Boo's book (Pages 50-75)

  While reading about Manju, my impression of her was that she was a soft-spoken, yet incredibly strong young woman who is also kind.  The fact that she was determined to go to college was really incredible, especially for the environment she was surrounded in.  As I was reading this passage in Boo’s book, I kept on thinking about the chapter concerning Asha and how she talked about how her manipulative ways with those in Annawadi (and with the Corporator) were the only way that Manju was able to attend college.  I weighed these options, considering whether it was true or not, and I decided that sadly, it probably was.  So, my next question to myself was how a society where one had to manipulate in order to get somewhere that should be already presented as an option (in this case, a higher education) could still exist?  Then I realized that these types of societies are all around us, and I am just ignorant to the fact, having been blessed with an opportunity to pursue a career that is more than homemaking.

  As for who Manju reminds me of, I would have to say myself, just because of her willingness to sacrifice for her family and determination to get through school.  We both love to teach children/people as well (my current job is tutoring special needs kids on the weekends), which I really loved about her.  Concerning how we are not alike, I would say that I would probably not have been able to bite my tongue as much as she did, and in admitting this, I also recognize that this makes me weaker than her, for she endured what I consider unimaginable and unbearable.  Manju is a strong young woman who is confident without being overbearing (like her mother), which is just another out of the many reasons for why I love the role that she plays within the unpredictable culture of Annawadi.