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Book Review of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
cloverluv avatar reviewed on + 129 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3


I'm not sure what I was expecting when I picked up "Absolutely True..."

I guess I wasn't expecting an Indian version of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid." That's what I got however.

Even though Sherman Alexie's "Diary" is quite a bit more seriously-themed than "DoaWK," it has the same sort of tone and illistrations/cartoons to go along with the story.

While "DoaWK" is aimed more towards third - fifth grade reading levels, "Part time Indian" deals with pretty serious subject matters so I wouldn't give this book to a third grader to read even if the reading level is pretty spot on for that grade.

Alexie goes into issues of alcoholism, sex, and eating disorders. Really I don't feel kids under middle school age should read this book. It's a GOOD book, don't get me wrong. I enjoyed reading about Alexie's struggles and the challenges he had to face as a native american in the modern era.

So while "DofaPTI" is written in a kid-like format, it's definitely not "kid" reading.