Ask+Me+No+Questions+2

=//Ask Me No Questions//= by Marina Budhos

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Discussion Time: 4W, Friday January 14, 10:55-9:25

Group 2 Members: Carter D Lani G - Facilitator Andrew T Amber B Zack G Erik C Carla N* Christine V*

Clarifying Questions: - Why is Nadira's Uncle so harsh and traditional? - What do Taslima's parents have against Tim?

Discussion Questions: What did you feel was the most important theme in the novel? Which Character do you think develops the most over the course of the novel? By the end of the novel how do you think the relationship between Nadira and Aisha chance? Why do you think Uncle and Auntie constantly compared their previous life to the one they have now? In your opinion what do you think was the most important scene in the novel? Do you think there could be a religious connection or theme that includes Ali-Uncle? Do you think something like in the case of Nadira saving her father, by pointing out very hard to miss mistakes is realistic? After reading the book how do you feel about immigrants in America? Did you feel the book had the idea that lawyers didn't help? Do you think Nadira actually helped her father when she went to his hearing?

Characters: Nadira - The Narrator, 14 year old girl from Bangladesh Taslima - Nadira's Rebellious Cousin Ali-Uncle - The Hossain's Family Friend Abba - Nadira's Dad Ma - Nadira's Mom Auntie - Nadira's Aunt Aisha - Nadira's Sister Mr. Freidlader - Aisha's Teacher (helps her meet with colleges and wants her to succeed) Mr. Rahman - Lawyer Nadira's Uncle

Narration: - First person narration by Nadira

Setting: - In New York City - Burlington, Vermont

Themes/Motifs: - Nadira's jealousy of Aisha - Nadira's laziness - Differentiation from customs of Bangladesh - Being unnoticed - Aisha's education - Nadira's obesity and desire for food

Style of Writing: What was your opinion of the writing style? How fast did you read this book? Did you like the use of present tense?

Significant Passages:

"She holds out her hand as a peace offering. I look at her slender wrist, the single bangle glinting against the bone. No way am I sticking together with Aisha. What that really means is I'm supposed to do whatever she says, and then she gets all the credit. 'Forget it,' I reply, and then I shove a spoonful of Jell-O in my mouth, get up, and head to the buffet for more."

"'I always thought you ere the brave one. But now I think you're the coward, Aisha.' I see her stiffen a little, but still I press on. 'You gave up because everything stopped being easy. Just because you couldn't conquer this thing like you always did. I think, Aisha, that you're always thinking about doing or saying the right thing. Wearing the right cloths. Blending in. But sometimes . . . sometimes you have to tell them who you are. What you really think. You have to make them see us.'"

Miscellaneous: Immigrants Post 9/11

Immigrants post 9/11 have had a hard time in America with many hate crimes as well as problems with the US government, Although some immigrants(Muslims in particular) come to see the hate and restrictions as a way to better them selves and start to raise civil rights as an issue in their communities. Also they raise voting rights and start grass roots movements against new laws like the Patriot Act.

Click here to view a video on a man who was deported to Dhaka (where Nadira and her family are from) and his reason for deportation.