Sherman Alexie speaks with OPB "Think Out Loud" Host Dave Miller at Wordstock at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, Oregon, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
Northwest writer Sherman Alexie is actually Sherman Alexie Jr. His father had the same name, and when his dad died several years ago, seeing his own name on the gravestone gave Alexie a shock. The result is a new picture book for kids called "Thunder Boy Jr." We talk to Sherman Alexie about his book, and about the nature of names and identity, especially in Native American communities. He also makes a lot of jokes.
This conversation was recorded at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall as a part of Portland's Wordstock Festival.
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