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The Absolute True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian Book Analysis

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The Absolute True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian Book Analysis
“Sex, profanity, and racism remain the primary categories of objection” (Doyle 2013: 3) when it comes to challenged or banned books. “The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie is not only an award winning book, but also one of the most challenged books in the United States. It can be found in the bibliography of books which are “challenged, restricted, removed, or banned […]” (Doyle 2013: 4). Critics consider the book offensive as it deals with alcohol, poverty, violence, sexual references, and bullying. The book is indeed handling these issues flagrantly but this should not alter the fact that “The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” also incorporates valuable themes, which can help teens in their struggle of young adulthood and their search for personal identity.
“The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” was challenged “because of some very sensitive material in the book including excerpts on masturbation amongst other explicit sexual references, encouraging pornography, racism, religious irreverence, and strong language (including the f- and n-words)” …show more content…
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There are further reasons why people argue for the banning of “The Absolute True Diary”, for instance references to violence and disrespect as in: “Of course, I was suspended from school after I smashed Mr. P in the face, even though it was a complete accident” (Alexie 2009: 43). Or the irresponsible depiction of alcohol in the scene where Arnold’s father is driving drunk: “His breath smelled like mouthwash and lime vodka” (Alexie 2009: 65). There are also some references to alcohol abuse in the book as in “How do we honor the drunken death of a young married couple? LET’S GET DRUNK” (Alexie 2009: 216).
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