The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
By Sherman Alexie
Aimed at young people, Grades 7-10, I recommend
this book for everyone from age 12 up. If I were
king of the universe, I’d require it.
(http://tinyurl.com/5oqryr)
At times, it’s laugh out loud funny, inspiring,
tragic, while revealing of the inner workings and
deep poverty of an Indian reservation in the late
20th C in Western Washington State.
Amazingly, Alexie tells the story of Arnold
Spirit and his journey to leave the reservation
and leave poverty without being sentimental,
maudlin, or blaming. As a white folk, I am
grateful and amazed further that at no time does
he twist knives of guilt into my ear. Arnold
just tells his story, matter of factly. Yes my
parents are alcoholic, yes, many deaths on the
reservation are alcohol related… yes there is
no money for gas to drive me the twenty miles to
school because it got drunk up last night… this
is how it is… no moralizing. Impressive.
Take this journey though a different culture. It
will shed light on your own culture and on being
human.
This award winning book is a Must Read. So, read
it.
Alexie also wrote the screenplay for the film,
Smoke Signals. The poem, Forgiving Our Fathers,
at the end of that film makes the whole journey
transcendent and raises the film to celestial
heights. I highly recommend viewing it.
Blessings,
William
P.S. Speaking of Forgiveness… Amazingly
Content
— How to Be in Love with All You See & Hear, and
Be in Harmony with Family, Friends & Work will
help you to forgive and gain forgiveness,
obviously, which leads to harmony.
You can find out more here. Go for it.
http://tinyurl.com/6ybefp
