Book Review: 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' by Sherman Alexie

✰✰✰✰✰ Arnold (Junior) Spirit is the town misfit. Born with "water on the brain," the odds have always been stacked against him. Life was a challenge from day 1, but luckily Junior was also born with a sense of humor and is surprisingly bright. After challenging a teacher in class, Junior is sure he will be in big trouble. Yet, the teacher surprises him with his honestly. It's a moment that will change the trajectory of Junior's life as he is inspired to make a big decision. 

Making the switch from the high school on the rez to the predominantly white high school in the nearby town is a huge deal...for everyone. Junior doesn't immediately fit in at his new school, but now his former friends at his old school treat him like a traitor. Junior finds himself navigating between the two worlds even as tragedy strikes his family several times. Nevertheless, Junior perseveres. Join Junior's journey from misfit to hero as he learns about life and what it takes to get by in this world.

The Bottom Line: When a school committee in my hometown, suggested removing this book from its high school required reading list, I just had to pick it up to see why. Yes, it's filled with racial slurs, discrimination, and sexual situations, but this book is a gem. This is just the kind of book that should be included on high school reading lists because of the honesty that comes through in the writing. Written from the point of view of a 14-year-old, Native American boy, this gripping novel is gritty, witty, and raw.  There is so much to discuss in this coming-of-age novel. There are no wasted words here, and Ellen Forney's art is spot-on in depicting what a teen might draw. Highly recommended for young adults, teachers, and parents. I strongly suggest you pick this powerful book up and give it a read even if it makes you uncomfortable. Or maybe, especially if it makes you uncomfortable.

Details: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie with art by Ellen Forney. Hardcover published by Little, Brown and Company in 2007. 229 p. ISBN: 978-0-316-01368-0  

Book Review: 'Eat Pray Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert

✰✰✰✰ When divorce throws Elizabeth Gilbert into chaos and depression, she seeks an alternate route to finding her confidence. Instead of pills, she turns to travel and takes a year off from her regular life to explore. As she travels through Italy, India, and Indonesia she discovers that she’s okay with being alone for the first time in her adult life. The pursuit of pleasure, devotion, and a balance between the two, leads Gilbert on unexpected adventures. You’ll laugh and cry along with her as she seeks to improve herself and be at peace with her choices.

The Bottom Line: There’s something appealing about travel memoirs. Maybe it’s the setting or the descriptions of exotic places and cultures that suck people in. In the case of this bestseller, the author visited three very different countries and had three very different experiences, each benefitting her in its own way. Along the way she met several engaging characters and fell in love. Gilbert’s memoir will appeal to others going through and healing from a difficult divorce. And even though the book seems geared towards women, men will appreciate Gilbert’s observations as well. 

Book Club Notes: On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, our group gave the book an average of 4.25 stars. On the other hand, the movie paled in comparison to the book, garnering just 3.5 stars. 

The movie is rated PG-13 with an all-star lineup of celebrities featuring Julia Roberts, James Franco, & Javier Bardem. It is approximately 140 - 146” long depending on which version you watch. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery and locations of the film. However, much of the author’s deep personal thoughts were lost in the movie. The movie simplified the events; plus, conflict was added into the movie to create interest and tension.

Meanwhile, the book was more philosophical and diary-like. Generally, we enjoyed the details and learned a lot from this book. Unfortunately, several in our group got bogged down in the India section as there was just a wee bit too much about the challenges of meditation.

Overall, this was a fun discussion. Recommended for groups that enjoy different settings, thoughtful writing, and a little bit of lighthearted romance.

Check out these resources for discussion questions: 

LitLovers & Travel Books and Movies.

On a side note, this was our first HYBRID discussion event (via Zoom & in-person). Although it’s not ideal, this challenging set-up is doable. Anyone attempting to host a hybrid book discussion will need additional support in the way of tech help both before and during the meeting. Challenges included everyone being able to hear each other and struggling with an echo through the sound system. It’s a work in progress.

Details: Eat Pray Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert. 10th-Anniversary Edition published by Riverhead Books in 2016. 64th printing. 352 P. ISBN: 978-0-14-303841-2