The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

What’s the worst thing about life in a poor Indian reservation? Well, besides the fact that the belly is mostly empty, there’s no money at home, and classmates beat you every day like it’s nothing? And that everyone—except maybe family—doesn’t care about you, your dreams, or your ambitions. Sooner or later, you’ll end up with a bottle and die some ridiculous death, like all Indians… But Arnold Spirit Jr. isn’t ready for that. He dreams of escaping the reservation and getting to a place where, for him—an Indian—hope will finally dawn. But do exceptions exist to the rules?

In this half-autobiographical novel, Sherman Alexie—a Native American born on the rez—told the story of his childhood: what it was like growing up in a poor Indian reservation, and then gathering the courage to leave for a school for white kids, to become someone more than a poor Indian boy. For this honest novel full of bitter humor and hope, Sherman Alexie received world recognition and the US National Book Award in the “Children’s Literature” category for 2007.

The book was narrated by Alexander Michkov, an actor of the “Petrov Fomenko Workshop” theatre.

5 reasons to buy “Absolutely True Diary of an Indian for Half a Day”:

• The National Book Award in the “Children’s Literature” category (2007); The New York Times bestseller

• The book has been published in 25 countries and sold over 11 million copies worldwide

• An autobiographical story about what it’s like to grow up on a poor reservation and strive for a better life

• Themes of growing up, relationships in the family, social inequality, discrimination, and tolerance toward national minorities are revealed through an honest narration full of bitter humor

• Illustrations by Ellen Forney, through which the main character expresses himself

Awards:

Winner of the National Book Award in the “Children’s Literature” category (2007)

Horn Book Award winner in the “Children’s Literature” category (2008)

Odyssey Award winner in the “Best Audiobook” category (2009)

2 years on the New York Times bestseller list

Best Book of 2007 according to Publisher’s Weekly

Best Book of 2007 according to Amazon.com

Best Young Adult Book of 2007 according to Kirkus Reviews