From the Bookshelf of Gaston Library…

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Sherman Alexie,

Ellen Forney (Illustrator)

Finish date: March 27, 2017

Discussion: Last Chapter Book Club

Why we're reading this: The LCBC rated this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Members generally liked this young adult selection. Usually, …more
[close] The LCBC rated this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Members generally liked this young adult selection. Usually, the LCBC reads adult general fiction with an element of drama to it, so this YA selection with the comic drawings throughout was a change of pace. The book was autobiographical in nature, as the author and main character have many similarities. Both the author and the character grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, had hydrocephalus, and left the reservation to attend high school.

Reviews were mixed. One member, who had sons, loved it. Another member did not enjoy the language and content, particularly because it is a book for adolescents. This led the group to a brief conversation about Banned Books and censorship.

Most of the conversation centered around the Reservation and Junior's positive attitude even when his life was challenging. One member was struck by the fact that Junior had been to 40 funerals by the time he was 14.

The comic drawings were well-received.

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Last Chapter Book Club

Before We Were Yours
By Jessica · 7 posts · 18 views

last updated Jun 29, 2020 09:08AM

The Giver
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What Members Thought

Mar 15, 2017 Kendall rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya-for-adults

Compared to other YA books, I will give this four out of five stars. Compared to books I like in general, I would say it is 3 out of 5 stars.

This was a quick read that I would recommend to anyone high school age and above. The main character, Junior, deals with tough issues with levity. I find him to be a likeable character,who not only has to deal with trials and tribulations of an average teenager, but the added social obstacles of living in poverty, being regularly bullied on the reservation ...more

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Aug 05, 2013 Dizneeee rated it really liked it

Really great story. Compelling and heartbreaking with a glimpse of hope and a future.

The drawings in the book were great! Spot on.

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Apr 01, 2017 Sharon rated it it was amazing

This YA book is a comedy and a tragedy based on Alexie's growing up on a reservation. The drawings added to lightening up a tough story. Loved the basketball games between Arnold's old "rez" school and his new school. How many kids today would persevere the difficulties of getting to a school 22 miles away , fitting in with all white kids, and other numerous problems. ...more

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Mar 19, 2011 H rated it really liked it

Shelves: teen, fiction, read-in-2011, he-wrote-it, read-in-2012

Perfect book at the perfect time. "'You're an old-time nomad,' Rowdy said. 'You're going to keep moving all over the world in search of food and water and grazing land. Pretty cool.'" First read March, 2011. Second read, November 2012. ...more

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