No Cap

         Its shocking to me that at any time I could come home and there would be a letter waiting for me telling me two things: My land is necessary for some government project and I have a matter of months to evict. I have very little recourse, either accept the money that Im being offered or take the matter to court. I speak to my neighbors who all get similar letters, and although everyone is upset there is no one who is willing to fight. I myself am in the same boat; although leaving my house is the last thing I want to do, I have never been a fighter. I want to be a Gandhi and stand up to the government, but spending a fortune on lawyer fees just isn't an option. Even if I did I would just be gambling that I wouldn't be shut down in court. However much I want to stay, I eventually buckle. I take however much the government says my land is worth (although the number is questionably low) and leave. Then one day bulldozers come and like a fire destroy everyth...

Alayio, or The one who food isn't enough is the African name Asagi gives Benetha. There are several reasons why he chose this name for her; for starters, it is a reference to her dreams. While reading the book I was under the impression that becoming a doctor has been something she had wanted for a long time, and is willing to work incredibly hard for. Considering that she is a black woman in the 50s, she's at an incredible disadvantage. Food is not enough for her because she is starving to get ahead in life. In another sense the name is due to her curiosity. One of Benethas most defining characteristics throughout the book is that she constantly has a new 'thing' she's exploring. She is in a race to expand her horizons, and she does this by exploring hobby after hobby. Whether its by learning new instruments, being a civil rights activist or exploring her African heritage her search for her identity is something Asagi sees clearly. Not only does Asagai see this, b...