The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

I absolutely loved this book. The book really concentrated on Junior, his feelings and everything that was happening in his life. I felt as though I was walking right next to Junior as things were happening to him. His character went through lots of hardships that many teenagers go through these days. The hurt that he felt when his grandmother and sister passed away is something that so many of us can relate too. Just because Junior is, a Native American does not mean his problems differ from other kids that age. When he meets Penelope, she hurts the same way he does but her hurting is from being bulimic. I have never read a book by a Native American and this book helped me realize that just because someone is a different race or religion we all have the same problems. I think that as a girl some parts were hard to read, regardless the book can be felt the same by a girl or boy. Even though Penelope was not the main character as being a teenage girl I know exactly how she feels. Girls are often under pressure to be skinny, have large breasts and are smart, boys are under pressure to be athletic, muscular, and the best at everything, but nobody wants to see what is on the inside or care about how they feel. Both Penelope and Junior tried to fit these stereotypes, Junior was the star basketball player but on the inside he was dying, some days happy but others very upset. Penelope was the smart, white girl who had it all, but she was also killing herself by throwing up. They needed each other and I think the relationship shows that we all need someone to help us. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was a great way to show how much people need each other and the struggles that we all deal with.