Chapter 7: One hundred percent American

Dave describes Susan as "one hundred percent American" when Maryam tells him that Susan wants a "real Christmas" despite having all of the traditions and decorations. Is it a uniquely American trait to always want more or to worry that others have it better than we do? Or is it simply a human reaction to be disappointed by our idealized expectations about life that we build up in our minds?

Maryam also says "everything would be different if only you belonged". I think all humans beings, whether they have lived in the same town for their whole lives or whether they have traveled all over the world, have moments when they wished they belonged. Everyone has times when they feel alone and that they don't fit in.

Wishing things are different than they are always gets us in trouble.