Sherman Alexie
Study of the Author
Life of the writer
Sherman Alexie is a Native American poet, novelist, performer and filmmaker. He is a Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Native who grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, WA that is located 50 northwest of Spokane, WA.
Interview
In the interview, Sherman Alexie can be seen has a very intelligent Native American. Well educated on the very dark American history with Native Americans and current events today on what is happening today on "Indian" Reservations. Having a very notice sense of humor that both humorous and dark. Alexie is very open minded on the world views on Native Americans who tries to live "in-between" worlds of the Native American and "White" society life.
Ideas
Sherman Alexie is diagnose with "bipolar-ism" in which has great affect on his life and his works. Stating that there are nights where his diagnoses keeps him up for 2 days straight as he becomes too scare to sleep due to his nightmares. So these are times where he creates poems or works on his upcoming novels.
Works
Books
Author of 24 books and numerous poems that have been publishedThe Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Flight
Genres
Young Adult
Poetry
Short Stories
Fiction
Autobiography
Realistic Contemporary Fiction
Targeted Audience
Young Adults
Older Audiences
Native Americans
Books Review
Sherman Alexies's novel of "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is thought to be Alexie's best work at the time of November 11, 2007 by Bruce Barcott of The New York Times. Stating, "He's done it through various characters and genres." Mentioning how Alexie "strip[ed] everything down to action and emotion" by mentions of the struggles of 14-year-old Arnold Spirit Jr (main character of novel) went through while dealing with life in the Native/White worlds of society as he goes to school, which is basically off the reservation. Barcott ending the review by saying, "reading becomes more like listening to your smart, funny best friend recount his day while waiting after school for a ride home."
Author's Craft
Sherman Alexie has Contributed a semi-personal view of the life for young Native American students of the struggle they went through for those who grew up on the Native American Reservations. The struggles of alcoholism and other struggles adolescence go through like the trouble of being socially accepted and respected. Offering Historical informational textures (poetry) of past historical events such as his "Another Proclamation" poem. The poem is about the Abraham Lincoln signing of the "largest public execution in the United States." How the 38 Sioux were hung simultaneously in front of a larger cheering crowd. Being hung for "terrorism" as the Native tribe were just defending themselves.
Curriculum Connection
Work References
Book Review (The New York Times): http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/books/review/Barcott3-t.html
Sherman Alexies Bio: http://www.newpaltz.edu/studentdevelopment/orientation/alexie_full_bio.pdf
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/sherman-alexie
Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_F_jl3BE-k
"Another Proclamation" poem: http://heavenrants.tumblr.com/post/34295238227/another-proclamation-sherman-alexie-when