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?