Robby Anderson’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update

At the end of the book, it ends on a bad note, with Changez realizing he really doesn't fit in with American life and that he remembers he can't have the American life; he is a true Pakistani person who realizes he needs to be true to his country.

Page 130 Wainwright says, "I don't know whats up with the beard, but i dont think it's making you Mister Popular around here." This quote shows that Wainwright is looking out for changez and how the public is starting to see him as the book develops. He also says you need to be careful. Then Changez says, "I appreciate my friend's concern, but I do not take his suggestion. Changez is becoming his own person again.

In Manila, Changez feels like a soldier taken from his home to fight for America. He sees a Filipino driver look at him with hate, and he realizes he is working for a big American company that only cares about money, not people. When 9/11 happened, he was shocked to find himself smiling at the news. This makes him feel guilty and confused about where he truly belongs.

In this section, Changez’s trip to Manila, he starts switching up. He begins to notice how others see him, noticing a Filipino driver’s glare that makes him feel like a traitor to what is coming to happen. This sequence shows his return to 9/11 New York, where he is met with hate and suspicion, destroying his wish of being a true American.

Changez's name shows that he's gonna change in the story. He talks about caring about what's inside someone, not just how they look. However, when he was in college, despite having three jobs, he still wore nice clothes. It was like he was trying hard to fit in with everyone else. So, it kind of seems like he said one thing but did another, and that means he's probably going to have some big changes coming up.

Changez was very worried about his interview because he really needed it to go well for his family and his future. Changez was struggling to make ends meet, so he was working three jobs undercover, which his friends were unaware of. The interviewer also had those problems, so they became close due to many similarities in their personalities.

I remember reading about Erica on the back of the book, and early on, through Changez's eyes, we see her as smart, quiet, and kind, which draws him to her. I am looking forward to seeing how their relationship will develop and change both the story and Changez.