15 Interesting Facts About Sherman Alexie

Introduction:

Sherman Alexie is an award-winning American writer whose work spans both fiction and non-fiction. Alexie has authored more than 24 books, including works of poetry, short stories, and novels. He hails from the Spokane/Couer D’Alene tribe and is seen as one of the most influential Native American writers today. In this article, we’ll take a look at 15 interesting facts about Sherman Alexie.

Fact 1: Sherman Alexie is a Poet, Fiction Writer, & Activist

Sherman Alexie wears many hats, having not only written award-winning fiction but also known for his poetry and activism. His works have won numerous awards, including 15 National Book Awards and a PEN/Faulkner Award. His support towards the betterment of social justice, education, and civil/human rights issues has also bestowed him with several honorary doctorates.

Fact 2: He’s Written Over 24 Books

Sherman Alexie is an incredibly prolific author, publishing over 24 books. This number includes novels, poetry collections, short story collections, and memoirs. He has gained immense recognition for these works, having earned the National Book Award and PEN/Faulkner Award twice. He has also been shortlisted for the prestigious MacArthur Fellows Program and Pulitzer Prize.

Fact 3: ‘The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven’

One of Sherman Alexie’s most notable works is his 1993 short story collection, The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. This collection brought him great acclaim, and was even adapted into the 1999 film Smoke Signals, for which Alexie wrote the screenplay. The book also won him the PEN/Hemingway Award.

Fact 4: He Wrote ‘The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian’

In 2007, Sherman Alexie released The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, a novel written for the young adult audience. It chronicles the life of a Native American-born high school student living in a reservation. The novel won numerous awards, including the 2007 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature and the 2008 American Indian Library Association Award.

Fact 5: Sherman Alexie is a Member of the Spokane/Couer D’Alene Tribe

Sherman Alexie was born and raised on the Spokane Indian reservation as a member of the Spokane/Couer D’Alene tribe. His works often explore the challenges Native Americans face in a white-dominated society, and his life has been shaped by the biases and injustices faced by this community.

Fact 6: He Toured with the Poetry Slam Festival

Between 1997 and 2001, Sherman Alexie was a member of the Barbed Wire Touring Troupe, and together with several other poets, toured the United States as part of the Poetry Slam Festival. This festival was an attempt to popularize the art form of spoken word poetry.

Fact 7: He Writes Screenplays Too

Apart from writing books and poems, Sherman Alexie has also written several screenplays. Smoke Signals, which was adapted from his short story collection, was released in 1998. He also wrote the screenplay for the 2012 film adaptation of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

Fact 8: He Has an Honorary Doctorate

Sherman Alexie was conferred an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Spokane Falls Community College, in 2004. Alexie has received several honorary doctorates from renowned universities such as the Naropa University and The Evergreen State College.

Fact 9: Alexie is an Accomplished Stand-up Comedian

Although not widely known, Sherman Alexie is also an accomplished stand-up comedian. He initially started performing in coffee shops, but has since performed at major comedy clubs in the United States.

Fact 10: He Was A Former Basketball Player

In his teenage years, Sherman Alexie was an avid basketball player and was offered an athletic scholarship to the University of Colorado. However, he instead chose to pursue writing.

Fact 11: He Has Voiced His Opposition Against Censorship

Sherman Alexie has been vocal in his opposition towards censorship, having spoken out against the removal of books from school libraries. He has also publicly declared his support for the freedom of expression and unequal treatment of minority communities.

Fact 12: He’s Written Songs Too

In 2009, Sherman Alexie teamed up with the Seattle folk-rock band Theverymany to produce the album Fireball, which contained 10 original songs and 1 remix. The album was well-received and its single “Blessing For The Moment” has since become a modern Native American anthem.

Fact 13: He’s Appeared in Films and TV

In addition to writing screenplays, Sherman Alexie has also acted in films and television. He appeared in the 1999 movie Smoke Signals and made a brief guest appearance in the 2003 sitcom The Office.

Fact 14: He Rose to Fame in the 1990s

Sherman Alexie’s rise to fame began in the 1990s, when his works were met with phenomenal success. His short story collection won the PEN/Hemingway Award in 1993 and his novel Indian Killer earned him crucial acclaim.

Fact 15: He Lives in Seattle with His Family

Sherman Alexie currently lives in Seattle with his wife and two children. He was recently appointed professor of English at the University of Arizona and is often seen giving readings and speaking at major universities across the country.

Conclusion

Sherman Alexie is an influential and highly successful Native American author. His works have inspired a generation of young readers and activists, and his honors and awards are a testament to his craft. These 15 interesting facts about Sherman Alexie provide a glimpse into the life of this acclaimed writer.