I found this story uplifting and humourous. The grim reality of life on the reservation was depicted in a humorous way - this may sound twisted to some, but sometimes, when things get really bad, there's really nothing else to do but laugh. My hubby lived on the Navajo rez most of his life and he experienced first-hand what I like to call the "crab-mentality". If you place a bunch of live crab in a basket and one tries to crawl out, the other crabs in the basket will try to yank that climbing crab down. It's the matality where "you are not allowed to succeed if the rest of us aren't going to benefit". It's sad, but there is a sad truth to it.

I think that despite the many adversities (from both sides of the rez border), the fact that Junior plowed his way through was admirable. I felt sorry for the boy at times, and I couldn't help but cheer him on. I loved the way he just won over so many people/friends in the end, and I especially LOVE his parents for letting Junior go off the rez for school and encouraged him to better himself. I know far too many parents on the rez who do the exact opposite....

I've never heard of the "crab mentality" metaphor before but it really strikes a chord with my view of Gaels (Scottish Gaelic speakers here in the Highlands of Scotland). I've heard that a man here in the Highlands wrote a script for a tv program comparing NAs and Scottish Gaels. After reading this book I'd say he was spot on. When the language and culture are being stamped out there's a real "don't get above yourself" attitude as well as alcoholism, violence etc etc. Instead of fighting the people who are trying to put you down, the people being oppressed turn on each other. Sooooooo sad. Outsiders also have a romantic idea of Scottish Highlanders and of Native Americans (Indians?) and just do not have a clue about how bad reality can be.

I agree wholeheartedly!!! I think what you've said applies to the entire culture of poverty regardless of the color of one's skin.

A friend who is a very talented artist won't play the tribal political game and is struggling to gain recognition for his work. It seems that he keeps getting sucked back down by the crabs time and time again. side: This friend drew cartoons much like Junior's when we were in school.

The book was a lot of both, but for me, it was uplifting more than depressing, I was sad to read all his misfortunes but happy that he seemed so strong and got through them all.