Unusual Normality - Ishmael Beah

A word or phrase that suggests a particular feeling or idea, beyond its literal meaning.

The quality of being advanced or refined.

A belief that all members of a group share common traits, often negative or inaccurate.

The process of regaining physical, mental, and social health after a traumatic experience. It can involve therapy, counseling, and support groups.

A sign or indication of something that will happen in the future.

A difficult or challenging situation.

The state of being normal, ordinary, and without unusual or distressing features.

A document that allows a foreign student to study in a country for a set period of time.

An official letter acknowledging the student's school attendance and academic achievements.

To add something to a conversation or discussion, often to provide further information or clarification.

The state of being involved in a war or other conflict.

The author, Ishmael Beah, arrived in New York City as a young man, leaving behind his homeland, Sierra Leone, which had been ravaged by war.

The story emphasizes the stark contrast between Ishmael's past in war-torn Sierra Leone and his new life in New York City. This contrast highlights the dramatic change he experienced.

Ishmael arrived in New York with only a passport and lost his luggage. This symbolizes the loss of material possessions and the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

The author's lighthearted reaction to losing his luggage suggests his resilience and ability to find humor even in difficult situations. It may also reflect a sense of detachment from material possessions.

The author's experience in Sierra Leone profoundly impacted him. This included witnessing the death of his family and being forced to fight in the war.

Despite the hardships of war and the loss of his family, Ishmael begins anew in New York, hoping for a brighter future. This is evident in his optimistic view of a 'fresh new start.'

The author's journey from Sierra Leone to New York City is a significant life change. It represents a transition from a troubled past to a new beginning filled with hope and possibility.

The author's use of personal anecdotes and reflections allows readers to connect with his experiences and understand his perspective on identity and resilience.

The experience of violence can be quite different for someone who lives it compared to someone who only imagines it.

The narrator learned that his new friends glorified violence in a way that was unrealistic because they had never truly experienced it.

The narrator's experiences in a violent world led him to develop strategies for staying safe, such as avoiding predictable routes and being aware of surroundings.

The narrator found solace in the memories of his childhood friends, despite the violence he had experienced.

The narrator's friends helped him to experience a normal childhood that he thought was no longer possible.

The narrator and his friends had a rollerblading adventure that involved taking risks and facing some minor consequences, but they had fun together.

The narrator's friend offered to take him and a group of friends to upstate New York, suggesting a trip to a new environment.

The passage highlights the impact of experiences on understanding and perception, particularly when it comes to violence.

The physical features of an area of land, including its size, shape, and layout.

Steps or strides taken while walking or running.

Behaving aggressively or overly proud of one's masculinity.

Done with intention or on purpose.

The first and most important rule in warfare is to never underestimate your opponent.

To blend in with your surroundings, like a chameleon changes its color.

To adjust to your environment and make use of its resources.

To be skilled and effective at something, especially in a surprising or unexpected way.

A strategy used in warfare that emphasizes surprise attacks and unconventional tactics.

To make something less concentrated or intense, often by adding water or another diluent.

A feeling of being free from worry or stress, often experienced after something difficult has ended.

To behave in a way that is childish or immature, despite being older.

The state of being unaware or innocent of the harsh realities of the world.

The feeling of being afraid or intimidated by someone or something.

To participate in something, often by being involved in an activity or event.

The lack of something, especially something good or desirable.