Summary

In Book Three, “Fall 1987 - Summer 1988,” “Clock Radio,” Razia spent “Saturday mornings” at Taslima’s house listening to “Casey Kasem’s American Top 40” on “Aliza’s clock radio” (99). Listening to music together brought the girls closer.

In “Last Christmas,” although Razia’s and Taslima’s families “didn’t celebrate Christmas,” they had traditions surrounding the season (103). While readying for their festivities, Razia watched Taslima become frustrated with her hair. She longed for a haircut, which the girls “weren’t allowed” to get (105). During their feast later, Razia was surprised to learn that the Italian neighbor had “dressed as Santa” for Taslima’s brother Suheil the previous year (107). She was even more overwhelmed when Taslima and Aliza gave her a George Michael cassette. The friends spent “the night listening to the album and dancing” (110).

In “Garden of Rocket Ships,” Razia’s and Taslima’s...