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A Book Review by Arancha (Av2 Mon, 2009-10) - About 300 words
Did you know many Indians who live in reservations are poor and alcoholic? I didn't. I knew very little about Native Americans until I read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.
This book is the story of a young Indian with brain damage who fights to integrate in white society after moving out of his reservation, where all his relatives live. Through Alexie's eyes we learn about the problems and habits of Indians living on reservations today, totally unknown for us.
The main character, Alexie, tries to lead a better life, and this involves, in his teacher's view, leaving the rez. In contrast, Rowdy, his best friend, represents an Indian who can't live away from the reservation because he feels that the white world isn't his world.
The writer uses the relationship between these two friends to develop the main theme: intolerance, which exists not only in white society, but also in Indian society. On the rez, they are intolerant with Indians like Alexie, who decide to live their lives in a different way. On the other hand, Alexie feels ashamed to be an Indian, so he has the same prejudices as white people. In my opinion, the best chapter is when Alexie understands that the two worlds are compatible. Wherever he lives he will always be an Indian, so he has to learn about the positive aspect of his culture.
The plot is very interesting, not predictable, a bit sentimental and very funny. The writer presents different problems, not dramatizing. The book portrays a sad truth, but you will have a good time.
This book is worth reading. I would highly recommend it to everybody. Even if you aren't interested in the Indian world, it is very entertaining and you will learn a lot.
OUTLINE
- Brief summary
- Plot, Characters, Main Point
- Recommendation
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