The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian approaches a variety of topics, including medical problems and disability, racism, poverty, tradition, and the dangers of alcohol. these problems are depicted through the experiences of Arnold Spirit, a young Indian on the Spokane Reservation, who faces a number of hardships though his childhood and early teenage years.

The book is not sanitized in the same way many young adult novels are. Rather, it approaches topics realistically, often resulting in gritty situations and language. At some points this crosses over into the offensive, such as when one of Arnold's white schoolmates asked “Did you know that Indians are living proof that niggers fuck buffalo?” However, this type of language usually functions to illustrate important concepts such as racism.

This type of candor allows Alexie to approach important subject matter, such as the dangers of alcoholism, especially among the Indian population. The role of alcohol is a recurring theme throughout the book. Eventually, Arnold's sister, grandmother, and father's best friend all die in ways that somehow involve alcohol.

Additionally, the book illustrates the impact of poverty through emotional language such as, “Sleep is the only thing we have for dinner,” or saddening imagery such as Arnold's dog being shot because his family cannot afford to take it to a vet. Further, Alexie is not afraid to demonstrate the reciprocal relationship between the issues of alcohol and poverty.

While the book functions to illustrate these various social problems, making them accessible to an audience that may not have experienced them directly, racial identity seems to be the largest theme of the book. Arnold, having left the reservation to seek out an education from a higher-quality school, faces the conflict of preserving his own heritage while trying to successfully integrate into an all-white setting. Arnold illustrates this conflict by stating, “Life is a constant struggle between being an individual and being am member of the community.” Initially, Arnold is rejected by both the students at his new school as well as the Indians back on the reservation. He is viewed as a traitor for leaving, and his best friend, Rowdy, blames him for his sister's death, arguing that she would have never left the reservation and would still be alive if Arnold had not inspired her by doing the same. However, Arnold is eventually accepted at his new school, in no small part due to his recently discovered athletic prowess. Further, Arnold seems to come to terms with his Indian heritage, embracing the nomadic tradition his people formerly held.

The book allows the reader to see Arnold's growth as he comes to terms with these issues in his life. The illustrations further demonstrate this thought process. By vicariously living through Arnold, Alexie allows us a glimpse at the life of a young, impoverished Indian. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, while potentially controversial, would be beneficial in a young-adult classroom as it illustrates how writing can be used to share perspectives of others without sacrificing the approachableness of the material.