Overall, I think The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is a unique book that does not really pertain to a specific age or demographic. The book is written from the perspective of a 14-year-old with an young writing style, but does not really suit middle school or early-teen aged readers for it focuses on mature topics like masturbation, alcoholism, and bulimia. Nor does it suit college students or young adults who might feel that it's cartoons and Junior's immaturity are below their reading level.
The book also shows that the only way the Indians can escape their horrible lives and alcoholic tendencies is to leave the reservation or return to the nomadic lifestyle. Junior's grandmother, who had never had a drink in her life, was killed from a consequence of the reservation's alcoholism. This shows that even those who live healthy lifestyles are doomed as long as they stay on the reservation.
On another note, I found Penelope's bulimia to be very ironic. Junior's family can barely provide food for their children, and when they can, it's cheap, unhealthy food like Kentucky Fried Chicken. While Junior goes hungry, Penelope essentially wastes food by throwing it up in order to lose weight.
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