Much of the first couple of chapters of this young adult novel were familiar to me from hearing Alexie speak at a PLA conference and at Washington University. So much of it is painfully autobiographical. I can understand why this often-assigned novel is frequently challenged in schools – it pulls no punches and the language, teenage-boy grossness, and situations are realistic. It treats these issues with honesty and humor. Underneath the humor, though, is a great deal of justifiable anger. I would hope that my grandson, now 11, will read this book in middle-school. It is an eye-opening experience. And funny and sad. 230 pp.
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