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Miss Braniac
Photo CreditMr. P is having a conversation with Junior and shows a side Junior never knew about Mary, Junior's sister. "She was the smartest kid I ever had. She was even smarter than you," Mr. P confessed. Mary had even more potential in life and opportunities, but she easily threw it away. This causes Junior to be more determined. (Alexie 36). -
Aspiring Writer
Photo Credit"Your sister wanted to be a writer," Junior was told by Mr. P. Mary was too shy and nervous that people would make fun of her dream. Therefore she never took steps to become a romance writer. However, she still craves to be a writer. This shows there is still some fight in Mary and perhaps foreshadows her future. A future where she may be the next famous Danielle Steele. (37). -
Education: High School
Photo CreditMary, Junior's sister, only accompishment is graduating from high school. After she received her diploma, she became a hermit crab, "[she] just froze." She didn't apply for college or even a job. She gave up her dreams because she didn't think she could obtain them, Junior is fighting for his dreams. He doesn't want to be like his sister, caving under expectations. (26). -
Basement Dweller
Photo CreditMary still lives with her parents even though she graduated from high school. "...She [lives] in a freaking basement," Junior so eloquently mentions. Junior jokes saying sometimes he wonders if his sister is even alive. Mary rarely even surfaces to the upper floor, it's as if only three people reside in the house instead of foor. She ic compared to her dad, whom is also depressed, and showcases what Junior's life can be like if he stays on the rez and doesn't follow his dreams. (39). -
Hitched and Ditched
Photo CreditMary marries a Indian she just met and moves with him to a reservation in Montana. She is the first memeber of her family to not live in a two mile radius of the rez since 1881. "I felt inspired," Junior expressed. Seeing Mary leave and try to make something of herself is seen as courageous by Junior. He feels proud of his sister and this encourages him to follow his dreams in hope of being somewhat similar to his sister. (89). -
High on Happiness and Love
Photo Credit"I love my husband! I love Montana! I love you!" Mary exclaims in a letter written to Junior. Junior reads first hand about his sister's happiness in her life. Mary before was depressed and all of the sudden she has a major character change and is in love with the world. All of this love is due to the fact she is following her dreams. (100). -
The Chateau of Trailer Houses
Photo CreditMary writes Junior a letter informing him of her new house and encloses a picture of said trailer house. "It's the most gorgeous place in the world!" she exclaimes. Junior takes note of how shabby the trailer is and makes sarcastic remarks. Eventually, he realizes the house is one of Mary's first accomplishments. Therefore, no matter how run down the place is, because she worked for it, the house will always be amazing in her eyes. (134). -
Baby Steps to Success
Photo CreditIn a letter, Mary informs Junior she has began writing again. "I have started to write my lifestory," she writes. She has not began writing a romance novel yet, but she is making baby steps. Writing autobiographies is far better than not writing at all. Her letter helps motivate Junior by reading about how joyful she is from leaving the rez and doing what she always wanted. These steps also help Mary set herself on the right track once again. (133). -
The Gift of Love
Photo CreditWhen talking about his sister, Junior for the first time in the book says, "I love my big sister." Mary and Junior have began to bond through their shared desire of leaving the reservation. She sends Junior postcards of Montana, by doing this, Mary becomes some form of an oracle. She presents Junior with beautiful sights of what his future can someday be. This effectively captures his interest. (153). -
"Two Worlds, One Family"
Photo CreditJunior and Mary's Grandmother dies in a car accident and hold the wake three days later. Mary is unable to attend because she doesn't have enough money for the trip. "But she promised to sing one hundred mourning songs that day." Even though she isn't there for her family physically, she is there for them emotionally. This is not only for her Grandmother's death, this also represents that she will always be there for her family no matter what the conditions are. (161). -
The Death of a Dreamer
Photo Credit"How did she die?" Junior asks his dad once he learns of his sister's death. Mary was drunk from a party and left the stove on while she went to sleep, thus causing a house fire killing Mary. Junior comes to realize he needs to think through life more carefully. Dreams are not guaranteed to come true, and if he is not careful, he may never receive his chance in success like his sister. Mary's death is hard on Junior because the only two family members he was close to are dead. (205). -
Bonding Through Tragedy
Photo CreditMary is buried in a Catholic cemetery on her home reservation. Junior's family comes together for the funeral and Junior feels depressed. "And I was cold. Just freezing," he describes his emotions. Junior is at his lowest point in life. As he and his family spend time reminiscing about Mary, they bond even more. Even though Mary and Grandmother's deaths were tragic, they play helpful roles in finally bringing the family together and their relization of how short life is. (209).
