The Absolutely Banned Novel of a Full-Time Indian Writer
Katy Waldman's essay about banned books
Hello, Subscribers,
Today, in The New Yorker newsletter, Katy Waldman has written a vital article about the nationwide efforts to ban books, including my Young Adult novel. As part of this story, Waldman gives The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian one of its best-ever reviews.
You can read the entire article here.
“But a glance at the list of most frequently banned books makes clear that ‘mature content’ is a fig leaf: what parents and advocacy groups are challenging in these books is difference itself.”
Is there a better summation of what’s happening than Waldman’s? That is it, right there. What an article.
I can't count the number of times I've read your book aloud to my students. I teach in a reengagement program for teens who have dropped out and want to try high school again (In good ol' Spokane, by the way). The universal response is, first, incredulously, "this book is *actually* good." Second, usually a few chapters in, "this is the first book I've ever *actually* liked," and then, third, at the end, "did that guy write any other books?" (No *actually* on that last one; it's immediately on to Lone Ranger or Flight, same day) It never fails, and it's never happened as consistently as it does with Absolute True Diary. It is their gateway book! I'd challenge anyone who wants teach/reach teens disengaged with reading/school to find me something better. Thank you for this book; I'm thrilled to read this write up in the Times.