Contemporary YA discussion

We're reading and listening to The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian for the American Library Association Banned Books Week which celebrates the freedom to read.

Sorry I haven't posted Molly. I've had some technical difficulties with the book. It wouldn't transfer to iTunes so I listened to some of online through my library. When I went back it started over at the beginning...frustrating. I haven't felt like trying to find my place.

I will finish it and post by Monday.

Possible spoilers ahead...proceed with caution.

Here are a few discussion questions. They might be spoilerish so don't read until you've finished the book.

1. Arnold says his grandmother’s most important quality is tolerance. Why did he say that? What quality is the most important in somebody you love and admire?

2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian shows a different side of American Indian life than do many other books.
What did you learn about Indians from it?

3. Why does Alexie call his book the diary of
a “part-time” Indian?

4. Alexie uses a racial slur (the “n” word.) He apologizes for offending, but said it was needed to make a point. Do you
agree with Alexie that in order to make his point, he had to use a word that would offend some people.

5. Do you think this book should be banned? Why or why not?

I haven't had the chance to start it yet. I forgot the book and my Kindle at home. I was out of town last week. Can we discuss later this week?

Molly wrote: "I haven't had the chance to start it yet. I forgot the book and my Kindle at home. I was out of town last week. Can we discuss later this week?"

Sounds good.

I expected the book to be funny not dark and self-deprecating. I still liked it- it just wasn't what I expected. I thought it was more sad and depressing than funny, but he needed that sense of humor and those cartoons to overcome his internal and external struggles.

I absolutely hate the "n" word so I wish he hadn't used it, but other than that I didn't find anything else in the book objectionable so I don't think it should be banned or even challenged. I think high school students should read the book to learn about American Indian life and overcoming obstacles. He certainly knows how how to turn lemons into lemonade.