Summary

This section starts with a title page headlined December 1989, and a quote from Judy Garland, “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, rather than a second-rate version of someone else” (133). Reza’s chapter begins as he describes Judy’s simple home. It has worn furniture but Reza likes it compared to his ostentatious and ornate home. Reza blows on the tea that Judy’s mother made for him, and she mentions how, “you Persians are masters of tea” and Judy scoffs at this racial comment and they argue back and forth (136). Judy puts her hand around Reza’s waist and Reza feels like an impostor.

Mrs. Bowman goes to her book club while Judy takes Reza to her bedroom. Reza thinks about how easy it was to meet Judy’s parents, and thinks about how nothing is easy for his family. He thinks...