Intertextuality in Alexie's novel

As far as influencing and being related to other texts, I think that Alexie's book is very interesting, because it is the first book like it that I have seen. This is not to say that others like it don't exist, just not that I have heard about. In that way, I think this book has a connection to other books that tell stories of groups of marginalized, outcast, "weak", or otherwise suppressed groups. This doesn't necessarily mean other Native American/Indian stories, but any group that has faced similar problems. I know this is a broad statement about intertextuality, but I think that his book connects to other books in this way. As far as influencing, I think the boldness of his writing will affect other stories and books to emerge that tell a similar story about the sadness and hope that can come out of a struggle like Junior's. Alexie's novel repeats and reinforces the story of an underdog who overcomes suffering and difficulty to achieve his goals, and the idea that it is possible, to a certain extent, that if you don't give up, you can achieve great things. I think Alexie does a great job of "repeating" this story with biting wit that reminds us it's not always as easy as it may seem, and that there will be hurt and sadness along the way.