The Toughest Indian in the World (2000)

by Sherman Alexie

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1,296	18	13,833	(3.95)	59
Fiction. Literature. Short Stories. HTML: *"Stunning" short stories by the National Book Award�??winning author of The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven* (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).** In this bestselling volume of stories, National Book Award winner Sherman Alexie challenges readers to see Native American Indians as the complex, modern, real people they are. The tender and tenacious tales of The Toughest Indian in the World introduce us to the one-hundred-eighteen-year-old Etta Joseph, former co-star and lover of John Wayne, and to the unnamed narrator of the title story, a young Indian journalist searching for togetherness one hitchhiker at a time. Countless other brilliant creations leap from Alexie's mind in these nine stories. Upwardly mobile Indians yearn for a more authentic life, married Indian couples push apart while still cleaving together, and ordinary, everyday Indians hunt for meaning in their lives. The Toughest Indian in the World combines anger, humor, and beauty into radiant fictions, fiercely imagined, from one of America's greatest writers. This ebook features an illustrated biography including rare photos from the author's personal collection.… (more)

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Showing 1-5 of 18 (next | show all)

How it is to live in a society that dehumanizes you, and survive. Basically surviving even when things seem to be going well.
I did not finish reading it because I coudn't take another sad story. This is today's story of our toxic relation with native americans. (

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juliechabon | Feb 2, 2022 |

odd short stories on Indian experience

ritaer | Jul 22, 2021 |

I've been in a crush-on-Sherman-Alexie haze ever since reading Ten Little Indians a few months ago, so I turned to this for another fix. I'm not entirely impressed so far (although "South by Southwest" is awesome). I know I'll pick it up again sometime later. (

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LibroLindsay | Jun 18, 2021 |

“Like a good Indian, he knew when to talk and when to remain silent. Like a good Indian, he knew there was never a good time to talk.”

“world. Put down your fucking guns and pick up your kids.”

“I'm not exactly racist. I like white people as a theory; I'm just not crazy about them in practice.”

“Son, if your going to marry a white woman, then marry a rich one, because those white-trash women are just indians with bad haircuts.”

I am going to let these quotes serve as a review, because I think they capture Alexie's voice better than my inarticulate ramblings. This is another strong story collection, from one of America's singular voices. Tales about working class indians and the down-trodden and disillusioned. Funny, thoughtful and heart-breaking. You want a snap-shot of the modern American Indian? Seek this one out, along with The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven and you will be enlightened. (

)

msf59 | Jun 18, 2017 |

i was very glad to discover all the reviews and all the hype were deserved. great book. my coworkers said it was sad but funny and a great read. they were correct. as a colored gal (they are white) it also mad me a lil mad and frustrated but hopeful. glad this book was picked for our MD one read. (

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kdf_333 | Jan 16, 2016 |

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▾Awards and Honors

Awards

Kiriyama Prize (Finalist – Fiction – 2000)

PEN/Malamud Award (2001)

Distinctions

Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children and Teens (2008)

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Canonical title

Original title

The Toughest Indian in the World

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Original publication date

People/Characters

Important places

Spokane, Washington, USA

Kayenta, Arizona, USA

Important events

Related movies

Awards and honors

PEN/Malamud Award (2001)

Kiriyama Prize Finalist (Fiction, 2000)

Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children and Teens (2008)

Epigraph

Dedication

For Diane and Joseph, Indios de Norte Americanos

First words

Regarding love, marriage, and sex, both Shakespeare and Sitting Bull knew the only truth: treaties get broken.

Quotations

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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)

Disambiguation notice

Contents: Assimilation -- The Toughest Indian in the World -- Class -- South by Southwest -- The Sin Eaters -- Indian Country -- Saint Junior -- Dear John Wayne -- One Good Man

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Original language

English US

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▾Book descriptions

Fiction. Literature. Short Stories. HTML:

"Stunning" short stories by the National Book Award�??winning author of The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).
In this bestselling volume of stories, National Book Award winner Sherman Alexie challenges readers to see Native American Indians as the complex, modern, real people they are. The tender and tenacious tales of The Toughest Indian in the World introduce us to the one-hundred-eighteen-year-old Etta Joseph, former co-star and lover of John Wayne, and to the unnamed narrator of the title story, a young Indian journalist searching for togetherness one hitchhiker at a time.

Countless other brilliant creations leap from Alexie's mind in these nine stories. Upwardly mobile Indians yearn for a more authentic life, married Indian couples push apart while still cleaving together, and ordinary, everyday Indians hunt for meaning in their lives. The Toughest Indian in the World combines anger, humor, and beauty into radiant fictions, fiercely imagined, from one of America's greatest writers.

This ebook features an illustrated biography including rare photos from the author's personal collection.

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