Summary

In Chapter 10, while the characters discussed the implications of Malathi’s story, “they heard a cracking, yawning sound” (129). Cameron said it was “the ceiling on the other side of the room,” “a part of it—hopefully not a very big one—is getting ready to come down” (129). Cameron told them that their “best bet is to stand in the doorways” (129). Malathi said that she chose her story because “it was the only time in my life I did something brave” (130).

In Chapter 11, Tariq told the story of his life as a Muslim in post 9/11 America. One day while attending university, his mother called him several times in a row. When he picked up, he found out that the his father had been arrested under dubious pretenses. “We’d heard about things like this. Government agents, some said the FBI, would pick up people...