Due 02/28/13

The most important thing I learned from reading this book was how similar all cultures are no matter how different the customs and languages may be. Each culture has unique characteristics that make them particular, yet reading this novel made me think about the similar situations that can occur in every other culture. Saying that the United States is the opposite of Annawadi would result in a massive fallacy. Though we cannot completely relate to what living in a slum might be like, we can clearly see that what happens in slums is no different than what happens in parts of the United States.  Similar types of people exist in the midst of our own culture; both good and bad. Katherine Boo clearly illustrated each character in a way that allowed the reader to think about the manner in which some of the individuals acted as a result of their surroundings. I admire Boo’s writing style because she not only included narrative, but she also tied in the facts of this culture in very subtle instances. In the description of Manju, Boo describes Manju’s aspirations, desires, scenarios and thoughts that mold together to create an overall depiction of Annawadi from Manju’s perspective. Katherine Boo does this for most of the characters; this type of narrative is fascinating because it shows perspective from so many different characters. A great part of my criticism is positive due to the great enjoyment I received in reading this novel. Slight disappointment occurred at the end of the story when Boo decides to close the novel awaiting Abdul’s trial. I felt like it was cut short since the overall story is so descriptive. At the same time, the way it ended made me put in to thought what could have occurred, how it would have affected Abdul, and what Abdul’s life might like now.