The Rez

I love this book because Junior really takes you through every aspect of his life without boring the reader. He makes sure to discuss the good, the bad and the weird. He was born with 'grease' on the brain and two alcoholic parents. Although his mom was a recovered alcoholic, his family life was always strained by financial restrictions, life on the reservation limiting the possibilities for jobs, and just a struggle of closeness between the family. It wasn't until the death of Junior's fathers friend, his grandmother, and his sister that his family began to lean on each other and really express the love they have for each other. Without the support of his family for the majority of the book, he only had Rowdy. He was always bullied for being different but Rowdy, his only friend on the reservation, always stood by his side. They couldn't have been more polar opposites but I loved Rowdy and Junior's friendship. They would honestly do anything for each other and I really admire that. Although Rowdy took it hard at first, he eventually supported Juniors decision and was proud of him for having enough guts to branch out from the reservation and follow his dreams. He knew the reservation wasn't going to be able to provide him with the life he wanted so he had to go out and find it for himself. Although the book is somewhat up in arms in the beginning/middle, by the end of the book everything turns out ok. Rowdy and him make up. Although he lost some people in his life to alcoholism, it taught him and his family to appreciate each other more because life is precious and they never knew when one of them could be gone forever. Also, Junior learned a life outside of the reservation and met some really amazing people like Gordy, Penelope, and even Roger.