This awesome YA book is set near Seattle on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit and also Reardon. Sherman Alexie is writing a mostly autobiographical novel about a very smart Native American boy who decides to go off the reservation to high school in nearby (22 miles) white high school, Reardon. It is a culture shock in every way imaginable. Being brown in a white world is not a plus. Not only will he have to prove himself, he will face prejudice and just plain ignorance that a white person will never encounter. Arnold (Junior) manages to deal with his life in many unique ways. Humor is one of his best qualities. He also has to deal with a lot of tragedy and death that non-rez kids don't encounter.
Sherman Alexie has written a funny, but very real look into the life on the rez. He does seem to want to get across the message about alcohol ruining lives. This should be a book read by all high school students and anyone wanting to learn more about other cultures in the United States. It is easy to sit back in a comfortable middle class chair, watching the news, and muttering about "why don't they just do whatever (fill in the blank)." It is difficult to break out of a culture without losing your heritage. Definitely put this at the top of your "read" list.
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