And we do as he taught us. We hold our breaths, then let them out, bit by bit.I think this says a lot about the whole process of immigration. “...bit by bit.” That really jumps at me because it feels like Abba is almost saying immigration is hard, but wait it out, and you will be rewarded. Nadira did breathe, she did wait it out, and she got through it. She held her breath until there was room on the surface, and she emerged, shining rays of light upon herself and her family. Aisha, who didn’t breathe, stayed home and didn’t take action. She was scared, and didn’t hold her breath. She let it all out, and drowned in her fears the moment things stopped being easy for her. I think that the family will feel safe again... Bit by bit...
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Chapters 17, 18 & Endnote: Bit By Bit
Monday, March 23, 2009
Chapter 16: Courage The Cowardly Dog
"I always thought you were the brave one. But now I think you're a coward, Aisha"
BAM! You tell her Nadira! I think this sentence is going to change the book completely. This is a real wake up slap in the face for Aisha. She definitely needed it! I think this part is so significant because Nadira is really taking charge of the situation, and Aisha is kind of helplessly sitting back being pessimistic. It's kind of sad how Nadira and Ma are the ones trying to get things done, while Aisha and Abba are both saying that it's no use. I was sad to see Taslma go, I really liked her! She brightened up the book, made things interesting. No offense to Uncle, but I don't really think his presence would've helped get Abba up and moving, so I think his move is a good one, even though it is kind of depressing. What REALLY got me sad was Ali-Uncle's departure. I wonder what he is up to. The guys description made it seem like he was going on some sort of business trip, but I don't know! What do you guys think?
BAM! You tell her Nadira! I think this sentence is going to change the book completely. This is a real wake up slap in the face for Aisha. She definitely needed it! I think this part is so significant because Nadira is really taking charge of the situation, and Aisha is kind of helplessly sitting back being pessimistic. It's kind of sad how Nadira and Ma are the ones trying to get things done, while Aisha and Abba are both saying that it's no use. I was sad to see Taslma go, I really liked her! She brightened up the book, made things interesting. No offense to Uncle, but I don't really think his presence would've helped get Abba up and moving, so I think his move is a good one, even though it is kind of depressing. What REALLY got me sad was Ali-Uncle's departure. I wonder what he is up to. The guys description made it seem like he was going on some sort of business trip, but I don't know! What do you guys think?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Chapter 15: Nadira's Pride
"All I keep thinking is I can't wait to tell Aisha."
Why does Nadira care what Aisha thinks so much? To a certain extent, I can empathize though. Everyone wants to impress their siblings, especially if the siblings are older, and are always outshining you. But why is that all Nadira can think about? Shouldn't she be happy that she just got Abba out of jail? I am very VERY impressed with Nadira! But I am thoroughly disappointed in everyone else, it is his name for crying out loud! Nadira's power of will was astonishing in itself, but her courage was even more astonishing.
sorry it isn't longer but i am in a hotel room at the moment :'( bad timing!
Why does Nadira care what Aisha thinks so much? To a certain extent, I can empathize though. Everyone wants to impress their siblings, especially if the siblings are older, and are always outshining you. But why is that all Nadira can think about? Shouldn't she be happy that she just got Abba out of jail? I am very VERY impressed with Nadira! But I am thoroughly disappointed in everyone else, it is his name for crying out loud! Nadira's power of will was astonishing in itself, but her courage was even more astonishing.
sorry it isn't longer but i am in a hotel room at the moment :'( bad timing!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Chapters 13&14: Mapped Out Minds
"Then my eyes light up on Abba's name at the top of Ma's fax. I read it again. A cold sensation tingles through my body to the tips of my fingers. It's like a map that suddenly becomes clear-lines that start feeding into each other, connecting the parts. I pull out the new fax, look again. I've got it, i think. I've got a way to get Abba out."
Hooray for Nadira! The part that really stuck out to me wasn't the "I've got a way to get Abba out." It was the "Then my eyes light up on Abba's name..." I am thrilled that Nadira has salvaged such a brilliant plan to get Abba out, but what about his name triggered that last puzzle piece. Nadira's 'map' has had the scenic rout missing ever since Abba was taken, and what effect does his name have to change that? The rout that has all of the trees and lakes, the beauty, has just fallen into place in Nadira's head, and I am burning to learn what devised the final and much awaited construction of hope for Nadira and family. I am wondering that maybe something in Abba's name suggests that he is American born, and moved when he was a baby. Being too young to remember his history, Nadira may just be the first one to discover what Abba's name truly means.
Sidenote: Nadira just discovered a way to free her father, and yet after the "I've got a way to get Abba out." part, there isn't an exclamation point. It's just a simple statement. Does anyone else find that weird?
Hooray for Nadira! The part that really stuck out to me wasn't the "I've got a way to get Abba out." It was the "Then my eyes light up on Abba's name..." I am thrilled that Nadira has salvaged such a brilliant plan to get Abba out, but what about his name triggered that last puzzle piece. Nadira's 'map' has had the scenic rout missing ever since Abba was taken, and what effect does his name have to change that? The rout that has all of the trees and lakes, the beauty, has just fallen into place in Nadira's head, and I am burning to learn what devised the final and much awaited construction of hope for Nadira and family. I am wondering that maybe something in Abba's name suggests that he is American born, and moved when he was a baby. Being too young to remember his history, Nadira may just be the first one to discover what Abba's name truly means.
Sidenote: Nadira just discovered a way to free her father, and yet after the "I've got a way to get Abba out." part, there isn't an exclamation point. It's just a simple statement. Does anyone else find that weird?
Monday, March 16, 2009
Chapter 12: Bed Of Lies
"There's so many lies in my life right now, I can't keep track of which one is worse."
I would hate to feel like this. I feel like Nadira has so much to cope with that she is going to drown in lies. I feel like she is going to be so overwhelmed with her and Aisha's life, that she is going to start lying to make everything 'less' complicated. In this case 'less' means more. I think she is going to start to lie because she can't keep up with what is going on. But lying will only complicate things more.
It also feels like this quote is summing up the book so far. Nadira and her family are living in their lies right now. They aren't supposed to be in America, but they are. They aren't supposed to go to school but they do. Girls aren't supposed to be educated in Bangladesh, but they are. To me, this sentence is almost a warning. "I can't keep track of which one is worse." To me that means something like: The lies are only going to get deeper, and get you into more trouble.
I would hate to feel like this. I feel like Nadira has so much to cope with that she is going to drown in lies. I feel like she is going to be so overwhelmed with her and Aisha's life, that she is going to start lying to make everything 'less' complicated. In this case 'less' means more. I think she is going to start to lie because she can't keep up with what is going on. But lying will only complicate things more.
It also feels like this quote is summing up the book so far. Nadira and her family are living in their lies right now. They aren't supposed to be in America, but they are. They aren't supposed to go to school but they do. Girls aren't supposed to be educated in Bangladesh, but they are. To me, this sentence is almost a warning. "I can't keep track of which one is worse." To me that means something like: The lies are only going to get deeper, and get you into more trouble.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Chapter 11: Strong At Heart
"'Thanks, Nadira. You're the only one I know who could have done what you did. Figured all that out.'"
Well if that doesn't give Nadira a confidence boost what will? I really like this sentence though, because it felt like Nadira was finally being acknowledged for what she can do. Lily didn't say "Thanks, Nadira. I thought only your sister was that smart." She actually game Nadira credit for what she is capable of. I think that is going to come into play later, big time. Even though Nadira hates lying, she can do it when necessary. Aisha may be the debater, but I have a feeling that Nadira may turn out to be the main argument in chapters to follow.
For some reason Nadira can't seem to see the bright side of things. Lily tells Nadira that she is the only one who could've done that for her, and her first thought is "do I want to be a good argument if I'm going to hurt people?" Hellooooooo, you complain all book that you are invisible, then mope when someone thanks you and tell you that you are good at something. What do you think about Nadira's pessimism?
Well if that doesn't give Nadira a confidence boost what will? I really like this sentence though, because it felt like Nadira was finally being acknowledged for what she can do. Lily didn't say "Thanks, Nadira. I thought only your sister was that smart." She actually game Nadira credit for what she is capable of. I think that is going to come into play later, big time. Even though Nadira hates lying, she can do it when necessary. Aisha may be the debater, but I have a feeling that Nadira may turn out to be the main argument in chapters to follow.
For some reason Nadira can't seem to see the bright side of things. Lily tells Nadira that she is the only one who could've done that for her, and her first thought is "do I want to be a good argument if I'm going to hurt people?" Hellooooooo, you complain all book that you are invisible, then mope when someone thanks you and tell you that you are good at something. What do you think about Nadira's pessimism?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Chapter 10: Knock on Wood
People please don't comment on this blog i don't like it
"I'm dreaming about sitting by a river and a boat knocking against wood"
WATER! There we go again. More water. The theme is growing more and more prominent as the book goes on, and I like it! I think this is a foreshadow. I have a strong feeling that Aisha and Nadira will be forced to go somewhere via water transportation soon.
WOW bad blog super tired
"I'm dreaming about sitting by a river and a boat knocking against wood"
WATER! There we go again. More water. The theme is growing more and more prominent as the book goes on, and I like it! I think this is a foreshadow. I have a strong feeling that Aisha and Nadira will be forced to go somewhere via water transportation soon.
WOW bad blog super tired
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