“The world is only broken into two tribes: the people who are tearing us apart and the people who are bringing us back together.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.
Sherman Alexie’s coming-of-age novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, has captivated readers around the world with its poignant and thought-provoking quotes. The book follows the story of Arnold Spirit Jr., a young Native American boy who decides to leave his reservation school to attend an all-white high school in a neighboring town.
The novel explores themes of identity, friendship, and the struggle to belong in a society that often marginalizes those who are different. Throughout the book, Alexie imparts wisdom through his memorable quotes, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals like Arnold. These quotes serve as powerful reminders of the universal human experience and the importance of empathy and understanding.
Read these Part Time Indian Quotes
“I used to think the world was broken down by tribes,” I said. “By black and white. By Indian and white. But I know that isn’t true. The world is only broken into two tribes: the people who are tearing us apart and the people who are bringing us back together.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“We’re all traveling through time together, every day of our lives. All we can do is do our best to relish this remarkable ride.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“It sucks to be poor, and it sucks to feel that you somehow deserve to be poor. You start believing that you’re poor because you’re stupid and ugly. And then you start believing that you’re stupid and ugly because you’re Indian. And because you’re Indian, you start believing you’re destined to be poor. It’s an ugly circle and there’s nothing you can do about it. Poverty doesn’t give you strength or teach you lessons about perseverance. No, poverty only teaches you how to be poor.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“You have to prove to the white kids that you’re just as smart as they are. You have to prove yourself again and again. Of course, you’re usually just proving that you’re stupid.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“Do you understand how amazing it is to hear that from an adult? Do you know how amazing it is to hear that from anybody? It’s one of the simplest sentences in the world, just four words, but they’re the four hugest words in the world when they’re put together. You can do it.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“I think the world is a series of broken dams and floods, and my cartoons are tiny little lifeboats.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“I cry because my tribe is so poor and it makes me feel ashamed.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“I think the world is a series of broken dams and floods, and my cartoons are tiny little lifeboats.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“It sucks to be poor, and it sucks to feel that you somehow deserve to be poor. You start believing that you’re poor because you’re stupid and ugly. And then you start believing that you’re stupid and ugly because you’re Indian. And because you’re Indian, you start believing you’re destined to be poor. It’s an ugly circle and there’s nothing you can do about it. Poverty doesn’t give you strength or teach you lessons about perseverance. No, poverty only teaches you how to be poor.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“You have to prove to the white kids that you’re just as smart as they are. You have to prove yourself again and again. Of course, you’re usually just proving that you’re stupid.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“Do you understand how amazing it is to hear that from an adult? Do you know how amazing it is to hear that from anybody? It’s one of the simplest sentences in the world, just four words, but they’re the four hugest words in the world when they’re put together. You can do it.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“I think the world is a series of broken dams and floods, and my cartoons are tiny little lifeboats.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“I cry because my tribe is so poor and it makes me feel ashamed.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“I realized that, sure, I was a Spokane Indian. I belonged to that tribe. But I also belonged to the tribe of American immigrants. And to the tribe of basketball players. And to the tribe of bookworms.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“I would always love Rowdy. And I would always miss him, too.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“I think the difference between Indians and white people is that Indian people have to prove their identity.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“My school and my tribe are so poor and sad that we have to study from the same dang books our parents studied from.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“It’s like being Indian was my job or something. Or maybe it’s more like I’m a prisoner and being Indian is my cellmate.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“But the thing is, I’m a cartoonist, and no matter how much Indians drink and no matter how much Indians fight, they’ll always be cartoonists. They’ll always be able to laugh at themselves. And, I think, that’s the secret of Native American humor.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“Life is a constant struggle between being an individual and being a member of the community.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
“We’re all traveling through time together, every day of our lives. All we can do is do our best to relish this remarkable ride.” – Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
These quotes from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian provide powerful insights into the struggles and triumphs of the characters in the novel. They invite readers to reflect on the universal themes of identity, friendship, and resilience. Whether you are a fan of the book or simply looking for inspiration, these quotes serve as reminders of the power of literature to touch our hearts and broaden our perspectives.
