The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

"My curiosity for reading "Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, was piqued by the brilliant novel, the Round House, by Eldrich.  Both novels Nat'l Book winning novels are centrally a coming of age novel of a 13 year old boy growing up on an Indian Reservation.  "Part-Time Indian," falls into the genre of a young adult novel.  Although, both deal with serious & disturbing topics that plaque American Indians. The most troubling issue is lack within the confines of the reservation.  Our protagonist Artnold is a beacon of courage. He is a big hearted cartoonist, with numerous physical shortcomings.  Still, he has  aspirations for a better life.  Arnold realizes to obtain his dreams they must stem from being educated off the reservation; at the nearest, all-white school.  The straddling of both the reservation & white community makes him an outsider to both.  However, he is emblazened to forge ahead & make a place for himself in the world.  There are many epiphanies uncovered.  "Life is a constant struggle between being an inividual and being a member of the community."   The empathy Arnold feels is profound.  The jubuliation Arnold feels after his team's victory over his old school is short lived.  He realize no one from the reservation is headed to college, several had not eaten that day, others had fathers in prison or fathers who beat them regularly.  His glory brought Arnold "tears of shame."  Truth:  this "Diary" is filled with great heart, humor, wisdom & empathy.  It's a Diary that should be uncovered and read by all ages.