113 3 Role models Sherman Alexie (1966–) grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, in the state of Washington, with his mum, dad and four siblings. Although his father introduced him to literature and the joy of reading, his choices were limited on the reservation. When Alexie was 14 years old he made a life-changing decision. He left the reservation to go to a nearby high school where he could get a better education. In high school, Alexie won a scholarship to go to university, but he was unsure of what he wanted to study. Fortunately, he eventually attended a creative writing course that inspired him to write poetry. He has also written screenplays, novels and short stories about life on and off the reservation and the challenges that Native Americans face today. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Junior is a young Native American who grows up on the poor and depressing Spokane Indian Reservation. One day his teacher tells him that to find hope he must leave the reservation. So Junior quits his school in Wellpinit and starts going to the white kids’ school at Reardan outside the reservation. In this excerpt, he talks about his experiences from on and off the reservation, and the people he loves – especially his grandmother. Red Versus White You probably think I’ve completely fallen in love with white people and that I don’t see anything good in Indians. Well, that’s false. I love my big sister. I think she’s double crazy and random. Ever since she moved, she’s sent me all these great Montana postcards. Beautiful landscapes and beautiful Indians. Buffalo. Rivers. Huge insects. Great postcards. Before reading Read the title. What does part-time mean? Why do you think he titled the novel The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian? an excerpt – útdráttur versus – á móti random – óútreiknanleg
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