Jinyang Xia’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update

I felt glad after reading chapter 10, where Changez finally gets the chance to put Erica aside and focus on himself. Most importantly, I'm glad that he did not lose his identity, as Juan compared him to a janissary. It felt like a wake-up call for Changez, and for me as a reader, about how power and success can blind people. I really feel Changez's change; it is like a major turning point in the book.

I was shocked when Changez only stayed in Pakistan over the break, then his parents sent him back. I felt that way because normally, if people went back to their hometown, their parents would hope them stay longer. Moreover, I felt glad for Changez later, since he didn't lose his identity; he didn't shave to demonstrate that he is a Pakistani. I really wonder what Changez would do later, when the war intensified.

I feel more discomfort after reading chapters 7 and 8 as Changez faces suspicion and adversity after 9/11. I felt shocked watching how quickly public fear turns into prejudice, making ordinary spaces feel unsafe. Moreover, I sympathize with Changez, who is also being isolated, stuck in a phase of self-internal conflict. I hope to see what Changez would react to later in the book.

The situation of Changez and other foreigners from middle east is just getting worse after 9/11, where I felt uncomfortable seeing muslims being murdered. This made me notice how fear and prejudice after 9/11 affect everyday life. Changez’s growing anger and confusion show how he feels less accepted in America, which pushes him to question his identity. Maybe later, he will relinquish the American Dream.

After reading the 9/11 incident, I felt worried for Changez's future. He discovered his distinct identity does not match the American dream that he tried to pursue in New York. I'm also impressed by what Erica did. As time goes by, she still can't get over the death of her ex boyfriend chris. If I were Changez, I would leave Erica and completely leave her behind, since she is always missing her ex and getting drunk.

I am glad to read that Changez is feeling successful and steady in the extremely competitive company of Underwood Samson. The only thing is that I don't like the company's main belief, ignoring people and other factors. However, when he went to Erica's home, her dad's actions and words made me feel a little disappointed, as he is used to the stereotype of Pakistan and comments on the corruption of the country.

I felt both impressed and uncomfortable. Changez seems proud of his success at Princeton and his new job, which made me feel glad for him. At the same time, I felt uncomfortable because he judges others harshly and seems way too eager to fit into American culture, distancing himself from his roots. I wonder if these actions would change his original identity.

At first, I'm impressed by how sharp the main characters observation was. He can see alot of hidden details on the American. The American really gives me a sense of weirdness, where he always have his coat on and sit near the wall, not what a normal tourist would do. Also, when Changez describe how hard it is for an international student to get in top schools, I resonate with him alot, where I understand his stress.