Henry Moskowitz > Recent Status Updates

In this section of the book, we get to see an important reaction from Changez on the bombing of Afghanistan. The attack makes him feel angry and sad because innocent people are suffering. It makes him see what America really is and pushes him to question America's actions. I think this feeling will later on be a factor in why he distanced himself from America.

Erica and Changez’s relationship seems interesting to me, as I think Erica represents America. Changez is drawn to her, but she is emotionally stuck in the past because of Chris. This suggests that, just like Erica, America will eventually push Changez away. Even though he wants to belong, I predict America will make him feel alone as it becomes less accepting of him.

Starting the middle third of the book, reading how Changez was pleased after the Twin Towers were destroyed was shocking. After hearing the news in Manila and flying back to New York, he felt uncomfortable on the plane because of his appearance. I asked myself why he felt pleased. I think he felt pleased because the attack made America seem less powerful and forced him to face feelings of anger and not belonging.

Changez and Jim’s interview stood out to me and was easy to relate to. Changez focused on his grades and academic success, while Jim asked questions beyond academics to see what made him different from other candidates and useful to the company, which helps Changez grow by valuing more than intelligence. This reminded me of school interviews because schools wanted to know what made me the right choice.

On the back of the book I remember reading a little about Erica, and in the first 40 pages we start to see who she really is through Changez’s eyes. He notices how smart, quiet, and kind she seems, and can’t help but be drawn to her. I’m really curious to see how their relationship will change the story and how Erica might influence Changez’s thoughts and choices.

Throughout the first chapter of the book, two things stood out to me: the tea shop and Princeton. On the outside, Changez said it didn’t look super fancy but had some of the best tea he had ever had. Princeton, on the other hand, looked fancy from the outside, but he felt the students were average. This comparison shows appearances can be misleading and suggests Changez will look past first impressions.

Our class theme Non Sibi, not for oneself, relates to the book. Wes could have protected Uncle Frank because he is family, but he does what is right instead. When Wes says, “I believe in this world people must pay for their crimes. It doesn't matter who you are,” it shows he cares more about justice than himself and puts doing the right thing above his family’s reputation.

What stood out to me while reading was Davie’s identity crisis. On page 120 Davie says, “Then being a Hayden would mean having an identity I didn’t want but could do nothing to disown or deny.” This connects to the real world because many people struggle with their identity. I predict that Davie will begin to understand himself better and grow.

After Marie dies, Wes arrests Frank and keeps him in their basement so he doesn’t face humiliation. What didn’t surprise me was how Grandpa Julian reacted when faced with the information. He was shocked that Wes would do that to his own brother. Julian didn’t care what Frank had done, only that Wes was the one holding him accountable. I wonder how this will affect Wes’s relationship with his family.

It shocked me to find out that Marie Little Soldier died. What didn’t shock me, though, was that Frank was involved in suspicious ways. On page 88 we find out Frank was with Marie right before she died. It wouldn’t surprise me if Frank did something to Marie to keep his secret from getting out. I think Frank did something to Marie. It will be interesting to see how Wes responds to this information Davie is sharing.

On page 81, I reconnected with how Davie views his dad’s job and his dad in general. Davie realizes his dad’s job is actually serious and not like what he sees in movies or on TV. This helps him see that the real world is tough and life isn’t a game. It also shows Davie growing up and starting to think more like an adult. I predict more events like this will shape how Davie approaches problems.

At the start of the book, Uncle Frank is described as a war hero, handsome, athletic, and admired by everyone. Ollie Young Bear is also described as a respected and beloved Native American in the community. After learning about Uncle Frank’s dark side, I wonder if Ollie Young Bear might also be hiding something. It’ll be interesting to see if they share similar flaws.

I was very shocked to learn that Uncle Frank had been sexually assaulting Indian girls. It was very shocking because he was described as a war hero and was respected by people in the town. It was also interesting seeing the emotions of Wes learning what his brother was doing. It will be interesting to see how Wes deals with this and what happens to Frank.

I was confused about why Marie refused help from Frank even though she was clearly sick. She kept saying “No doctor” and “I’m okay.” Whenever the mom mentioned Frank, Marie panicked, couldn’t breathe, and got feverish. After Frank went in to check on her, he came out acting normal but sweating heavily. I have a guess about what happened, but it’ll be interesting to learn who Frank really is.

It stood out to me how the son feels free when away from town. He wants to grow up in the wild, enjoying horseback riding, fishing, and shooting, which shows his love for independence and adventure. His care for Marie also stood out, showing his kindness and thoughtfulness. I’m curious to see how his bond with her and his struggle with the town will develop through the story.