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?

Chapter 9

Aisha's got this fire in her. It's different from Taslima's, which is more like a lot of words that ignite and spark around us and fade out once she's done yelling. Aisha's burns slow and steady. Pg 69-70

I really like this quote it describes Aisha and Taslima very well. It's very well written and the description leaves it's mark in my brain. I think that Aisha is like fire but a gentle fire. It can be controlled and put out but it's understandable. Taslima describes her really rebelish attitude towards her family, as well as her arguments with her dad. I think the author did a great job putting these descriptions together like that, it blends in great!

Chapter 7 and 8

Chapter 7

"The people wanted to shake loos the new borders." Pg.55

This sentence really opened my eyes. It seems like people are trapped and have no freedom at all to cross a border without having people look at you differently. So I interpreted this as people wanting no borders at all, free to roam where they want. This quote is pretty awesome.

Chapter 8

"Come on, Fatso. Let's go."

I'm not sure but it seems to me like weight might become an issue later on in the book. Aisha is super rude to her sister, maybe this will change because it's really bothering me now. I hope it doesn't become such a big issue though.

Wetback Vs. Ask Me No Questions

In the documentary they leave on a journey to Canada just like they did in the book Ask Me No Questions. Except their journey is much longer and dangerous.

"All I know is we're driving straight through to that squiggle of a line on the map, the Canadian border." Pg 2

It's interesting that she said that, maybe because she hasn't realized that not all borders are like that. For example in the movie Wetback, the border line between Honduras and El Salvador looked like a trail were you could hike. It wasn't intimidating or had massive security. Maybe that was a blind spot, I can't remember. But I think what they will face later on in their Journey is more harsh borders like the Mexican border. I have heard a lot of stories trying to get to the U.S border from Mexico. I think it will be interesting to hear the entrance to the Mexican border and the Canadian border.

Chapter 6

The quote that struck me the most was

"Uncle says he's not sure who's worse-Taslima with her big mouth or Aisha with the crazy stars in her eyes." Pg. 43

The quote struck me because I thought that maybe he would favorite Nadira more and would make her feel special. Or maybe Nadira would feel special because she did something that they couldn't do.
I also wonder why he dislikes Aisha. I thought she was like the favorite but I guess I assumed wrong. When it says "Crazy stars in her eyes" it reminds me of Abba with his big dreams that he has. Maybe this is why he dislikes Aisha because she reminds her Uncle like her dad and he doesn't really like Abba.

Links

Linking is really fun. Links could take you to other discussions you are not aware about. Like the other class for example there could be someone shares the same idea as you and never know it.
I really think that Nadira will come out of her shell soon. Maybe be confident and be ninja. I feel she's really scared of doing something that could outdo her sister, but then again she wants to be noticed so why doesn't she? I know that the person she wants her parents to notice her for who she really is. Not just that quiet person in the corner.

Chapter 5

"As if their voices are turning me to heavy stone." Pg.41

This sentence really stood out to me because I can personally understand what all that tension and stress from other people feels like. And the author did a great job describing it without being boring. All of the stress and talk from grown ups can really weigh you down a bit and it can even impact you and your life. I feel that Nadira has very little support, especially from her sister because Aisha is only focused on her future self...Sort of. I feel that Nadira needs to speak up for herself and get the help and attention she needs and wants. I hope she does something that will outshine her sister.
In a good way.

Linking Fun

Julia made an excellent point on Aisha's behavior. Aisha was a bit rude to her younger sister especially now that their parents are gone, she feels in charge. BUT! I also agree with Nickie because I don't feel that Nadira is completely comfortable with who she is because she says that she is "fat", and she criticize her self too much. She should be comfortable with who she is. It might be part of her culture though, like Nadira mentioned that women couldn't drive. I wonder how culture might take place in the book as well, will they Aisha and Nadira forget about all the rules that women can and can't do? I wonder if women can play sports?

Chapter 3and4

In these two chapter's I have seen a few connections to the book AAHM. Like the theme water, and her Nadira's bond with her mother.

That evening I brought Ma home and put her to bed, soothing her hair flat with a comb. Pg. 26.

In the book AAHM Juana always brushed her mother's hair and she took care of her, this is very similar.

Culture also became a part of the chapter. Chapter Three spoke a lot about their history and about their family. I thought this was really interesting and I wondered how this came into play.

Another observation that I made is that Nadira and Aisha's sisterly relationship is horrible! They should really make an effort to settle things out and comfort each other, overall Aisha! She want's her sister to start dieting??? How old is Nadira? Aisha thinks that the "American" vibe or influence has made Nadira overwieght. I mean is it really an issue now? Especially now that their parents are seperated and they are on their own. To me it seems like none of this has processed thoroughly in Aisha's head yet.

Chapter ONE

The sentence that I chose to write about is:

"Soon it was like we were living in a dream home. Year after year we went on, not thinking about Abba's expired passport in the dresser drawer, or how the heat and the phone bills were in a second cousins name."Pg.8

I chose this sentence because they were living a double life until 9/11 happened and they needed to leave soon. Maybe this will become a theme later on in the book. How will they settle their situation out? Will they make it into Canada safely?