Chapter 17 and 18

Chapter 17 Sentence

"Aisha wouldn't give her speech unless I sat with the graduates."

This sentence seems really meaningful to me. It really shows how their relationship with each other as a sister has really grown. It's touching how they really need each other in this case the speech. The speech was also very touching because Aisha after all realized what she has done.

Chapter 18 Sentence

"I can feel it, the water pressing all around us, pulsing from below. Abba's fingers reach for mine."

The water theme has really come along the way. I'm still puzzled how the author used the water metaphor because I'm not sure how she's using it. The water pulsing from below could mean all that they have gone through buried below them. I'm really glad though that they did get a chance to apply for asylum this time.

Chapter 16

"I always thought you were the brave one. But now i think you're a coward, Aisha.... You gave up because everything stopped being easy."

Finally Nadira points out what Aisha has been doing the past days. It's like Aisha really needed some one to notice that she was failing and hurting her life. Nadira gave Aisha a reality check. Making sure she knew what she was made of, not a failure. She still has a chance, I want to see how she uses her second chance.

Chapter 15

"I'm almost disappointed because he makes it sound as if it's all a procedure. I didn't save Abba. Or maybe I did, in a small way." Pg. 136

I'm deeply disappointed that Nadira thought at first that she didn't save Abba, because she did. She changed a lot! If it wasn't for her pointing out all of the mistakes that the people have made (and trust me, I would have been embarassed) then coming down there would have been pointless. What I am worried about is how Aisha will be taking it. Just the fact that Nadira had made a big move and that she did it without her. I hope she feels greatful for her effort and saving her dad. I wouldn't want them to fight.

*Another thing is, why did all of the people look at her in a strage manner when she was on the bus? Was it because she was missing?

Chapter 13 and 14

Chapter 13:

"If you know how to breathe, you can get through anything."Pg 116

This quote really spoke out to me. It's true what Nadira/the author pointed out, if you learn to take one step at a time you eventually get through. Even the toughest moments. This could help Nadira later on in the book. She could be in situation where she has no clue what to do and stuck but pulls through. I think that Aisha needs to listen to her advice. I also wonder if Aisha's dad taught her how to swim the same way that he taught Nadira. Does Aisha also know of this saying Abba told Nadira?

Chapter 14

"When i climb into the passenger seat, he flips open the glove compartment to show his gun inside. His breath is hot and scratchy on my face."
"You don't know anything."
"What do you mean?"
"You don't know me, you don't know where I'm taking you. And no names. No shooting your mouth off youd little friends. Get it?" Pg. 120

When I first read this I freaked out. First off... Why does he carry a gun? I can't really tell if he's warning her not to tell her friends or showing him he's protected from people or if he's trying to scare her on purpose so she won't say anything. Nadira obviously doesn't show any sign because we don't get to see what she's thinking in her mind, which really bugs me. If she decided to get help in the end, this could have ruined her parents reputation and maybe her dad could have gotten deported if thing's didn't go according to Tareq. In a way Tareq is trying to help, but it sort of scares me the way he wanted to help... With a gun. I don't think I would want to recieve help from someone doing suspicous and especiallly illegal things around me.

Chapter 12

Sentence:

"It's a Glaciar Rock formation." Pg.106

The theme of ice seems to be popping up again and it's almost as if it's a key component to the rest of the book. Like water was a key component to Across A Hundred Mountains. I think that the ice means their way to Canadaian border and Canada in general. A big leap to where they need to go. The first chapter started with ice and frost, maybe this will mean something very important later on in the book. Guess we'll have to find out.

Chapter 11

The sentence I chose:

"Before, you always took over, Aisha. It's like you didn't leave any room for me."

It's great that Nadira came clean and finally told Aisha what she has done. I'm glad she built up the courage to even state that. Maybe Aisha felt guilty and let her take over for once. I am really interested in seeing what this outcome would be. I'm glad that she chose to speak up, especially when her sister intimidated her.

Chapter 10

"But this is just stupid. Tim is trying to help. And now you go and do this." - He's not family," Auntie replies. "He shouldn't be here." She crosses her arms across her chest.

I think that this quote clearly states the relationship between family and other's. Taslima was only trying to help and it bothers me that her parent's turned the help down because her boyfriend Tim was going to help. It might be some cultural difference that they won't accept even though they are in America. I just wonder if her Aunt might get closer to knowing Taslima now because her father is gone. And maybe even get to know Tim. What do you guy's think?