I chose to read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian for Banned Books Week as it is a novel that had been on my wishlist of books to read for longer than I can recall.
I learned through the Banned Books Week website that The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was one of the ten most challenged book titles of 2011 for the following reasons: "offensive language; racism; religious viewpoint; sexually explicit; unsuited to age group."
Additonally, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian won the 2007 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is the first book I've read by Sherman Alexie and I really enjoyed reading this novel. In fact, I read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian in just two days!! At this point in time, I'd say that this novel is one of best books I've read this year so far.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a novel that falls into the young adult genre, but it also a great book for adults to read too.
I enjoyed reading a book that is from the Native American perspective.... More specifically from the perspective of a teenage boy. It's a coming of age story and one that sheds light on the Native American experience. I highly recommend this book! It's a wonderful novel.
For more information regarding The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, check out the following New York Times Book Review.
Also, check out the following YouTube video!!
I haven't read this book for a really long time... ever since my online book club started. But I loved it. Here is what I had to say about it: I liked the story but it was a sad story. It can be hard to move on when your feel like no one is on your side. It was hard to read about Junior's life. But it was an insightful read. Not ever book is going to be a happy story, so I guess I was surprised at the story. It has caused me to want to read more of Alexie's books to learn more. It even made me want to visit a reservation but I know those aren't tourist spots... but the book has perked my interest in Native American life style. I am not too sure if a lot of people were interested in reading this book... it doesn't seem to have as many people participating as the other books.
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested more in what others thought here is the link:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_folder/1810?group_id=3551
Banned Books are so sad. I never really knew about them until I was older. No one in my school talked about it or my parents. I was quite surprised to find out there was even such thing!!
Angie
Yes, I agree with you that Sherman Alexie's novel has perked my interest in Native American life style.
DeleteBanned Books are indeed a sad situation. I want censorship to end. Ban ignorance, not books!!
I never knew much about banned books either growing up. My high school seemed pretty liberal. We read books like Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.
Both books have been challenged/banned books from schools and libraries.
I didn't realise this had been a banned book. Your high praise for this book really makes me want to read it. I know it's already on my to-read list as I've seen other great reviews so it's one I'll have to make time for someday.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post! I didn't realize that 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' was banned either until, I was trying to decide which book to read for Banned Books Week 2012.
Delete'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' is a unique book for me... Mainly because of Sherman Alexie's way of writing. He offers a unique, refreshing voice that is engaging to readers in my opinion.