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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

novel by Alexie

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a young adult novel by Sherman Alexie, published in 2007. The novel is a semi-autobiographical story about Junior, a Native American teenager living on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Facing poverty and limited opportunities, Junior decides to attend an all-white high school off the reservation, a decision that causes him to be ostracized by his community.12

The book explores themes of identity, race, poverty, and the challenges of navigating between two vastly different cultures. Junior's experiences highlight the struggles faced by many Indigenous people in contemporary America, including issues of alcoholism, violence, and the search for belonging. Despite the hardships, the novel is also filled with humor and resilience, showcasing Junior's determination to forge his own path.12

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