Audiobook - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

I just (regretfully) finished the audio version of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian performed by author Sherman Alexie. The story is told by Arnold "Junior" Spirit who is torn between two worlds, "I was half Indian in one place and half white in the other." Arnold sees how life on the reservation is hard - he knows poverty and he knows hopelessness. He has watched too many Indians give up on their dreams and he has watched too many Indians die. He wants a different life for himself and bravely steps out and chooses to go to a neighboring white school. His decision costs him dearly, he looses his best friend and his tribe turns against him. Torn between two worlds, Arnold tries to reconcile his life as an Indian on the "rez" and his life as the only Indian at an all white school.
Sherman Alexie captures what life is like for an Indian living on a reservation. Through Arnold's struggle we see how difficult it is for him to remain true to his tribe and culture and to follow his dreams and become his own person. He gets knocked down many times on his journey, but he never gives up. I think this book has a place on every high school library shelf. Many young people are trying to do just what Arnold did by breaking the confines of poverty and despair and daring to dream and have hope.
If Sherman Alexie ever decides to give up writing he has got a good chance at making it big in the comedy world. This story was hilarious! There were some seriously sad and tragic events, but they were delivered with a witty approach that made them sad and humorous at the same time. Hearing Sherman Alexie read his book is incredible. This is his story and he tells it with enthusiasm and authenticity.