Blog Post 12 – Alexie’s The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian

            I enjoyed reading Alexie’s book, not only for the story but also for the strength of the main character Junior/Arnold and the accompanying drawings by Ellen Forney.  It took a lot of guts for Arnold to break with cultural tradition to decide to go to school off the rez.  Attending school at the more affluent—white—school in the neighboring town of Reardan offered him opportunities that “poor reservation Indians” didn’t have (p. 13).  For example, new friend Gordy tells Arnold there are 3,412 books in the small Reardan school library, and reading one library book every day would still take 10 years.  Arnold didn’t understand the significance.  Gordy explained that “even the smallest parts [of the world are] filled with things you don’t know” (p. 97).  Arnold was impressed with Gordy’s insight, calling it a “huge idea” (p. 97).

            This book is able to take small, seemingly insignificant stories and weave them into important life lessons.  For example, Arnold gets a visit from teacher Mr. P who is concerned about his future if he stays on the reservation.  This simple visit causes Arnold to ask his parents “Who has the most hope?” (p. 45).  Arnold wasn’t surprised when they told him “white people” (p. 45).  From these brief interactions, he decided to transfer from the reservation school to the one in Reardan where he could enjoy more opportunities.  If we pay attention, we can all learn from pivotal moments like Arnold’s. 

            Fits of shallowness sometimes attacks us.  Arnold is asked point-blank by Penelope if he is poor.  To his credit, he doesn’t try to lie, realizing that she cares about his well-being rather than his simply “thinking about her breasts” (p. 127).  Arnold realized that true friends care about the person under the breasts. 

            Grief affects us all.  After struggling with Eugene’s death, Arnold finally returns to school.  A vile teacher—Mrs. Jeremy—provided opportunity for Arnold’s friends to back him.  He learned that the “world is only broken into two tribes: The people who are assholes and the people who are not” (p. 176). 

I respect Arnold and what he stands for.  I hope to be able to conduct myself with honor like Arnold and his friends. 

            With pride, I will keep Alexie’s book on my classroom bookshelf.