The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Before actually beginning the book, I have to admit that it was one book I was not particularly looking forward to. Having been among Spokane English teachers for some time now, I've heard a fair bit about Sherman Alexie, mainly about how wonderful and brilliant they consider his writings. In my typical cynicism, I assumed that the lavish praise was academic hype for the home-town boy, being that Alexie is seen by many as representing the modern Spokane area, similar to the way Crosby represented old Spokane.
So I'm grateful that I was compelled to read the book for class. It may have been something I would have worked my way around to eventually, out of a desire to find texts that are relevant to students in this area, but it would certainly have taken a backseat to the stack of books in my room that I'm slowly grinding through.
Based on the political tendencies of those who advocated so strongly for the book, I assumed that it would take the tone of popular social justice warriors, of those who suggest giving rioters room to destroy, or who refuse to listen to any voice issuing from a different skin-color than their own. I was wonderfully amazed that this was not the case at all. Alexie speaks with the honesty of life experience that would likely have him derogatorily labeled an Uncle Tom by those political actors.
I know a little bit about the Res. My dad's first teaching job was on a reservation in Inchelium, and we visited back there a few years ago. A passing visitor like myself might consider it quaint. But Alexie's description of the community is sadly spot-on.
And by no means does Alexie spare the world outside of the reservation. The balance he strikes is admirably honest. His humor about all those situations allowed me to put down my guard and enjoy the book without analyzing its policy agenda (having found there isn't any).
The development of Junior's character is thoroughly interesting and enjoyable as he retrospectively simultaneously jokes and grieves about his own misfortunes. The characters he interacts with are believable without coming close to being caricatures of their "kinds." This book demonstrates well what it looks like to be color-aware, and yet to intentionally treat all fellow-beings with an attitude of colorblindness.
I would like to possibly use this book in the classroom, but I intend on reading at least one of Alexie's more autobiographical works to see if it might be just as suitable. While the events of his real life may not be so gripping, I am a strong believer that there is a special power in true stories that isn't in fiction. There is a different kind of power in fiction, but I'm not sure if Alexie's material is as well suited to it.
Also, if I ever do use the book in a classroom, I'll certainly take care not to use the part about masturbation. Some will call me a puritan, but my rationale in these matters is not that I think it will mentally traumatize students, but that a degree of professionalism should be maintained and practiced, as something that students will have to take into the real working world. If we insist that "all teachers teach reading," then it should be an equally high, if not far higher, expectation that all teachers teach decorum and professionalism. Some subjects should be taboo, and subjects approaching that line should at least not be treated with flippancy, as Alexie does with almost everything in Diary. This is mere decency to the students. Alexie may be able to broach the subject without expressing personal shame, but it is utterly selfish and tyrannical (as well as unrealistic) for a teacher to insist that all students respond the same way.