Book Review

BOOK REVIEW

Title: Who? What? Where am I?
Author: Aishah Moga
Reviewed by: Azeeza Saloojee

Even though it is history, writer Aishah Moga makes it seem so relevant and alive. Who? What? Where am I? is a heart warming tale of a family caught up in the net of Apartheid.

Set in the past, the one thing I really admired about this book was the fact that she had substantial proof to back up her story. She accomplished this by making note of some of the laws passed and implemented by the Government of that time. This is also a portrayal of her research and background knowledge taken into account into preparing for this book.

While the story is centered around a young eight year-old black boy; John and his mother have to deal with the problems facing his father and the laws which separate the family; it is also host to a white family living on the coast of South Africa.

While John and his family try to reunite, the story unfolds. Where the road leads to…it’s up to you to find out!

Introduction to Film Study

This was the best area of learning and the most exciting through the entire year. I enjoy watching movies but what is more important is the true essence of the movie, is it a form of history or relating to present issues. I had watched ‘The Kingdom of Heaven” previously but not with been so specific in the details of characters, scenes, camera directions and loads of other work put into developing a film. I think learning about films is very interesting as well as dealing with history in the film. Dealing with true historical issues expands your knowledge. I had actually started researching about the films plot as well as started reading history books. This movie was dealing with the Third Crusade, the surrender of Palestine, the story of Balian and the hero Saladin.

Planning a Lesson for the Grade 9 Students

We have instilled in our brains that we are the learners who sit on the chair and look at the person infront of us no matter if they are angry or happy or what ever else might be the issue. We then came across planning a lesson for learners a year younger then us. The lesson would be based on teaching a poem which we had learnt in the third term. We would have to elect a few teachers to conduct the lesson as well as take top responsibility. Planning of worksheets and so forth all would have to be done by us. What was vital to remember is the ways we were thought and the ways we incorporated technology, such as voice recording and power point presentations. Inshallah the task would go well, I will keep you updated on the final outcome.

Evaluation of Writing a Story Book

This project was given on the bases of a competition at the beginning, unfortunately in life I had lost track of time management and never hand it in on time. Though I did write it during my holidays. It was a very different and tricky assignment. Writing a book is not the same thing as writing an essay, more importantly we were writing it for children, Grade 3-6. My attitude at the beginning was just to get this irritating work out of my face and carry on with life, but after thinking of ideas and SWATING I grew a liking to the work. I decided to try my best and make a good book no matter how much effort I would have to put in or how much enjoyment I would have to sacrifice. This entire year I’ve been trying to improve my ways of speaking and speaking on a higher level. With this book I had to degrade myself to a beginner in reading. I tried to incorporate all issues I remember from my interviews with Apartheid activists as well as what I have read in the book. I successfully completed my story and typed it out. I had then sent it for binding and a few professional inputs to make it look neater. During this process I learnt how to have patience with people especially in the business department. Luckily I handed it in and I am pleased with what I managed to do.

Evaluation of Term 3

Each term has being getting better for me overall in English. I have developed more skills in working with my time management, this I think makes a difference in the way you work and how you do your work. We had worked in depth with the book ‘Cry, the Beloved Country”. When I say in depth I don’t mean doing line by line analysis but I mean by reading with understanding and capturing the big picture. It was a great book to learn due to the reason of me being a South African citizen whose parents and grand-parents were alive during the major struggle. The best project for the term was building Shanty Town and Modern South Africa; it was an eye opening experience to see the low and high life. Together with the play we did was really major fun. Together with exploring the internet during lessons and interacting with the outside world brought the story to reality. It was also nice to watch the movie with reading. One of the poems I did and I doubt I will ever forget is “the Abandoned Bundle”, that is truly a powerful and realistic poem. At the end of the day we should thank Allah for the things he makes possible, I also would like to thank my teacher Mr Sujee who has and always will inspire me. Last but not least to my friends who work closely with me and help willingly.