Sherman Alexie is a well-known Native American poet, novelist, and filmmaker. He is perhaps best known for his semi-autobiographical novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," which won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2007.
Alexie was born on October 7, 1966 in Spokane, Washington to Sherman Joseph Alexie Sr. and Lillian Agnes Cox. His father was a Spokane Coeur d'Alene Indian and his mother was a member of the Coeur d'Alene tribe. Alexie was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes an accumulation of fluid in the brain, and he was not expected to survive. However, he underwent several surgeries as a baby and was able to survive and grow up to become a successful writer.
Growing up, Alexie lived with his extended family on the Spokane Indian Reservation. His family was poor, and he experienced firsthand the challenges and injustices faced by Native American communities. Despite these challenges, Alexie's family was close-knit and supportive. His mother encouraged him to read and write, and he began writing poetry and short stories at a young age.
In 1984, Alexie graduated from Wellpinit High School on the reservation and received a scholarship to attend Gonzaga University in Spokane. He later transferred to Washington State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in American studies.
After graduation, Alexie worked as a reservation schoolteacher and a social worker before pursuing a career as a full-time writer. He has published numerous books of poetry, short stories, and novels, and has received numerous awards for his work.
In addition to his writing career, Alexie is also a husband and father. He is married to Diane Alexie, and the couple has two children together. Alexie often writes about family and parenting in his work, and his family has played a significant role in his life and career.
Overall, Sherman Alexie's family has played a major role in shaping his life and work. Growing up in a close-knit, supportive family on the reservation gave him a unique perspective on the challenges and injustices faced by Native American communities, which he has explored in his writing. Despite facing challenges and adversity, Alexie's family has always been a source of support and inspiration for him, and he has used his writing to shed light on the experiences of Native American families and communities.
