Status Updates From The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Changez’s love for Erica, his pride in his job, and his belief in American meritism all seemed solid, yet each was fragile that it can break easily. After 9/11, complex of his identity and the achievement bias of Underwood Samson showed that his acceptance was conditional. America felt like an opportunity, but slowly revealed America depended not on who he was, but on the quality of Changez's ability of doing work.

Changez’s confidence cracked before his career started. On the Greece trip, he tried to blend in with wealthy American classmates, but felt a emotional distance. Meeting Erica strengthen this divide, because she welcomed him, yet her heart missed Chris. These moments made Changez to realize that dreaming could not erase the cultural complexity and emotional barriers separating him from the world he wanted to join.

The start of The Reluctant Fundamentalist described how Changez’s identity was sharply shaped by success. He have earned a scholarship of Princeton, and got an offer from the Underwood Samson, yet each moment faced an radical fracture. He was an all A student and athlete who believed his success made him special, yet he eventually realized he is from different country and there are Americans that had similar ability.

Changez's annoyances towards Mike and Chuck during their trip in Greece were thought-provoking. Not only does he talk about the "ease with which they part ways with their money," but also how they treat their elders. I believe the author did this to show that Pakistani and American cultures differ. I can predict that culture will be a recurring theme, affecting Changez's future relationships and view of America.

After reading the first 20 pages of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, I noticed that we never hear what the American Tourist says. This makes me curious about why the author chose this approach, as it gives the impression that the main character, Changez, is narrating his story. So, what is the purpose of writing it as a conversation with the mysterious American man?

Over these first few pages of the book i have found very intriguing how the author has managed to have only one character speak while the other one which is part of a conversation we have to depict his sentences by the reaction of the main character. This book also made me feel knowledgeable of Islam as it subtly mentions practices and customs of it. I also felt a sense of understanding to pakistanis' environment.