The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexei is a story about a young adolescent who tries to find out who he is and how he fits in when he switches schools and goes to the white kids school off of the reservation. Most of us in America try not to think of the living conditions of the Native Americans on the reservations. This book attempts to capture a little sliver of the bleakness of the reservation while also showing that there is still hope for the people there. The book tells the tale of a young boy Arnold who, after he throws a book at his teacher, is advised to transfer schools to the white kid school off the reservation; not because he is a troubled student, but because he has potential and they do not want to see that potential ruined at the school on the reservation. The book tells the tale of Arnold's first year in that school and covers everything from basketball to a "romance" with a local white girl. While all of this is going on, Arnold's former best friend Rowdy's anger is growing and the anger is directed at one person, Arnold. The story culminates in two basketball games. The first game between the white kid high school (Rearden) and the high school on the reservation that Rowdy attends. Rearden high school, with the help of Arnold, wins the game and ruins an undefeated season for the reservation high school. As summer arrives feelings between Rowdy and Arnold are still very strained until Arnold and Rowdy play a one on one basketball game at the local court and they do not keep score. Their past woes are forgotten and the reader gets the feeling that they will slowly, but surely recover their friendship from the wreckage of Arnold switching schools.

This story was entertaining, but altogether very juvenile. It showed an adolescent overcoming his obstacles, but it is told in a very juvenile way and seems meant for a younger reader. The story, however, does have some lessons to be learned. The first being that one cannot quit when the going gets tough. One must persevere and overcome the challenges put in front of him. Many kids have changed schools in their lives, but not many have experienced such a drastic change in scenery as Arnold did. It gives one some perspective on what their live really is like and how bad it could be. It is very easy to connect to if one has moved or changed schools in their lifetime, but I have not and it was difficult for me to truly relate to Arnold in a meaningful way. Alexei teaches that there is a point in fighting against the adversity and depression of the circumstances that we are put in and that if we keep trying we can be just like Arnold and overcome these obstacles to have a happy life.

This was really a unique and different story. Alexei attempts to bring the reader along Arnold's journey through adolescence and growing up. And while it is a sad life, with the death of his sister and the loss of his best friend, he shows that there is still hope in the world. The night is also darkest before the dawn and there is always a reason to have hope that things will turn out alright. It is important to never stop fighting and never give up on your dreams.

Out of 10 total part time Indians, I give this book 6 and a half part time Indians. The half isn't really half a person, just not an adult yet.

Speaker-
The story is told in a first person point of view and it really feels like the voice of a teenage kid, like he is telling you his story.

Occasion-
The book takes place in modern times on an Indian reservation in Washington. It takes on a bleak setting to mimic the bleakness of the reservation.

Audience-
The audience is young adults. From ages 12-14. Many people could read this book but the language in the book is more geared towards a younger audience.

Purpose-
The purpose of this book is to tell the story of a young boy who experiences great change and sadness in his life. Alexei stresses the importance of not giving and and perseverance. He wrote the book to show kids who change schools and experience change that it can be overcome if they keep their head up and keep trying.

Style-
The writing style closely resembles a narrative. Most of the writing feels like it is written by a fourteen year old and much of the language takes on the mannerisms of someone that age. It makes the book a very quick and easy read as it just seems like you are listening to a young child tell his story.
Tone-
The tone in this book is very bleak but there is always an essence of hope in it. He wants the reader to know that there is always a reason to keep fighting and that there is always a reason to hope. It has a tone of sadness for the plight of the Indian and it is clear that Alexei feels that they have been mistreated.

For the Love of Physics

While most kids dread physics and all that it encompasses, I find myself searching for more information and knowledge on the subject. For the Love of Physics is a book on introductory college physics written by a current college professor, Walter Lewin, at MIT. Lewin takes the reader on a journey through physics, from the magic behind rainbows, to the secret behind why stars twinkle, and why a vacuum can be created inside of a straw. He attempts to make all aspects of physics relatable and easy to understand. He begins with elementary, more facile subjects and then progresses to his field of expertise. Dr. Lewin is an expert on the science of x-rays; specifically the x-rays that are found originating from deep within the cosmos. He spends nearly half the book on subjects such as force, sound, and magnetism; however, the rest of the book is entirely dedicated to his work in the mid sixties with x-ray bursters. The chapters are divided by subject area, and he frequently intersperses his teachings with stories from various lectures he has given throughout his years of teaching. Not many people would be tempted to read 300 pages of lectures on physics, but Lewin presents the material in a way that any person could understand. It is not necessary to have any prior knowledge of physics to read and enjoy this book.

Lewin, along with all physicists who attempt to write, is confronted with the rather onerous problem of presenting the information in a way that is easy for the public to understand. While most of the American, adult population has at one point been instructed in the mysteries of physics, very few of them remember what is necessary to comprehend why stars can steal mass from one another. Lewin tackles this problem by slowly working his way into the real meat and bones of the subjects he wants to discuss. He gives his audience a working knowledge of the fundamental principles behind major celestial phenomena. However, he would have to write at least another book to provide his audience with enough information to understand all of the intricacies of each subject. This is where Lewin's genius really shines. He not only understands physics, he has the unique ability to make the complex seem rather straightforward. He generally avoids the technical terminology and relates each phenomena to an event that we all experience in our everyday lives. His target audience is adults with at least a high school education. Therefore, his writing takes on the feeling of a high school or college lecture. We have all had the quirky science teacher in our school days and because of the way Lewin writes, he brings the reader back to the days where science was actually made interesting. It is not the material that is taught but how it is taught.

One of the most amazing aspects of Dr. Lewin and this book is that as one reads more and more, one begins to hear a voice that he imagined for Lewin in his head. He conveys a sense of excitement throughout the whole book. It is very obvious that Lewin has a passion for physics and truly is amazed by all of the wonders around us. He paints everything to seem like a wonder. As the book progresses one begins to empathize with his sense of wonder and begin to look at the world differently himself. The way that Lewin writes this book causes a change in one's way of thinking. No longer will one just look at a rainbow and think that it looks pretty. One will now look at the world from the paradigm of a physicist. Lewin's tone of wonder throughout the book creates a feeling that everyday life is not something to be dismissed so easily, but rather something to be treasured and enjoyed. Lewin teaches that one should not accept everything one sees as a mystery; one should look at everything and see potential problems to be solved. For the Love of Physics leaves an impression that does not fade so easily. It leaves a lasting impression and a new sense of wonder with the world and the cosmos.

Out of 5 binary star x-ray bursters, this book receives 4 binary star x-ray bursters. It really made me think of the universe in a different light and helped me to understand the forces behind our universe; however, it could be a bit dull at times when he was explaining subjects that I already knew about.

Speaker-
Introductory physics including light, magnetism, electricity, force, and kinematics. As well as a focus on x-ray producing objects in deep space.

Occasion-
Most of the book seems to take place in a lecture hall at MIT because each chapter is adapted from lectures he gives. It feels like he is in the front of the classroom enthralling his students with his lectures. However, most of his research was done in the sixties when Lewin was young and the science of x-rays was a new and groundbreaking one. Therefore, the other half of the book is akin to Lewin telling a story to his audience.

Audience-
The audience for this book is high school educated adults. It is necessary for the reader to have some knowledge of physics and not many uneducated people or young teens would be interested in a book on physics.

Purpose-
Lewin's purpose in writing this book is to make the American public more interested in the world around them, and, more specifically, more interested in physics as it is not a very popular subject area. Furthermore, Lewin wants to share the things that he has discovered and that physics has uncovered about the world. He stresses the importance of curiosity and how each person should strive to uncover the mysteries of the universe.

Style-
Lewin has a unique style in writing this book. It is similar to a lecture in book form; however, because he is not writing to college physics students, he does not use technical physics diction, but instead utilizes words that most Americans are familiar with. He also utilizes many personal anecdotes in his writing to develop a connection between him and the reader. By the end of the book, one feels like there is a connection with Lewin- that Lewin was once one's teacher.

Tone-
The tone in this book is a tone of wonder and excitement. Lewin is truly excited by the world of physics and he wants to convey that through his writing. He makes it seem like something that is logical and fairly easy to understand. He wants his readers to be passionate and excited about physics; therefore, he is excited and passionate himself, hoping that the readers will adopt his enthusiasm.

Unbroken

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption is a story that truly exemplifies the power of the human spirit in the most trying of times. Most people have heard of the horrors of the holocaust. But thousands of miles away American soldiers were experiencing similar torment. The book tells the tale of Louis Zamperini, an Italian American track star made soldier at the onset of World War II. Zamperini is an emerging track star predicted to be the first man to break the 4 minutes mile. However, with war looming Zamperini enlists in the army to become a pilot and is quickly shipped out to serve in Hawaii. His campaign begins well as he flies many successful missions in the Pacific. Unfortunately, his luck does not last forever as his plane is caught in a storm and crashes into the ocean. He and his copilots survive in a life raft for 40 days until they are picked up by a passing Japanese ships. The next years of Zamperini's life are spent inside various POW camps where disease and beatings are common. He struggles to keep his fighting spirit as he is dehumanized and beaten on a daily basis. Luckily, the war is drawing to a close and United States soldiers free the prisoners at his camp. He returns to the United States and tries to recreate his track dreams. But his body is broken and he never reaches his goal of the 4 minute mile.

This was a truly fantastic story. It showed the worst that humanity has to offer, but also how when man is challenged he rises to the occasion. Louis Zamperini shows us that we can overcome any obstacle and rise to any occasion. But he also shows us how to forgive. During the 1998 Japan Olympics he forgives one of his most vicious and inhuman captors and shakes his hand. Laura Hillenbrand creates a moving story that connects you to the events and actions of Zamperini at all times. You feel the desperation and the hopelessness that comes with captivity. You feel his struggle to decide whether to give up or keep trying. Anyone can connect with Zamperini's dilemma. He is truly an American hero that we can all look up to. Hillenbrand teaches us that even in the most trying and horrific of times, there is still good in the world and that we can persevere.

A story, such as that of Louis Zamperini, only comes to be during times of great tragedy. It takes great skill to take the story from Zamperini's mouth and put it on paper while keeping all of the emotion involved. His story makes me proud to be an American (where at least I know I'm free). It is important for every citizen of our country to know what their freedom costs and who is fighting for it. While there are definitely dark portions of the book, there is also an element of hope involved. Hillenbrand takes you on Zamperini's journey throughout the Pacific and Japan and every step of the way you are rooting for Zamperini to just keep going. After reading this book I want to meet Zamperini and shake his hand because he is what makes America great. For all of these reasons I give this book ten kids named Liam who didn't actually read Unbroken for their last SOAPSTone out of ten kids named Liam who didn't actually read Unbroken for their last SOAPSTone.




Speaker-A third person point of view as Hillenbrand tells the story that Zamperini told her. It feels very much like someone is sitting in front of you while telling the story. She frequently mixes emotion with fact to truly bring the reader into the story.

Occasion-The years leading up to, and during World War II. It begins with his childhood in the the 1920's to the end of the war in 1945. It discusses many of the prominent issues at the time such as Hitler's rise and the Nazi threat. As well as a brief history of United States track.

Audience-The audience for this book is any American older than the age of 13. However, and person could pick up this story and enjoy the story of survival and durability of the human spirit. It is a truly inspiration book.

Purpose-The purpose of this book is to tell the story of a truly remarkable person as well as to inform Americans of what their freedom actually costs. Hillenbrand also stresses the importance of hope. All in all, the book is meant to teach us to never give up and to always persevere. I think she wrote the book because Zamperini's story truly inspired her and she wanted to share it with the rest of the world.

Style- Her writing style closely resembles a narrative. She relates the story in terms that everyone can understand. At some points she seems in awe of what Zamperini actually did. She takes you on his remarkable journey with him. She includes a lot of emotion in her writing. It makes it very easy to connect to the book. You feel like Hillenbrand could be sitting in front of you telling you about this remarkable man's story.

Tone- The tone is this book is very respectful, serious, and emotional. She presents Zamperini's story as one of true heroism. She frequently relates stories of how he inspires other prisoners to keep trying, keep surviving. It has a tone of patriotism and it is clear that Hillenbrand holds Zamperini in extremely high regard.