable.

It is a fairly easy read and a quick 230 pages that does not disappoint. Complete with pictures, sports, fighting, romance, tragedy and triumph, not a single page is boring, making it a good read for any teenager or adult, however, swearing and darker content might be viewed as inappropriate for younger audiences.

This eye-opening novel will most likely leave readers with a sense of appreciation for who they are and what they are capable of doing.

Sherman Alexie won multiple awards for this novel including the National Book Award.