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

I completely and totally enjoyed this book! I felt like I knew the main character and understood his life. I had so much fun reading it and got really excited to get back to it each time I got to pick it up!
The story starts out with just a basic introduction to Arnold's life and then dives straight into this huge turning point in his life where he is changing schools, by choice, and extending his life outside of his Indian Reservation. His humor immediately shines through in each page, making it incredibly easy to get through, and in the meantime, laughing close to hysterics. His new school brings new people, new races, new family problems, and new judgment from his peers and classmates. Arnold does his best to stand tall and represent his culture as he realizes that he actually fits in here without all the extra effort. His story shows his new interactions with friends and his struggles from missing his old life and his old friends, especially Rowdy. From the first day of school, to meeting Penelope, to the basketball tryouts, his school experiences are very real and are obviously funny. His cartoons bring out the best moments in each experience and keep the pages turning.
When the book takes a more "serious" turn into the different deaths he faces, his humor still shines through and his character seems to get stronger and stronger, bringing such an amazing outlook on his situation. In these moments in the book, problems such as alcoholism, greif and change are all addressed from an innocent but wise perspective that seems to make you think twice about our own outlooks on life. His feelings are powerful and the way he explains his breakdowns of emotions, from laughing to crying to laughing, is incredible. I didn't know myself whether to laugh or cry, but all I knew is how he felt.
The book is so easy to recommend to everyone, especially in the high school age group. I could relate as a girl, but boys could relate even closer. Any high school student experiences these types of things, making Arnold's stories relative and easy to follow. His humor helped me laugh my way through the tough moments in the book, and by the end I admired Arnold so much, I didn't want to put the book down. Please Please Please, let there be a sequel!