In some ways, it's unfortunate that Sherman Alexie's latest novel called The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian recently won the National Book Award. I don't mean to imply that it is not worthy of the award. It is and then some. But here's hoping that the sassy title will win over readers who wouldn't go near an award-winning book.
At its core, it's about a boy caught between his past and future. The story of Arnold Spirit or "Junior" is in many ways a coming-of-age-story where the protagonist is ready to grow beyond what his community can offer him. His future is different than his best friend Rowdy's, and they both know it. That doesn't keep them from hurtfully playing out the transition of their relationship, however. Rowdy must save face on the rez, so shunning and harassing Junior when he chooses to leave for another school, gives him a way to deal with his anger, sadness and jealousy. And his friend Junior understands.
One of the wonders of this story is how the author illuminates institutional racisim against the Indians. It's a core ingredient of the story, but it doesn't overwhelm the story. The events of life on the rez with the Spirit family are difficult and we cheer for Arnold Spirit as he breaks away to make a different life for himself. He is a young man who has a vision strong enough to manifest for himself. But he still feels the emotional pull to his family and life on the rez.
Junior's drawings are embedded throughout the story and are an integral part of how we come to know him. Through their graphic language, the drawings communicate the essence of the dilemmas that Junior deals with throughout the story. Pictures push the story forward and are as integral to a full understanding as the words.
The writing is masterfully simple and on target. Alexie's narrative puts us right "there" with Junior. We can feel the heat, we're at the basketball game, we know how long that walk is back to the rez. It's a story of triumph. A boy has a dream and overcomes adversity to achieve it. I highly recommend this book.
ISBN 978-0-314-01368-0
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By: Annie,
on 12/11/2007
Blog: Crazy For Kids Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: cartoons, racism, adolescence, coming-of-age, adolescence, coming-of-age, Add a tag
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By: Annie,
on 12/11/2007
Blog: Crazy For Kids Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: cartoons, racism, adolescence, coming-of-age, adolescence, coming-of-age, Add a tag
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By: Stacy Dillon,
on 12/9/2007
Blog: Booktopia (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Florida, coming-of-age, Algonquin Books, Family, NYC, mermaids, Florida, Algonquin Books, coming-of-age, Add a tag
Blog: Booktopia (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Florida, coming-of-age, Algonquin Books, Family, NYC, mermaids, Florida, Algonquin Books, coming-of-age, Add a tag
It is a long way from Grand Concourse in the Bronx to Weeki Wachi Springs in Florida, but to Delores Walker it is the place that she hopes to call home. 16 year-old Delores' father walked out a couple of years ago after a typically horrendous fight with her mother, and since then, Delores, Westie and mother Gail were on their own. The move is not a hard decision for Delores (except for the part of leaving her little brother). Her family's cramped, food stained apartment is not exactly paradise, and ever since she first saw the mermaids perform at Weeki Wachi, she knew that is where she belongs.
A long, hot bus ride later, Delores is in Florida, auditioning for Thelma Foote -- head honcho of the show. Even though Delores isn't exactly a beauty queen, her grace in the water and sage advice from mermaid Molly see her through, and she is moving into the dorms and is destined to become the star of the show, not to mention the local news.
In a series of interwoven events, the Walker family is brought back together (at least partially), and Delores is determined to break out of the cycle of poverty and abandonment that has been part of her family history.
Betsy Carter has written an engaging slice-of-life story that immediately draws readers in. The dysfunctional Walker family isn't too extreme, and many will be able to see parallels to corners of depression within their own family circles. Delores is quietly determined and strong in ways that are believable and heartwarming. The setting of 1970s America is perfect for these characters who do not know who they are yet, but know who they are not.
The first I had heard of Weeki Wachi Springs was this year on a reality-type television program. I have to say, that I have a soft spot in my heart for Americana such as this park. When my daughter finds out that people are actually mermaids for a living, we may be in trouble here!
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I agree about the award-winning thing. I enjoyed this one. And I recognize that it should have won. But at the same time, award winners can sometimes spend more time on the shelf. Perhaps viewed as too intimidating???
You're absolutely right, Becky, and that would certainly be a shame for this book. The true voice of the narrative speaks to that part of us that sometimes wants to break away from everything we know. All the good books (I think) are based on universal themes of love and loss. This one doesn't disappoint.