alyssa8t's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mrspontellier's review against another edition
2.0
I had a hard time with this. So well reviewed, but I found the narrative thread unbelievable. I read a lot of YA stuff, and maybe I expect too much, but I found this one overhyped.
catlove9's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
poachedeggs's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted this book to be better than it was. Some of the themes were just too in-your-face - I found it hard to believe that the nerdy Indian protagonist could within a few months of his entry into the 'white' high school. The illustrations are good though, and the story is quite engaging. I can see the 10-14 group really liking it and learning good things from reading it.
Spoiler
become the jock of the school and land the hottest girl in school as his girlfriendmehilbert's review against another edition
2.0
I was generally unimpressed with it. The end of it was redeeming, and I like that it had a Native American voice, but I was just underwhelmed by both the story and the writing. I think it'd be valuable for a youngster to read the point of view, but I've read better YA lit.
a_little_shelf_absorbed's review against another edition
3.0
An insightful young adult novel about striking out on your own while honoring your roots. Alexie captures an original and accurate perspective of a young Native American boy with disabilities who learns to believe in his dreams when the system fails him.
cdhotwing's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sendusia's review against another edition
4.0
This book came into my life in a most random way. I've been trying to break out of my comfort reading zone and attempting to read books with different topics, genres and characters. I wanted to read a book about a character that came from a differing culture. I saw someone had suggested this on a random Goodreads post.
What did I know about Native Americans before? My knowledge consisted of Pocahontas, that awful Colin Farrell movie and middle school trips to the Mohegan museum. So basically nothing. I may not be an Native American expert after reading this novel, but I know how tough it is to grow up Native American. And how little those trips to the Mohegan museum taught me nothing about modern Native Americans.
I absolutely loved this book. I listened to the audiobook version narrated by the author, [a:Sherman Alexie|4174|Sherman Alexie|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1333515890p2/4174.jpg]. The narration mixed with the beautiful writing just made this novel really personal to me. I really felt as though Arnold was reading his diary and I was an outsider listening in.
Arnold "Junior" Spirit would normally be a character or person I would feel pity for. Born with too much fluid in his brain, Junior suffers from seizures, poor eyesight, stuttering and lisping. He is constantly bullied for his appearance and disabilities, and depends on his friend Rowdy to beat those who bully him. Junior's life takes a sharp turn when he decides to attend Reardan High School, where he is the only Native American.
From there, Junior basically grabs life by the balls and changes his fate completely. It's inspirational, heartwarming and fun to read. Sure, the books topics can get somewhat morbid or sexual and uses some racial and homophobic slurs, but it just adds to the depth and flaws of these characters making them seem more realistic and relatable.
I absolutely loved this story of a strange stuttering and lisping kid who overcomes adversity and grows into himself. Honestly, this book is a great read to all and should be read by all. Do it.
What did I know about Native Americans before? My knowledge consisted of Pocahontas, that awful Colin Farrell movie and middle school trips to the Mohegan museum. So basically nothing. I may not be an Native American expert after reading this novel, but I know how tough it is to grow up Native American. And how little those trips to the Mohegan museum taught me nothing about modern Native Americans.
I absolutely loved this book. I listened to the audiobook version narrated by the author, [a:Sherman Alexie|4174|Sherman Alexie|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1333515890p2/4174.jpg]. The narration mixed with the beautiful writing just made this novel really personal to me. I really felt as though Arnold was reading his diary and I was an outsider listening in.
Arnold "Junior" Spirit would normally be a character or person I would feel pity for. Born with too much fluid in his brain, Junior suffers from seizures, poor eyesight, stuttering and lisping. He is constantly bullied for his appearance and disabilities, and depends on his friend Rowdy to beat those who bully him. Junior's life takes a sharp turn when he decides to attend Reardan High School, where he is the only Native American.
From there, Junior basically grabs life by the balls and changes his fate completely. It's inspirational, heartwarming and fun to read. Sure, the books topics can get somewhat morbid or sexual and uses some racial and homophobic slurs, but it just adds to the depth and flaws of these characters making them seem more realistic and relatable.
I absolutely loved this story of a strange stuttering and lisping kid who overcomes adversity and grows into himself. Honestly, this book is a great read to all and should be read by all. Do it.
kbaker45's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
claire_melanie's review against another edition
5.0
brilliant, heart-breaking, funny, insightful, clever. one of the best books i've ever read. designed to make you think and challenge you. highly recommended.