in the absolutely true diary of a part time indian

I wish I would've read this book before You Don't Have to Say You Love Me, as it felt like sort of a prequel. Real life is not always duckies and bunnies. Apparently, this book was banned in places for it's graphic nature. You've got your funny moments, profane moments, sad moments (many, many sad moments) - Alexie throws it all out there in detail and doesn't mince words.

This is considered his YA book and Alexie doesn't hold back with regard of describing what life is like for an adolescent boy, and how hard it was growing up Indian, on and off the 'rez'.

An accompanying PDF contains all of the author's cartoons featured in the paper book. There is also and hour-long interview with the author at the end full of all sorts of interesting stories and thoughts of future plans, many of which didn't come to fruition due to the author's well-publicized personal issues. Additionally, I listened to the 10th anniversary edition of Part-Time Indian which contained some excellent bonus content such as a chapter about best friend Rowdy (real name Randy) which was as emotional, and I thought as good, as anything in the main text of the book. I feel like reading a paper copy of the book would give one only half the experience. The audio versions were read by the author himself which to me really made the experience as he holds back no emotions, happy or sad, and really makes the stories come to life. He Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is the second Sherman Alexie book I listened to after You Don't Have to Say You Love Me.

In the absolutely true diary of a part time indian