Similarities of Sherman Alexie and Arnold

In the book there are many similarities between Arnold and Sherman Alexie.  This makes the book a semi-autobiography.  They both grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit.  They were both born with hydrocephalus or "water on the brain."  Also, they both left the reserervation to o to Reardan High School.  The book shows some of Alexie's views on life.  Alexie wrote that Arnold will never drink because Alexie regrets having an alcohol problem.