"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" Review - Angel Brakorenko

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     The first thing I have to say is, I have not devoured a book this fast in a long while. I just loved the sarcastic tone and how the author didn't try to gloss over things or try to censor anything that goes on in reservations and the struggles people on them face. Lots of different groups of people can also relate to the characters in the story and sympathize with them. For example, the fact that Junior's sister had a dream to write romance novels and not, instead, go for something like nursing or a "real job" and knew she was not going to be supported in that really resonated with me. Lots of immigrant (my parents) and low income families tend to push their children toward something that will rake in as much money as possible because they struggled with that when they were younger or still do struggle with it. Dreams are considered something that they can't afford. 

    Another thing that I really loved is how accurately the author portrayed an adolescent boy through his thoughts and emotions. Even Gordy, who is the smart, level-headed, mature picture, couldn't help but use dirty analogies for his wise remarks. 

    This book is also a great way to learn why we should not judge someone for their occupation or place in society. I know that whenever people see someone who is drunk, untidy, or has kids at a young age, they tend to use those things to make a whole backstory for that person and think that they have it all figured out. Maybe they think he/she is irresponsible or lazy when it goes much deeper than that. If you have been privileged all your life and don't understand generational poverty or how hard it is to be the one to finally break free of the cycle, you have no right to assume how hard or how easy it is to "just do" those things. 

    The illustrations throughout this novel were phenomenal. Every single one held symbolism and did great in representing Arnold as an individual as well. It was like taking a peek into his mind which is exactly what he used his doodles for. As it gets closer to the end of the book, we also get to see his drawings include more words and descriptions in them which, I think, was a nice touch because he finally can communicate using his words and convey his emotions through them. 

Of course, I have to include my favorite quote once again, which was, "'I have to prove that I am stronger than everybody else. I have to prove that I will never give up. I will never quit playing hard. And I don't just mean in basketball. I'm never going to quit living life this hard, you know? I'm never going to surrender to anybody. Never, ever, ever.'"

    

Comments

  1. HelenSeptember 8, 2022 at 1:49 PM

    I totally agree. I read it very fast, too, and I can relate with what it feels like for something to be hard to you that seems easy to someone else, and how discouraging it can be when they use that phrase 'just do.' I also loved the humor and realistic portrayals of the characters, and the illustrations--but I'd never even realized what you said about the drawings near the end including more words, and the significance of that; him learning to communicate in a different way. Very inspiring insight!

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  2. Samantha ReinhardtSeptember 11, 2022 at 12:29 AM

    Wow, you really hit the nail on the head when you wrote about socioeconomically oppressed individuals that "Dreams are considered something that they can't afford." There are systems in place in our society that disenfranchise minorities & the poor (after all, in a capitalist society where there are people at the very top of the pyramid, that means there needs to be people at the very bottom, or else it all comes crashing down...). So how do those at the top keep themselves there? They convince the ones at the bottom that they belong there, and there's no way out of it. And this is a vicious cycle, because once you experience poverty or if you are born into an underprivileged role in society, you have to work hard just to survive. It is indeed very hard to survive on your dreams, because if you don't already have capital to invest (like time, money for school or supplies, etc), you have to work twice as hard to even be able to begin chasing a dream. And a lot of time for many people pulling ten hour shifts just to afford rent, they can't think about school or writing that book they've always dreamed of because they are just trying to get by. And after a while, this is internalized: when society is telling you your life has to be spent scraping by just to live, that reflects in your self worth. After a long enough time of society telling you that you don't matter, you start to think that you really don't, and so what is the point of having a dream, anyway? We definitely see this attitude internalized in Arnold's community, his family, and even his sister, who you pointed out felt like she couldn't chase her dream because she was ashamed that it wasn't what others would expect her to want to do with her life as a reservation Indian.

    What you said also reminds me of when Arnold said something like "white girls from small towns and Indian boys from reservations aren't supposed to have dreams." It takes a huge act of determination to challenge this expectation that society has placed upon the less fortunate. Everyone deserves to have dreams and I dream of a society one day where anyone can chase their dreams regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or where they're from. But until we get to that point (if we ever do), it's stories like Arnold's that are inspiring for those who have dreams and have been told they can't afford them.

    Great thought provoking response! :)

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