Old Shirts & New Skins

by Sherman Alexie

Poetry. Native American Studies. Amongst the poems and prose of OLD SHIRTS & NEW SKINS appear illustrations by Elizabeth Woody, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon. In the best tradition of confronting American reality and exacting vision and meaning from it, Sherman Alexie chooses to use poetic power. His vision is an amazing celebration of endurance, intimacy, love, and creative insight; finally, it is a victory that can be known only by a people who refuse to submit to the thieves, liars, and killers that have made them suffer tremendous loss and pain. "Like the woman who pours her life into a stew of survival, Sherman Alexie has created a meal, not for a reader to consume but for a reader to be changed by. Survival is being documented, changes measured"--Linda Hogan.

Genres: Poetry, Native American, Literature, Short Stories, Fiction

94 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Sherman Alexie is a Native American author, poet, and filmmaker known for his powerful portrayals of contemporary Indigenous life, often infused with wit, humor, and emotional depth. Drawing heavily on his experiences growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, Alexie's work addresses complex themes such as identity, poverty, addiction, and the legacy of colonialism, all filtered through a distinctly Native perspective.
His breakout book, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, is a semi-autobiographical young adult novel that won the 2007 National Book Award and remains widely acclaimed for its candid and humorous depiction of adolescence and cultural dislocation. Earlier, Alexie gained critical attention with The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, a collection of interconnected short stories that was adapted into the Sundance-winning film Smoke Signals (1998), for which he wrote the screenplay. He also authored the novels Reservation Blues, Indian Killer, and Flight, as well as numerous poetry collections including The Business of Fancydancing and Face.
Born with hydrocephalus, Alexie faced health and social challenges from an early age but demonstrated early academic talent and a deep love for reading. He left the reservation for high school and later studied at Washington State University, where a poetry course shifted his path toward literature. His mentor, poet Alex Kuo, introduced him to Native American writers, profoundly shaping his voice.
In 2018, Alexie faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment, which led to widespread fallout, including rescinded honors and changes in how his work is promoted in educational and literary institutions. He acknowledged causing harm but denied specific accusations. Despite the controversy, his influence on contemporary Native American literature remains significant.
Throughout his career, Alexie has received many awards, including the PEN/Faulkner Award for War Dances and an American Book Award for Reservation Blues. He has also been a prominent advocate for Native youth and a founding member of Longhouse Media, promoting Indigenous storytelling through film.
Whether through poetry, prose, or film, Alexie’s work continues to challenge stereotypes and elevate Native American voices in American culture.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of Alexie's earlier collections of poetry and it's significant to see that his voice was just as strong 20 years ago as it is today. Any fans of Alexie's short stories and fiction should take the time to read his poetry. There's added insight and perspective that bleeds over into his fiction.

[A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This man, Sherman Alexie, sexually abuses women serially and I will never support his work.

Read the comments section: http://www.slj.com/2018/01/industry-n...

[Doniell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a local in Spokane, I really understand and appreciate this collection. It is well crafted, and the poems very demonstrative of the local Spokane Indian culture and community. I know these places, I know these stories, my heart aches, and my heart is happy. Can I have more please?

[Chazz Glaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good

[Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wasn't astounded by this collection of poems. Normally, Sherman Alexie's writing really blows me away, and connects with me. This often times seemed way too intellectual, while using words that I should have been able to understand. The organization of those words complicated it unnecessarily.

The only reason I didn't give this 1 star is because it's Alexie (Update: I changed it to a 1 star because it's Alexie, and he's not a good author or person). He's a good writer even when the writing isn't that great. I understand this is an early collection of poems, and it's great to see his growth as a writer has become.

I'm not sure why, but this work seemed really disjointed and I couldn't always pick up a story, because it was overloaded with symbolism, poetic techniques, and lots of abstract language.

[nimrodiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very powerful poetry about native American life on a reservation. I'm not sure where this came from, it's been bopping about my book shelves for years and I decided to skim through it before deciding to add it to the clearing out pile. I ended up immersed in the poems in this book, and surfaced an hour later at the end of the book.

I did decide to pass this on through the take a book/leave a book shelves at a local coffee shop, in hopes it would be picked up by someone else who would enjoy it as much as I did.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexie yet again brings me into his writing. The poems and stories that comprise this collection flow so well, and to top it off, some of them are illustrated...by an Indian artist, no less. My favorite piece is "Forestry" because it's such a great example of flash fiction. I will definitely use it my creative writing class this year as a model piece.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite poet. But this is an early collection, so I may have read all of these before. Does anyone else have trouble remembering even the best poems?

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another selection of poems and short stories of life on an Indian Reservation. Some I liked - some not so much.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm buying it.