Flight

Sherman Alexie's newest novel Flight follows a young protagonist, half-Indian, half-white. This short novel follows this young man through his struggles with foster care, racism, violence, and the stigma of being American Indian.

The novel uses this story to discuss deeper issues within and brought upon American Indian culture. Alexie isn't afraid to make his reader squirm. Zits, the young protagonist, is time-traveled to many scenes of horrific violence, murder, and betrayal. He finally concludes that violence is perpetuated on both sides of any conflict; he sees that nobody "wins" a war and nobody is "right" when they believe violence is the answer.

Alexie's theme of alcoholism and depression amongst Native Americans is one he uses not to point out a stereotype, he says, but because it is a dark truth, and one that he wants people to know about.

As Zits journeys through the novel and begins to understand the roots of violence, so much of which is built on fear of people that are different, Alexie masterfully challenges his readers to see America as it is: a place that struggles with race relations, violent crime, and social stratification.

This novel is an amazing work. Alexie again grapples with dark issues with a bit of humor, and comes through with a message that unifies all.

--Megan