Welcome to this Blog. Please complete two postings; one must be original and based on your own interpretation of the book, the other must be a response to a classmate's post.
I was disapointed to finish this book. There was no climax or climbing point which annoyed me. Also, I felt as there were no twists in the book and some things seemed to make no sense. I wasn't expecting the father to get out of prison. When Parvana met Shauzia I was not surprised since it made sense that they had to after getting kicked out of school. The biggest surprise/twist was when Parvana's mother announced they would be going for Nooria to get married. In the end, I liked that they were planning to make a new school where Homa came from and was sad when they couldn't.
Maria I totally agree with you. When I finished this book I was a little angry that I had to read the entire book, and nothing interesting happened. I do however think that it was a bit of a twist when Parvana met Shauzia, although it wasn't a very big twist. I also thinki that Parvana's sister getting married ws a big twist, almost to big of a twist, it was very random and it surprised me that the author would do that.
I totally agree with you Amanda. I believe I know why they didn’t take the mother; I believe they didn’t take the mother because she was a women and the Taliban have the women constricted so they can’t do much of anything. If this is not the reason, it could possibly be because it doesn’t say that the mother went to England for her education. My last theory about this is that maybe women aren’t allowed in the prison. For now, these are just loosely based theories, but maybe later on in the book we will know.
I agree with mostly all of you, except that in my opinion, I can't give the book a good rating. When I started reading the book, I felt that the author was not prepared and it was as if he just sat down and wrote. I though felt that one quote made a difference to me. When Parvana's father said "That mountain is Mount Parvana," and Parvana did not beleive him, it was significant when he said "people name mountains. I am a person, and I name it Mount Parvana." Samara, I extremely agree with the quote that you chose, and I also feel it helps sets the book.
Through out reading the book so far, one of my favorite chapters is chapter 2. My opinion I liked how the chapter started and also liked how it ended with a question. I also enjoyed it because there was some action to it. On page 30- 33 I was pretty surprised how the soldiers burned into their house and grabbed their father. When the mother said “Leave him alone!” mother screamed “He did nothing wrong!” I felt bad for the children to see and hear that. While the mother was fighting with the soldiers one of them grabbed a rifle and basically whacked her in the head with it, then she fell down. Unfortunately the children had to see that probably wondering if their one and only mother was going to be alright. When they took their father because he was educated I wondered why they didn’t take their mother as well since she is also educated and it still doesn’t say in the book.
In response to Maria's comment, I would certainly agree with you. However, don't you agree that when they saw the execution in the stadium started a twist? I found that part a little disturbing and raised questions about the well-being of Parvana's father. Anyways,I believe that Deborah Ellis could've written a more influencing novel which would create a larger impact on readers such as ourselves and would ultimately motivate us to make a difference in the world.
I totally agree with you, Samara, all though I think that they may not have taken the mother because if they took her and the father there would be no one else to take care of the children other than Nooria. Also, Maria I think that there wasn't any MAJOR twists in the book. In my opinion Louise, I think that when Parvana saw her friend Shauvia it was a bit predictable just like it was when Parvana was being turned into a boy.
Thank you, Maria for that agreement with all of us! I would also like to thank Tanvir for responding to my comment! Furthermore, I have a question for you, Tanvir. I agree with what you said about my comment, but I don’t know it the Taliban would care if there was no one to look after the children. What do you think?
‘The Breadwinner,’ sounded like an interesting read, filled with adventure and twists. Personally, I don’t think there were many good twists in the book, there were some but Nooria getting married just over did the book I think. “’We can win this battle!’ she cried. ‘Don’t give up hope! Pick yourselves up! Let’s go!’ Waving her veil in the air like a battle flag, she led the troops into a final rush at the British. The British had no chance. The Afghans won the battle.” (pg.29, line 1-6) I think this lady did make a difference but I don’t think that Parvana makes a big enough difference as her. Reading this part of the book kind of made my standards for Parvana higher cause I expected her to do something more heroic other than dressing as a man and working. I am disappointed with this book, its very bland and absurd; no offense. But I do believe that Parvana is a hero for her family because she is the main resource they have until the Ali and Maryam grow up, and is making a difference in her family members.
In my opinion, I believe that The Breadwinner is quite a good book so far. I believe that Parvana has made quite a big difference in the lives of her family, so far, by helping them. One reason why I feel this way is that she has agreed to be turned into boy in order to help her family. I believe I would do the same if I were in this situation. Another reason why I believe that she has made quite a big difference in her family, so far, is because she not only agreed to become a boy, but it was ultimately her choice. A quote from the book that supports and furthers my decision is when Mrs. Weera says, ‘“it Has to be you decision,” Mrs.Weera said, “We can force you to cut off your hair, but you’re still the one who has to go outside and act the part. We know this is a big thing we’re asking, but I think you can do it. How about it?”’ (Chapter six, page sixty-five). Yet, another reason why I believe this is because she goes to the market before she gets transformed into a ‘boy,’ which is extremely risky because the Taliban could approach her at any time. She also goes to the market after she has been transformed into a boy; she does this because her family needs food and she is trying to help as best as she can. Furthermore, why I believe this is because she goes to the market place as a ‘boy,’ to sell some items as well as, to read and write letters so she can make some money that will go towards the purchase of food and such to help her family. Overall, these are the reasons as to why I believe has made quite a big difference in the lives of her family members, so far, by helping them.
Samara, i agree with you, and I disagree with you at the same time. I agree with you that Parvana has made a difference in the lives of her family, and others around, but I disagree that you think the book is good. The book is well written, but the storyline is pretty boring and I found the characters to be boring.
Sorry, I don't mean to offend you, i just disagree.
I absolutely agree with you Samara about Parvana, how she has helped her family a lot. First, she helped her father to walk since he lost one of his legs from a horrible bomb. Parvana’s mother couldn’t be the one to help her father to walk because she had to help take care of the children. The children that were younger than Parvana wouldn’t be able to help her dad since they are too young. Also the oldest child “Nooria” shouldn’t be helping her father because she should help her mother take care of the children. So the only choice left would be Parvana since she is not too young and not too old. So to help her dad Parvana would have to go out to the village helping her dad sell things and buy some food for their whole entire family. Second, Parvana turned her self into a boy, like Samara has said. I felt bad for the family because that is mainly their only choice to get money and have food to change Parvana into a boy. When they said to Parvana (chapter 6 page 65) “It can be your decision,” Mrs. Weera said. “We can force you to cut off your hair, but you’re still the one who has to go outside and act the part. We know this is a big thing we’re asking, but I think you can do it. How about it?” I felt bad for Parvana because I could tell that she really wanted to help out her family, but also didn’t want to cut her hair and be someone that she was not. Amanda
I have to disagree with Justin's Point. I didn't find that the stadium incident was a twist. It didn't turn the books perspective around at all, nor did it change the theme or feeling of the book. Parvana had mentioned that “She didn’t want to know about any more about death or blood or pain.” (pg. 130). Also at that point in the story I had practically forgotten about the father and I didn’t question the fact that her father could have been one of those being tortured. That scene nor any other parts of the book didn’t have nearly enough emotion or thought put into it for its to be a remembered as dramatic twist or scene.
After reading the Breadwinner I was somewhat lifted and yet crushed with a hint of disappointment. The book The Breadwinner is about a young girl, Parvana, living in troubled Afghanistan. The book made me realize how difficult and hard living in like there.
I found the Breadwinner to be very plane and dull. There was no climax what so ever. There were only about 2 parts within the book that stood out from the rest, yet they were written very poorly. When Parvana’s father was taken by the Taliban because they claimed that “Afghanistan doesn’t need you foreign ideas” (pg.31), very little emotion was expressed throughout the book. They never elaborated on why he was taken or what it was like for him to be taken. The book never made you truly realize how horrible the event was. I felt that it was very dull, short and had no thought put into it. The only twist I found was when her sister was getting married, yet there was no emotions expressed about that either. Plus, the ending was a disappointment because nothing really happened. They planned on going out to search for the rest of the family, but nothing became of it.
This book deals with the problems that are happening in Afghanistan and how many people need help there, the country is unstable and tends to have problems functioning. Sometimes I wonder if someone would be able to help those in Afghanistan and especially help the women there.
In conclusion, This book was not a “page turner” nor was it exciting. It was quite dull and very little emotion was sent through the pages to the readers. But the only thing I was left with after I finished the book was that I realized how hard it is to live within Afghanistan as a women.
I think that the author is trying to give the book a great message, but it just doesn't come through. I think that if you gave those characters and that story idea to a different author, it would be a great story. I think the characters were a little weak, and the story was boring, overall I disliked this book.
I have to agree with Louise, The characters are very weak and they don't seem to be very unique or different. It seems as if they are almost all the same.
What is the message do you beleive the author was trying to send?
I think the author was trying to send a message of how lucky we are to live in North America, and she definitley sent that message and I got it. I don't think that she gave the message in the right way and could've written better.
Now to Louise and Megan, I agree as well. The characters didn't fit the book, at least not in my opinion.
I found that “Breadwinner” so far isn’t a very exciting book. I find its one of those books where you read half way and you want to stop. Even though that I am only on chapter 10, I think that this book isn’t very well thought threw. So far all I’ve read is that soldiers bust into Parvana’s home and takes her father away, and that she had to become a “boy” to make money and help buy things. Up to now the only twist that happened was that Parvana has met with Shauzia, but that isn’t a very big twist. And I think that she has made a difference; not in the world but for her family by becoming a “boy”.
So far in the book The Breadwinner it is quiet boring book to me and is not really a page turner yet. One thing I don’t like in the book is that women were not allowed to work and they weren’t allowed out of the house without a male or a male’s note. Parvana’s sister is not allowed to work, but not Parvana because she isn’t a woman yet. When The Taliban kicked all the girls out of school I felt so bad for them because they then had to go to work. Parvana went to work with her dad in the market. Parvana’s dad sells his own personal belongings to get extra money. So far it’s an ok book and it’s getting more interesting and it’s getting to be a page turner.
I have to agree with Amanda on chapter 2. It surprised me about the soldiers and the burning and I felt so bad for the children. I am wondering why didn’t they take her mother because she is educated as well. Chapter 2 is my favourite chapter so far.
I am just wondering how you think it is a page turner at such an early stage Courtney. At that stage of the book it was boring to me but later on you have seen that it gets interesting. But please reply to the comment i asked becuase I am interested how you thought it was a "page turner" as you phrased at such an early stage.
Like Maria I was extremely disappointed to finish this book. The book over all was dull until Parvana’s father was taken away by the Taliban (pg. 30-33). A quote I felt was very sad was on page 55, “‘you must be covered up! Who is your father? Who is your husband? They will be punished for letting you walk the street like that!’ The soldier raised his arm and brought his stick down on Parvana’s shoulder.” This was important because it showed how little rights woman had in that country at that time and it still happens today but woman have slightly more rights in that region. Parvana did not make a difference at all. Not even in a small way because who’s life did she affect? She didn’t do anything to her best friend Shauzia except hang out with her. The biggest twist in the book was when Nooria was going to get married and when it was found out that the city Parvana’s whole family was in was captured by the Taliban. I found that the ending was very dull because it ended very abruptly and also it didn’t explain how she would rescue her family. But some of the things that Parvana did for her family like digging up skulls was amazing to me because I certainly could not have done that if it were me.
Finishing the book, I wasn’t surprised but more disappointed because there was no climbing point or climax. Also, The Breadwinner came to an abrupt ending and left me with endless questions, such as, ‘did her mom, Nooria and little siblings ever come back?’ Also, the characters in this book were rather dull and not interesting. There characteristics were mostly the same as each other which was disappointing. At the ending there was a twist, Ms. Weera and Homa were leaving, but I didn’t really find that it changed the thought or the mood of the book because they weren’t the main characters of the book. Where as if Parvana was going to Pakistan it would be interesting to read her journey and it would’ve kept me locked in to read. I think that the author could’ve have made the book a bit longer and more detailed.
Comment to Anaahat, Courtney said is NOT really a page turner just incase you missed that.
But i agree with courtney, the book is what I would consider, OK at the start. But Anaahat, I have to say that i didn't find the later half of the book interesting at all! They kept going on about the same thing and nothing new really came up. All she did was work, talk to her friend (Plus, as i have mentioned-no thoughts or emotion was put into the book) making it even more dull) and then her parents left. Then she left to find her parents, and that was it.
The beggining I found was much for exciting for me.
SPOILER! After finishing the novel, The Breadwinner, in my opinion, I feel that one individual can make a large difference in the world. One reason that supports my reasoning is the magazine that Parvana’s mother, Fatana, published along with help from Mrs. Weera to let the world know what is really happening in Afghanistan. The making of this magazine was extremely risky, even though it was so dangerous to write Parvana’s mother really wanted this information to be heard. Since the Taliban took over women weren’t allowed to have jobs or even have a say in anything, this shows how dangerous it was for Parvana’s mother to make the magazine and how she must have really believed in it to risk her life for it. A quote that demonstrates how Fatana’s writings are going to help educate the world is “Tell your mother that copies are being sent out to woman all over the world. She has helped to let the world know what is happening in Afghanistan. Be sure to tell her that. What she did was very important and tell her we need her back, to work on the next issue.” (Chapter 15 page 164) Even the author writing this book has made a big difference in the world by raising awareness about this topic and all the proceeds from this book go to Women for Women in Afghanistan.
I don't feel that Parvana made a difference at all. The only true accomplishment was the fact that she helped her family survive by becoming a boy. She didn't even help her friend Shauzia get out of Afghanistan. This book more focuses on the problems in Afghanistan with women’s rights (as Maria mentioned) ect.
But Parvana’s Mother’s magazine that she wrote and published affected the world slightly. It was sent to many different places in the world and it talked about the troubles that women in Afghanistan are having while living there. It helped educate people about the problems and helps them realize that they need to do something in order to help.
depcResponse, possible spoiler! I do agree with all of you, Anaahat, Meagan, Tanvir, Maria, and Patrick. One reason, why I was disappointed with this book, as many of you have pointed out, was because the twists didn’t amount to be anything that was very exciting. For example, at the end of chapter eight, there is a small twist, but if you read further, you would find that the small twist was diminished by the way the author unravels the little twists. Furthermore, I too, found the characters simple, as many of you have mentioned. I believe the author made it this way because the lives of the Afghans life’s are most likely, dull because of there ruthless restrictions. One more reason why I was disappointed was because there was nothing more said about the window woman. Overall, these are the reasons why I was disappointed with this novel. Even though, I feel this way, I also believe that this story was interesting. I believe this story was appropriate making it more interesting. In other words, the author presented the story in a way I was able to understand and it brought up the topic about women’s rights, as well as the right of the general rights of the Afghan people, in a way that wasn’t incredibly disturbing. If this novel was more exciting, it may have also had to be more violent and disturbing. I personally wouldn’t like the disturbing violence and would not find it, in any way interesting. Furthermore, I believe the message was overall, very good at informing us about these horrific events. Although, we might have found the novel, a little boring and disappointing, I believe that the small twists at the end of the chapter kept me reading up to a certain point when the twists were unravelled at the beginning of the next chapter. To conclude, these are the reasons why I believe this novel was both, disappointing and interesting.
I did feel bad about what happened to Parvana’s family, and how tough it is to live like that. I cannot imagine my self in her shoes. I thought there were a few good parts through out the book but it is written very poorly. To me this book was quite boring and not exciting at all. When Mrs. Weera came in to the house to help their family, since the dad got arrested, I thought things would be okay but I realized that things don’t come back that easily. Parvana did make a difference in her family, she helped them a lot. Making money for the family, buying food for the family sure made the family happy. When her mom was publishing articles for the magazine, with the help from Mrs. Weera I thought it was a good idea to let the others in the world know what terrible things are happening to people.
I also forgot to type on my latest post that I thought that Mrs.Weera came up with a good idea but could be dangerous for Parvana to turn into a "boy." From the Breadwinner: The latest thing she heard before she fell asleep was Mrs.Weera saying "I guess we'll have to think of something else." Page 62 I thought that was great that Mrs. Weera thought about the family and was trying to help them out.
35 comments:
SPOILERS!
I was disapointed to finish this book. There was no climax or climbing point which annoyed me. Also, I felt as there were no twists in the book and some things seemed to make no sense.
I wasn't expecting the father to get out of prison. When Parvana met Shauzia I was not surprised since it made sense that they had to after getting kicked out of school.
The biggest surprise/twist was when Parvana's mother announced they would be going for Nooria to get married. In the end, I liked that they were planning to make a new school where Homa came from and was sad when they couldn't.
Maria I totally agree with you. When I finished this book I was a little angry that I had to read the entire book, and nothing interesting happened. I do however think that it was a bit of a twist when Parvana met Shauzia, although it wasn't a very big twist. I also thinki that Parvana's sister getting married ws a big twist, almost to big of a twist, it was very random and it surprised me that the author would do that.
I totally agree with you Amanda. I believe I know why they didn’t take the mother; I believe they didn’t take the mother because she was a women and the Taliban have the women constricted so they can’t do much of anything. If this is not the reason, it could possibly be because it doesn’t say that the mother went to England for her education. My last theory about this is that maybe women aren’t allowed in the prison. For now, these are just loosely based theories, but maybe later on in the book we will know.
I agree with mostly all of you, except that in my opinion, I can't give the book a good rating.
When I started reading the book, I felt that the author was not prepared and it was as if he just sat down and wrote. I though felt that one quote made a difference to me. When Parvana's father said
"That mountain is Mount Parvana," and Parvana did not beleive him, it was significant when he said "people name mountains. I am a person, and I name it Mount Parvana."
Samara, I extremely agree with the quote that you chose, and I also feel it helps sets the book.
SPOIlER FOR CHAPTER 2 WITH A QUESTION!!
Through out reading the book so far, one of my favorite chapters is chapter 2. My opinion I liked how the chapter started and also liked how it ended with a question. I also enjoyed it because there was some action to it. On page 30- 33 I was pretty surprised how the soldiers burned into their house and grabbed their father.
When the mother said “Leave him alone!” mother screamed “He did nothing wrong!”
I felt bad for the children to see and hear that.
While the mother was fighting with the soldiers one of them grabbed a rifle and basically whacked her in the head with it, then she fell down. Unfortunately the children had to see that probably wondering if their one and only mother was going to be alright. When they took their father because he was educated I wondered why they didn’t take their mother as well since she is also educated and it still doesn’t say in the book.
In response to Maria's comment, I would certainly agree with you. However, don't you agree that when they saw the execution in the stadium started a twist? I found that part a little disturbing and raised questions about the well-being of Parvana's father. Anyways,I believe that Deborah Ellis could've written a more influencing novel which would create a larger impact on readers such as ourselves and would ultimately motivate us to make a difference in the world.
I totally agree with you, Samara, all though I think that they may not have taken the mother because if they took her and the father there would be no one else to take care of the children other than Nooria. Also, Maria I think that there wasn't any MAJOR twists in the book. In my opinion Louise, I think that when Parvana saw her friend Shauvia it was a bit predictable just like it was when Parvana was being turned into a boy.
Thank you, Maria for that agreement with all of us! I would also like to thank Tanvir for responding to my comment! Furthermore, I have a question for you, Tanvir. I agree with what you said about my comment, but I don’t know it the Taliban would care if there was no one to look after the children. What do you think?
‘The Breadwinner,’ sounded like an interesting read, filled with adventure and twists. Personally, I don’t think there were many good twists in the book, there were some but Nooria getting married just over did the book I think.
“’We can win this battle!’ she cried. ‘Don’t give up hope! Pick yourselves up! Let’s go!’ Waving her veil in the air like a battle flag, she led the troops into a final rush at the British. The British had no chance. The Afghans won the battle.” (pg.29, line 1-6) I think this lady did make a difference but I don’t think that Parvana makes a big enough difference as her. Reading this part of the book kind of made my standards for Parvana higher cause I expected her to do something more heroic other than dressing as a man and working. I am disappointed with this book, its very bland and absurd; no offense. But I do believe that Parvana is a hero for her family because she is the main resource they have until the Ali and Maryam grow up, and is making a difference in her family members.
In my opinion, I believe that The Breadwinner is quite a good book so far. I believe that Parvana has made quite a big difference in the lives of her family, so far, by helping them. One reason why I feel this way is that she has agreed to be turned into boy in order to help her family. I believe I would do the same if I were in this situation. Another reason why I believe that she has made quite a big difference in her family, so far, is because she not only agreed to become a boy, but it was ultimately her choice. A quote from the book that supports and furthers my decision is when Mrs. Weera says, ‘“it Has to be you decision,” Mrs.Weera said, “We can force you to cut off your hair, but you’re still the one who has to go outside and act the part. We know this is a big thing we’re asking, but I think you can do it. How about it?”’ (Chapter six, page sixty-five). Yet, another reason why I believe this is because she goes to the market before she gets transformed into a ‘boy,’ which is extremely risky because the Taliban could approach her at any time. She also goes to the market after she has been transformed into a boy; she does this because her family needs food and she is trying to help as best as she can. Furthermore, why I believe this is because she goes to the market place as a ‘boy,’ to sell some items as well as, to read and write letters so she can make some money that will go towards the purchase of food and such to help her family. Overall, these are the reasons as to why I believe has made quite a big difference in the lives of her family members, so far, by helping them.
i agree with amandas comment. i don't think that hte children had to se their father draged out of the house, and their mother beaten.
Samara, i agree with you, and I disagree with you at the same time. I agree with you that Parvana has made a difference in the lives of her family, and others around, but I disagree that you think the book is good. The book is well written, but the storyline is pretty boring and I found the characters to be boring.
Sorry, I don't mean to offend you, i just disagree.
I absolutely agree with you Samara about Parvana, how she has helped her family a lot. First, she helped her father to walk since he lost one of his legs from a horrible bomb. Parvana’s mother couldn’t be the one to help her father to walk because she had to help take care of the children. The children that were younger than Parvana wouldn’t be able to help her dad since they are too young. Also the oldest child “Nooria” shouldn’t be helping her father because she should help her mother take care of the children. So the only choice left would be Parvana since she is not too young and not too old. So to help her dad Parvana would have to go out to the village helping her dad sell things and buy some food for their whole entire family.
Second, Parvana turned her self into a boy, like Samara has said. I felt bad for the family because that is mainly their only choice to get money and have food to change Parvana into a boy. When they said to Parvana (chapter 6 page 65)
“It can be your decision,” Mrs. Weera said. “We can force you to cut off your hair, but you’re still the one who has to go outside and act the part. We know this is a big thing we’re asking, but I think you can do it. How about it?”
I felt bad for Parvana because I could tell that she really wanted to help out her family, but also didn’t want to cut her hair and be someone that she was not.
Amanda
I have to disagree with Justin's Point. I didn't find that the stadium incident was a twist. It didn't turn the books perspective around at all, nor did it change the theme or feeling of the book. Parvana had mentioned that “She didn’t want to know about any more about death or blood or pain.” (pg. 130). Also at that point in the story I had practically forgotten about the father and I didn’t question the fact that her father could have been one of those being tortured. That scene nor any other parts of the book didn’t have nearly enough emotion or thought put into it for its to be a remembered as dramatic twist or scene.
After reading the Breadwinner I was somewhat lifted and yet crushed with a hint of disappointment. The book The Breadwinner is about a young girl, Parvana, living in troubled Afghanistan. The book made me realize how difficult and hard living in like there.
I found the Breadwinner to be very plane and dull. There was no climax what so ever. There were only about 2 parts within the book that stood out from the rest, yet they were written very poorly. When Parvana’s father was taken by the Taliban because they claimed that “Afghanistan doesn’t need you foreign ideas” (pg.31), very little emotion was expressed throughout the book. They never elaborated on why he was taken or what it was like for him to be taken. The book never made you truly realize how horrible the event was. I felt that it was very dull, short and had no thought put into it. The only twist I found was when her sister was getting married, yet there was no emotions expressed about that either. Plus, the ending was a disappointment because nothing really happened. They planned on going out to search for the rest of the family, but nothing became of it.
This book deals with the problems that are happening in Afghanistan and how many people need help there, the country is unstable and tends to have problems functioning. Sometimes I wonder if someone would be able to help those in Afghanistan and especially help the women there.
In conclusion, This book was not a “page turner” nor was it exciting. It was quite dull and very little emotion was sent through the pages to the readers. But the only thing I was left with after I finished the book was that I realized how hard it is to live within Afghanistan as a women.
Sorry for the long posting!
I think that the author is trying to give the book a great message, but it just doesn't come through. I think that if you gave those characters and that story idea to a different author, it would be a great story. I think the characters were a little weak, and the story was boring, overall I disliked this book.
I have to agree with Louise,
The characters are very weak and they don't seem to be very unique or different. It seems as if they are almost all the same.
What is the message do you beleive the author was trying to send?
*response to Megan*
I think the author was trying to send a message of how lucky we are to live in North America, and she definitley sent that message and I got it. I don't think that she gave the message in the right way and could've written better.
Now to Louise and Megan, I agree as well. The characters didn't fit the book, at least not in my opinion.
I found that “Breadwinner” so far isn’t a very exciting book. I find its one of those books where you read half way and you want to stop. Even though that I am only on chapter 10, I think that this book isn’t very well thought threw. So far all I’ve read is that soldiers bust into Parvana’s home and takes her father away, and that she had to become a “boy” to make money and help buy things. Up to now the only twist that happened was that Parvana has met with Shauzia, but that isn’t a very big twist. And I think that she has made a difference; not in the world but for her family by becoming a “boy”.
So far in the book The Breadwinner it is quiet boring book to me and is not really a page turner yet. One thing I don’t like in the book is that women were not allowed to work and they weren’t allowed out of the house without a male or a male’s note. Parvana’s sister is not allowed to work, but not Parvana because she isn’t a woman yet. When The Taliban kicked all the girls out of school I felt so bad for them because they then had to go to work. Parvana went to work with her dad in the market. Parvana’s dad sells his own personal belongings to get extra money. So far it’s an ok book and it’s getting more interesting and it’s getting to be a page turner.
I have to agree with Amanda on chapter 2. It surprised me about the soldiers and the burning and I felt so bad for the children. I am wondering why didn’t they take her mother because she is educated as well. Chapter 2 is my favourite chapter so far.
I am just wondering how you think it is a page turner at such an early stage Courtney. At that stage of the book it was boring to me but later on you have seen that it gets interesting. But please reply to the comment i asked becuase I am interested how you thought it was a "page turner" as you phrased at such an early stage.
I have not read this book, or started but I was wondering if you guys thought the main character made a differece in this book? If so how much?
WARNING SPOILER!!!!
Like Maria I was extremely disappointed to finish this book. The book over all was dull until Parvana’s father was taken away by the Taliban (pg. 30-33). A quote I felt was very sad was on page 55, “‘you must be covered up! Who is your father? Who is your husband? They will be punished for letting you walk the street like that!’ The soldier raised his arm and brought his stick down on Parvana’s shoulder.” This was important because it showed how little rights woman had in that country at that time and it still happens today but woman have slightly more rights in that region. Parvana did not make a difference at all. Not even in a small way because who’s life did she affect? She didn’t do anything to her best friend Shauzia except hang out with her. The biggest twist in the book was when Nooria was going to get married and when it was found out that the city Parvana’s whole family was in was captured by the Taliban. I found that the ending was very dull because it ended very abruptly and also it didn’t explain how she would rescue her family. But some of the things that Parvana did for her family like digging up skulls was amazing to me because I certainly could not have done that if it were me.
Annahat, I agree with you reading that quote it showed a lot about how women were respected and the rights they had back then and still today.
Finishing the book, I wasn’t surprised but more disappointed because there was no climbing point or climax. Also, The Breadwinner came to an abrupt ending and left me with endless questions, such as, ‘did her mom, Nooria and little siblings ever come back?’
Also, the characters in this book were rather dull and not interesting. There characteristics were mostly the same as each other which was disappointing. At the ending there was a twist, Ms. Weera and Homa were leaving, but I didn’t really find that it changed the thought or the mood of the book because they weren’t the main characters of the book. Where as if Parvana was going to Pakistan it would be interesting to read her journey and it would’ve kept me locked in to read. I think that the author could’ve have made the book a bit longer and more detailed.
Comment to Anaahat, Courtney said is NOT really a page turner just incase you missed that.
But i agree with courtney, the book is what I would consider, OK at the start. But Anaahat, I have to say that i didn't find the later half of the book interesting at all! They kept going on about the same thing and nothing new really came up. All she did was work, talk to her friend (Plus, as i have mentioned-no thoughts or emotion was put into the book) making it even more dull) and then her parents left. Then she left to find her parents, and that was it.
The beggining I found was much for exciting for me.
SPOILER!
After finishing the novel, The Breadwinner, in my opinion, I feel that one individual can make a large difference in the world. One reason that supports my reasoning is the magazine that Parvana’s mother, Fatana, published along with help from Mrs. Weera to let the world know what is really happening in Afghanistan. The making of this magazine was extremely risky, even though it was so dangerous to write Parvana’s mother really wanted this information to be heard. Since the Taliban took over women weren’t allowed to have jobs or even have a say in anything, this shows how dangerous it was for Parvana’s mother to make the magazine and how she must have really believed in it to risk her life for it. A quote that demonstrates how Fatana’s writings are going to help educate the world is “Tell your mother that copies are being sent out to woman all over the world. She has helped to let the world know what is happening in Afghanistan. Be sure to tell her that. What she did was very important and tell her we need her back, to work on the next issue.” (Chapter 15 page 164) Even the author writing this book has made a big difference in the world by raising awareness about this topic and all the proceeds from this book go to Women for Women in Afghanistan.
In response to Robby,
I don't feel that Parvana made a difference at all. The only true accomplishment was the fact that she helped her family survive by becoming a boy. She didn't even help her friend Shauzia get out of Afghanistan. This book more focuses on the problems in Afghanistan with women’s rights (as Maria mentioned) ect.
But Parvana’s Mother’s magazine that she wrote and published affected the world slightly. It was sent to many different places in the world and it talked about the troubles that women in Afghanistan are having while living there. It helped educate people about the problems and helps them realize that they need to do something in order to help.
depcResponse, possible spoiler!
I do agree with all of you, Anaahat, Meagan, Tanvir, Maria, and Patrick. One reason, why I was disappointed with this book, as many of you have pointed out, was because the twists didn’t amount to be anything that was very exciting. For example, at the end of chapter eight, there is a small twist, but if you read further, you would find that the small twist was diminished by the way the author unravels the little twists. Furthermore, I too, found the characters simple, as many of you have mentioned. I believe the author made it this way because the lives of the Afghans life’s are most likely, dull because of there ruthless restrictions. One more reason why I was disappointed was because there was nothing more said about the window woman. Overall, these are the reasons why I was disappointed with this novel.
Even though, I feel this way, I also believe that this story was interesting. I believe this story was appropriate making it more interesting. In other words, the author presented the story in a way I was able to understand and it brought up the topic about women’s rights, as well as the right of the general rights of the Afghan people, in a way that wasn’t incredibly disturbing. If this novel was more exciting, it may have also had to be more violent and disturbing. I personally wouldn’t like the disturbing violence and would not find it, in any way interesting. Furthermore, I believe the message was overall, very good at informing us about these horrific events. Although, we might have found the novel, a little boring and disappointing, I believe that the small twists at the end of the chapter kept me reading up to a certain point when the twists were unravelled at the beginning of the next chapter. To conclude, these are the reasons why I believe this novel was both, disappointing and interesting.
I did feel bad about what happened to Parvana’s family, and how tough it is to live like that. I cannot imagine my self in her shoes. I thought there were a few good parts through out the book but it is written very poorly. To me this book was quite boring and not exciting at all. When Mrs. Weera came in to the house to help their family, since the dad got arrested, I thought things would be okay but I realized that things don’t come back that easily. Parvana did make a difference in her family, she helped them a lot. Making money for the family, buying food for the family sure made the family happy. When her mom was publishing articles for the magazine, with the help from Mrs. Weera I thought it was a good idea to let the others in the world know what terrible things are happening to people.
I also forgot to type on my latest post that I thought that Mrs.Weera came up with a good idea but could be dangerous for Parvana to turn into a "boy."
From the Breadwinner:
The latest thing she heard before she fell asleep was Mrs.Weera saying "I guess we'll have to think of something else."
Page 62
I thought that was great that Mrs. Weera thought about the family and was trying to help them out.
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