得獎感言

Reflections Regarding the Bookman Book Report Contest

I would like to start by expressing my gratitude for having my report appreciated. It is such a delight to think that the momentum and courage The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian have bestowed me can be passed on to ripple in other’s hearts-and better still, find others who are under the same circumstances as me. Vivid is my memory as I read through other recipients’ reports with my heart resonating with their reflections. Quite a few of the other recipients have mentioned the dilemma between breakthrough into the known and staying safe inside our protected comfort zone. Through this contest, I have come to realize that I am not alone, as many others have encountered similar paradoxes. Though we may not know each other, we are all jointed together by the invisible bonds of reading.

There being an assortment of books for us to explore, I believe this contest has not only succeeded in encouraging students to pour in their thoughts, but also function as a reservoir of mindful treasures. I have found the reports truly thought-provoking and made me contemplate on how I could improve both on the English Composition aspect and the life aspect. Despite the two above-mentioned do not have an exact answer, the thoughts kindled have shed new light for me to see farther down the trail-for the pursuit shall be endless.

Last but not least, I would like to thank my dear teacher and classmates who encouraged me to step up and try, the authorities for holding such a contest, and the seed from which all stem from and blossom, Alexie Sherman for writing such a touching book.

“You have to leave the reservation. Everyone here has given up, but not you.” After throwing an old textbook at his teacher in response to the surging anger triggered by his disappointment, Junior was reminded by Mr. P that he had to go to places that could provide him hope. The reservation Junior lived in is, however, exactly the opposite. Therefore, Junior initiated his days studying in Reardan, an all-white school a considerable distance from where he lived.

This is a book regarding alternations. Starting all over can be intimidating. It always seemed like a nerve-racking decision to enter a school where you are labeled as the only outsider, lonely and almost invisible. Nevertheless, Junior gritted his teeth and endured all the hardships in this whole new environment. He might seemed skinny and weak on the outside, but the endeavor and perseverance in his character was definitely the true spirit of an Indian warrior. The fact that he had the strength to knock down the walls of his comfort zone cast a new light for me. We all have the tendency to act according to the habits we have accumulated over time as with sand piling; nevertheless, like the Indians in the book, there are times when habits turn out to be controlling us, as if we are being buried in the magnificent pile of gravel and dust we constructed ourselves. To make matters worse, the wrapping quicksand makes it too comfortable for us to resist as it gradually swallows us along with our ambitions. We become tamed by our history, our routine, and mostly ourselves. Notwithstanding, once we are willing to release ourselves from the cage of our comfort zone, everything is a mystery for us to discover. There might be risks, but there are also unlimited possibilities illuminating in the rose-colored sky.

This is also a book of self-recognition. All teenagers encounter a phase when we desperately struggle to find out who we really are and where we belong. Loneliness wraps around us with impenetrable strands of self-questioning as we wonder what we stand for. Being no exception, I encounter moments when I have self-doubts feeling isolated consequently. This story was the lifeline that tugged me out of the churning whirlpool of wallowing in self-pity and bewilderment. Being a member of the minority race, the poor, and the less adaptable all at once, there were certainly moments in which the smothering blanket of solitary shattered Junior’s confidence. Transporting between an Indian reservation and an all-white village, Junior had to constantly switch his identity between the “traitor” and the “outsider”. It felt as if he was only “half-Indian”. He didn’t seem to belong anywhere. Nonetheless, after weathering various predicaments, he finally came to the reflection that he belonged to miscellaneous tribes-tribes of people leaving their hometown, beloved sons, teenage kids... I realize that life is not a war of a singular person against everyone else for one’s objective, but rather an expedition of searching for more companions to fulfill it with, for you will never be left alone in shades of darkness.

Last but not least, this is truly a book of laughter, attitude and warmth. Having an ironic and hilarious sense of humor, there was always something to cheer him up when Junior was caught up in an awkward or even grievous position. Still better, “Laugh and the world will laugh with you”, his hilarity echoed into the hearts of people, spreading optimism and warmth wherever he appeared. Junior could be fierce when it came to his goals; nonetheless, he never failed to approach people with a warm and caring attitude.

Having a similar personality with the protagonist, I seemed to be looking steadily into a mirror as I read on. The agitation that ran through my veins was like nothing else when I saw what dreaming big can lead to. With confidence and concern for people around you, take the future in strides. As cliché as it is, “Stay hungry, stay foolish”, for the exploration is infinite.