Friday, May 15, 2015

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

This book is so universally lauded that I knew I would have to read it, especially after reading The Toughest Indian in the World a couple years ago. The Library Sale shelves provided me with a copy, which has now left my TBR Pile and become an instant favorite.

What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said? I laughed, I cried, I felt every possible emotion in reading this story, which is surprisingly and wonderfully frank (seems like the theme of this week's reading). And lo and behold, it is perched atop the ALA's list of frequently banned and challenged books. Check out this laundry list of "reasons:"

Reasons: anti-family, cultural insensitivity, drugs/alcohol/smoking, gambling, offensive language, sex education, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group, violence. Additional reasons: “depictions of bullying”

Bwahahahahahahahhahahahahahaha. So in other words, it depicts reality and not some stupid, sanitized version of life that doesn't exist outside of certain expensive theme parks. Some people need to grow up and get a life. Anti family???? This book shows a realistic family, warts and all, but a family that is full of love (which is more than many people can say they have). "Sex education" - yes, heaven forbid anyone learn that! "Gambling??" Who wrote that complaint, a time-traveling Puritan straight out of 1664? "Violence" - good thing there is no violence on TV, in movies, in video games, or anywhere else! UGH.

Just read this book. It deserves all of its accolades. Highly recommended.

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