Episode 53: "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" - Sherman Alexie

Welcome back friends! Moni and Kat kick things off this week with the classic novel "The absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie. Good Reads Summary: 'Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the Rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot." This book tackles complex themes such as racism, poverty, addiction, privilege, individual ambition vs communal obligation and more, all smashed together to tell the heartbreaking and funny coming of age story of Arnold Spirit aka Junior. Moni had to spill the tea on the sexual abuse allegations against the author she found out about right before recording the episode. This leads the ladies to discuss if it's ok to enjoy art made by personally problematic people and a host of other topics. Trust me, this conversation is full of juicy bits you can sink your teeth into. Sit back and enjoy the show!! Cheers! Dedication: This episode is dedicated to the listeners always, to people victimized by physical and sexual violence, Roe vs Wade and the freedom of CHOICE/AUTONOMY, and indigenous artist @eloybida of IG. The FAB podcast would like to go on the record and say we do not knowingly condone or support sexual abuse. *** Content Warning: Adult language, adult themes such as sexuality, homosexuality, violence, rape, abortion, addiction, death ** Announcment: *As the ladies grow closer to wrapping up the first full year of episodes of the Fake Ass Book Club, they are switching up the visuals and adding more video content for Season 2. Video can be found on YouTube (search The Fake Ass Book Club). They will even have a new segment called "Stranger than Fiction". This segment features true stories that are stranger than fiction. They will share stories from either person experience, friends and family, or stories in the news. They will invite listeners to email thefabpodcast@gmail.com with their stories (they have to be TRUE) so we can share them on the show. The first official Episode of Season 2 will be May 25, 2022. STAY TUNED Notes* Native American women face an epidemic of violence. A legal loophole prevents prosecutions. (nbcnews.com) Article about Tribes not being able to prosecute non tribal members because they lack jurisdiction Fact Sheet: Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) | The White House Helping indigenous tribes gain legal jurisdiction to procecute non-native people. WHITE HOUSE STATEMENTS AND RELEASES:"Expanding special criminal jurisdiction of Tribal courts to cover non-Native perpetrators of sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, sex trafficking, and assaults on tribal law enforcement officers on tribal lands; and supporting the development of a pilot project to enhance access to safety for survivors in Alaska Native villages." Roe v. Wade live updates: Supreme Court decision to overturn leaked (nbcnews.com) How sexual violence leads to unwanted pregnancies and legal access to abortion might be at risk Sherman Alexie's Accusers Go On The Record: 'It Just Felt Very Wrong' : NPR• Sexual allegations from NPR Sherman Alexie Says He's Been 'Indian Du Jour' For A 'Very Long Day' : NPR About his life and being a Native American Writer