Outside Reading Book-2nd Quarter

I Am Nujood Age 10 and Divorced

“I am a simple village girl who has always obeyed the orders of my father and brothers. Since forever, I have learned to say yes to everything. Today I have decided to say no.”

Speaker: In the novel, Nujood the 10 year old girl is the main speaker in the novel. This serves as a way to show her problems in a unique way. Thus, using her innocence makes the whole situation so much more dramatic.

Occasion: Nujood wrote this book in order to share her story and touch others. Although difficult at first, Nujood used this novel to essentially galvanize her audience and inspire other girls to stand up to their husbands. 

Audience: Unwittingly, Nujood did not advertise the novel toward a certain audience. The subjects that are discussed are vulgar, including rape and overall mistreatment of women. Despite the seriousness of these subjects, Nujood describes her experiences in a naive way, fundamentally balancing out the two subjects.

Purpose: Nujood Ali’s childhood came to an end in 2008, when she was married off. Sick of harrowing directness, Nujood obtained her freedom by escaping. In this inspiring novel, Nujood Ali discusses Yemeni customs and how her her own family contributed to her experience. By the end, Nujood describes her unforgettable story of tragedy, triumph, and courage.

Subject: Anguished to say the least, Nujood an innocent 10 year old was put into a marriage that she did not want to take part in. Forcibly, Nujood was put into a situation that she could not escape from. Nujood’s marriage was violated when her husband stringently forced her into having sex, isolating her from her family, and beating her. One day, while visiting her family she is asked to get bread from the market. Confidently, she had to go to the courthouse to fight her case. Later that week, she meets a women named Shada who led her to the right road. After winning the case, Nujood is able to inspire young girls to go against their partners and to not settle for what they do not deserve. She continues her life in school, and dreams of a her future. Changing her family traditions, she was able to fight for what she believed in.

Rating System: This novel is a powerful autobiography. None the less, it is the most heartbreaking novel, yet considerably heartwarming at the same time. I would recommend this book to all because it really shows the importance of courage and bravery. 

Favorite Song

The Way I Am- Ingrid Michelson

 

In Ingrid Michelson's classic The Way I Am, she approaches her audience in a playful way. The song is very cheerful and makes you smile. In addition to its lighthearted tone, the song can be interpreted as  a way of explaining your love for someone. Loving someone unconditionally.... anything is possible. 

Ingrid says, "If you were falling then I would catch you"this is far more than the the literal explanation; it has an underlying metaphor that illustrates appreciation for your friend, family member or even your companion. Instrumentally the song is relatively simple, but that is what makes the song so great. Being able to make your audience react without a giant climax is refreshing because 21st century music is very bold and sometimes somewhat vulgar. This song highlighted simplicity as a musical vitality and importance in soulful singers. Ingrid Michelson's songs have become very popular to a variety of ages and still acts as a reference to many Indie artists today.