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These questions were developed by Michelle Superle
Chapter One
- In this
chapter, many exciting and then scary things happen to Anu. Almost
all of these things are described through his five senses: sight, sound,
touch, smell, and taste. Find examples of descriptions that use the senses.
- For example, on Page 2: “The air smells of fall—of dampness
and leaves.” This is a description that uses the sense of smell.
Next comes, “Afternoon sunlight filters through the tree tops, and
a breeze lifts my hair.” This description uses first sight and then
touch.
Chapter Two
- The
three medics who come to help Bapu all have different ways of treating Anu
and Bapu. Describe the ways they act. How does each of them make Anu feel?
Chapter Four
- What
is the difference between how Anu acts when Bapu dies and how his parents
act? Why do you think Anu has such a very different experience?
Chapter Six
- Anu does
all sorts of things to help himself feel better after Bapu dies.
What are some of the things he does? Do they help him? What do other people—Anu’s
and his parents’ friends—do to help Anu’s family feel
better?
- What sorts of things do you do to make yourself feel better when
you’re really sad?
Chapter Seven
- What
does Izzy collect? What does Anu’s family collect?
Chapter Eight
- Bapu’s
story seems strange to Anu, but Bapu has an important reason
for telling it. Can you think of what the story might mean?
Chapter Nine
- Izzy
knows a lot of facts—Anu thinks she’s like an encyclopedia.
Where does she get some of her information?
- What
do Anu and Izzy believe about Bapu?
Chapter Ten
- Anu’s
parents don’t agree with Anu’s ideas about Bapu. Why not?
Chapter Twelve
- Why
is it so important to Anu to keep Bapu’s belongings? What does he
rescue from the boxes in the garage? Why this particular item?
Chapter Thirteen
- Why
does Bapu come to Anu in his dream? What special message does he have for
Anu?
Chapter Fifteen
- How
does Anu feel at the airport? Why?
Chapter Sixteen
- What
does Anu believe about Auntie Biku staying in Bapu’s room?
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
- What
does Anu do to try to become holy?
Chapter Nineteen
- In this
chapter, Anu feels like he’s being holy sometimes and not holy
at other times. Describe each of these experiences.
Chapter Twenty
- Why
does Ma think it’s so important for Anu to wear a wig?
Chapter Twenty-One
- Anu does
all sorts of things to act like a sadhu. What are they? Which
one would you do if you were a sadhu? Which one seems the hardest to do?
- At
the end of this chapter, does Anu feel holy? Do you believe that
acting like a sadhu will help Anu to get Bapu back?
Chapter Twenty-Two
- Something “sacred” happens
between Anu and Andy. What is it? Why is it “sacred”?
Chapter Twenty-Three
- What
does Anu have to do to get the fortunes just right? Is it difficult or easy
for him?
Chapter Twenty-Four
- Why
does Anu decide not to write fortunes anymore? Do you agree with his reasons?
Chapter Twenty-Eight
- What
does Dad believe about Bapu’s ghost?
Chapter Thirty
- Why
can’t Anu and his friends go to see Karnak? What happens when Anu
tries to talk about his problem with the guard? What reasons
does she give for Anu not being allowed to enter? Does this seem fair
to you?
Chapter Thirty-One
- What
is the difference between the real Karnak and the Karnak in Anu’s
dreams? Why is Anu so disappointed with Karnak?
Chapter Thirty-Two
- Why
does Anu finally decide that it might be for the best to “let go” of
Bapu?
Chapter Thirty-Three
- This chapter,
almost the end of the story, is very similar to the beginning. List the things
that are the same and the things that are different.
Enhance Your Book Club:
1. Visit http://hinduism.about.com/od/artculture/ss/wearasari.htm for an illustrated step-by-step guide that teaches you
how to wear a sari.
2. Visit the online sari shop, Sari Safari,
http://www.sarisafari.com/, for a virtual textile tour through
the tremendous range
and variety of weaving, dyeing and embellishing traditions
of the Indian sari.
3. For more interesting information about saris, read the
book THE SARI, by Mukulika Banerjee and Daniel Miller
(Berg Publishers,
2004).
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