Ten Little Indians --by Sherman Alexie

 Publisher: Grove Press; Reprint edition (March 17, 2004)

Language: English

Paperback: 243 pages

ISBN-13: 978-080214117;0

5 Stars

 

In full disclosure, I’ve been in literary lust with Sherman Alexie since I first read one of his books, and the lust lives. No, I’ve never met him. And I am NOT in lust with him, just his writing.

 

Also, my copy of Ten Little Indians is probably somewhat different than yours, as I read an “Uncorrected Proof.” 

 

I love short stories. And these did not disappoint. I laughed in many, got sad in a couple, and angry in one or two. Most stories are funny, most offer insight and might give you something to think about. Like Rez humor? Read this book. There is a reason Alexie wins awards for his writing. 

 

But why only 9 stories? Why not 10? Or did I miscount?

Face --by Sherman Alexie

Poetry 

160 pages

5 Stars

It has been many years since I've found a book of Alexi's poetry, and when I found this I grabbed it. I was not disappointed. I was ecstatic.

Alexie shows no fear when he writes. He isn't afraid to experiment with words or with form. He not only combines prose with his poetry (poetry with his prose?), he has even found a way to use footnotes! At first, I was disconcerted with this, but as I read, I realized he had written poems within poem! Stunningly brilliant. (It reminds me of the old Choose Your Own Adventure series I bought my kids.)

I suggest you read the book before giving it to a child, no matter how precocious she might be, and be prepared to discuss whatever poems might come up in conversation, or you might be blindsided.

Alexie writes poetry for the people, not the "intelligentsia," all of his poetry is accessible, and in this book, he even explains a bit about how he writes. This collection is personal; it's about fathers and sons—his father, he as father, his sons, all fathers, all sons. There will be sadness and perhaps tears. There will also be light and laughter, especially when his wife enters the poem.

I hope we do not need to wait so long for the next collection.

It's the Truth. Honest. Trust me.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian –by Sherman Alexie

Novel

Grade Level: 7 and up

Footnotes/Endnotes: No

Suitable for eReaders: Yes, but**

Illustrations: Yes

5 Stars

I admit it, I've ben in love with Sherman Alexie's writing for years. Especially his poetry. I don't know why it took me so long to read this book, but I now have and truly admit, I love it.

Oh, there is a ** above, I'd best explain now, before I forget. I read this on my Kindle Fire, and there are several delightful illustrations, unfortunately, I could not expand them beyond postage stamp size, which is too bad, because they are wonderful. They are drawn by the protagonist, and add a great deal to the story. They should be seen full size.

Mr. Alexie is a member of the Spokane Indian Tribe, and this is his story, with a few changes. The hero of the story, Arnold "Junior" Spirit, is a young man struggling to find himself, and decides to leave the reservation and attend a 'white' school in town. He is the only brown skinned student. And the poorest of the lot, but he has an upbeat attitude and earns acceptance from his white friends, and enmity from his Indian ones.

This novel tells about those experiences, being half white while on the 'rez' and half Indian while at Reardon with a great sense of humor. Mr. Alexie is not afraid to tackle situations that the young people of today face, and he does it well. I can offer absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book. In fact, there are several study questions in the back, making this an ideal book for classroom reads.

Arnold is a very likable protagonist, as are most of his friends. He is fourteen, hormones are beginning to rage through his veins, he's discovered girls, one in particular. He competes on the basketball court, and when Reardon plays Wellpinit, his old Indian school, he is booed and beaten by his ex teammates who think he's a traitor. The first game. The next game is a bit different.

I laughed out loud in this book. Although I didn't cry, I was genuinely sad in a few places. I would love to have Arnold stop by for a visit, he's quirky, and fun, and not afraid of life. I strongly suspect Mr. Alexie is the same. I'd love to have him stop by for a visit, too.

For a good read from twelve years on, buy and read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. I think it would make a great movie. Would love to see Studio Ghibli do something with it!