Blog # 8- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The story of a young Native American teenager named Junior captured my interest immediately. Before reading the book I wondered how I would engage myself with the story line as I felt I might not have a lot in common with a Native American living on a reservation. As I started to read the novel I realized that even though I had many differences from Junior, there are experiences and characteristics I could relate to. It must have been extremely difficult growing up on a reservation with a father who was consumed with alcohol. Despite all the challenges Junior, with the encouragement of his teacher, finally becomes successful. It was reassuring to see that despite his dad’s addiction to alcohol and lack of success (not able to support the family financially) his dad found ways of showing Junior that he loved and cared about him. I enjoyed the part where his dad saved five dollars at the bottom of his boot for a present for Junior. I also like the fact that even though his dad did not have a lot of money he would always come to Juniors basketball games, while some of the wealthy dads never came to support their children. Despite the fact that Juniors dad cared about him, I found it extremely frustrating because his dad did not want better for the family. Even after experiencing the tragic deaths of Grandma (Junior’s Grandma) and his best friend Eugene, in which both deaths involved alcohol, Junior’s dad continued to drink. You would think that after experiencing those tragedies, you might decide to stop drinking. Instead of stopping, his dad drank at the funerals. Overall I really enjoyed the message that despite challenges it is possible to overcome obstacles.