So you've read The Great Escape now. In 100 words or less, identify the part of the book that is most likely to stick with you the longest.
What's your take away?Don't answer this question until you've finished reading the entire book. Claiming to have read the book without having done so would be dishonorable. Far better to take a late penalty than to sacrifice your integrity for a grade. Owning your life choices can be the first step to enlightenment.
These people’s lives will forever be ruined while they were reunited with their families in the end however, nothing can make up for the years they missed. I cannot imagine the pain this caused especially when they found out that their families could have joined them much earlier had ICE not been covering up their involvement with Signal. When this information was shared they were not punished. There were no criminal charges against anyone involved. When I read this my mind was blown and it made me angry, therefore, this will be sticking with me for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI think the most memorable part is the end of the book when Saket goes to talk with Ladner. He lists the wrongs against the immigrant workers, but Ladner through the whole talk is almost confused. After there talk Ladner goes back to his truck to leave, but comes back to Saket He says he has dementia. Saket realizes that his one goal, which was to make Ladner realize the impacts of his actions was unattainable. It makes me remember that even though good can come from a situation there will always be that one thing that will haunt you.
ReplyDeleteTo me the most memorable part of the book was when Soni was describing what had happened to Rajan. "But I promised to call him back. I never did.” To me it is so heartbreaking that he was a crucial player in the movement, but he never got to see the fruits of his labor. Some people can only dream for so long, so when it seemed as though they may never win, he gave up. He never got to see Niagara falls with his wife. ICE had taken all of his time and his will to persevere.
ReplyDeleteA part of the book that will stick with me comes from when Saket Soni meets with Alvin Ladner at the end. Ladner played a crucial role in stealing from the men what money can not replace: time. Living in the South, we see plenty of people like Ladner who view immigrants like Soni says on page 324, as “workers, not full human beings.” A gut-wrenching feeling comes from the realization that after committing a career to hunting human beings, Ladner will eventually forget the choices he made and the lives he harmed. This moment connected me to a world, issues, and frustration I have never had to worry about becoming my reality.
ReplyDeleteThe time each worker spent without their family is the part of the book that is most likely to stick with me the longest. For example, wives were fearful of their relationships with their spouses. In addition, many children grew up without a father present in their lives. Although the workers did this to support their families, they sacrificed priceless time with them. Reflecting on the book challenged me to weigh the price of time against my desire for wealth. This will likely stick with me the longest because it questions a man’s value of money.
ReplyDeleteMost salient among many takeaways from the Great Escape is the fact that even despite the monstrous odds arrayed against the band of Signal workers, they secured victory against a broken system. In stepping into an entirely different and largely hostile country, these workers were still able to win a future for themselves and great recognition for the extent to which the world of the worker is broken and needs rectifying. They recognized that their struggle, though one of individual rights, was bigger than any one of themselves, and for their sacrifice and bravery they have won my avid admiration.
ReplyDelete-Eli Grasso
When Soni visited with the men’s families in India, there were a wide array of reactions. The way Mr. Narayanasany spoke to Soni was that of kindness, understanding, and respect (258). After reading that chapter, the interaction between the two stuck out to me. Mr. Narayanasany understood that even though Soni failed, he tried. I really liked reading that. It means a lot to know that even if you fail, you still tried your hardest. It’s a really sweet sentiment that people don’t often think about.
ReplyDeleteWhat some people will give up in order to be an American citizen. This is a luxury many of us don’t think about and take for granted. They will spend twenty thousand dollars and commit fraud for a chance at citizenship because it means freedom from the caste system. They want to be successful by working hard, not being born into it. I am inspired by the lengths they will go in order to have what we have. We owe it to them not to waste it and achieve the success that America offers.
ReplyDeleteThis was a tough decision for me. The part of the book that hit me the most was Soni talking about the relationship he had built with Rajan, and how he had wished their time ended in a better manner. Going from narrating the book to him talking about his life now and how hard it was for him to take Rajan’s death really touched me. They had gone through so much together and grew such a strong relationship, and it all fell apart. Losing a friend is terrible, but especially when they had been through so much together. Seeing how their friendship could maybe have been salvaged at the end with just the answer of a phone call made it all more heart wrenching. My takeaway is to always hold the ones you value most closest. When you go through that much with someone, I can’t even imagine letting that friendship end. Value others as well as valuing yourself.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I will take away from reading this novel would be to cherish the time you spend with your family members. Although I would do anything for family and close friends, I would never wish to have to spend that much time away from them. I also admire how hard and how much the workers were willing to sacrifice to better the lives of their loved ones. This novel reiterates the value of time as well as the empowerment one receives when they must give up something they love for an extended period. In addition to the importance of sacrifice, I also resonated with the idea of if you want something done, you must go out and pursue it. I try to apply this mindset daily and this novel showed me the importance of chasing the call to action.
ReplyDelete-Zachary Idlett
What will stay with me the longest is the despair of these people. They are faced with impossible circumstances and there is no easy-- or indeed even fully legal-- solution to help them. It is an important thing to learn about and remember. As born American citizens, we too often forget and take for granted the leisure and securities of our lives, reading stories like this puts our lives back into perspective.
ReplyDeleteThe men that were sent to the “man camp” for work really stuck with me and made me think about how long they endured poor living conditions when they were promised better. Also the thought of those men having to leave their family behind and pay ten times the amount that they actually needed to pay stuck with me. It’s sad to think about the men calling home and lying to their families about their living and working conditions. These men sacrificed a lot of time away from the ones they loved and that’s time they could never get back.
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ReplyDeleteI loved seeing how many people fought for these men’s futures. Not because they were seeking fame, glory, redemption, or anything else. They did it because it was kind. They did it because it was right. These workers deserve what they worked for and so many people of different, or similar, backgrounds knew that. So, what is my takeaway? My takeaway is knowing that there are people who do extraordinary things in the name of being kind. With the intention of doing what’s right.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that I gained from the book that will stick with me the longest is the effects of catastrophes. How the 9/11 terrorist attacks had such a major impact throughout; how the entire situation began from Hurricane Katrina. This made me reflect on just how impactful these things are, how the events may be localized, yet the whole world suffers in unison. It opened a new path of thinking for me, wondering if whatever current situation I may be in stems from a major event that I do not know about.
ReplyDeleteMy takeaway will be how serious the term "desperate times call for desperate measures" is to some people. How those who are doing whatever it takes to provide and protect their families can make them do such desperate things to do so, this book made me realize too that no matter what situation I ever encounter, it surely will not be as horrific as what these workers and families had to go through, I take for granted my American freedoms and just how stable my life is, I forget that in this same land that some are just fighting to provide for their families on a day to day basis, this was truly a reality check for me and it will stick with me for a great time.
ReplyDeleteEthan Starr^^
DeleteHonestly, I cannot even comprehend being away from my family for that long. Just the mental strain those fathers and husbands had worrying about their wives and their children, and vice versa, must have greater than what was able to be put into words. Migrants, legal or not, do get treated roughly as it, it seems like it doesn’t matter why you're here if you did not come here in the preferred way then you have a high likely hood of just being deported. I think what will stay with me is the knowledge of the absurdity of all of the events these people had to go through.
ReplyDeleteWhat will always stick with me is Rajan and Saket seeing each other for the last time in the car. Admittedly, I thought the tale of 'Immigrant Dreams in America' was going to end bittersweet, and so I found myself split between the men in the car. Watching Saket plead and plead for Rajan to listen, only for Rajan to plead and plead for his own appeals years later is very depressing. They were no longer brothers, only distant relatives with different goals: a survivor, and a seeker of the fight for justice.
ReplyDeletePOST-TAKEAWAY NOTE: I had put off finishing up until only recently, when I remembered that a COVID diagnosis didn't excuse my time in good health procrastinating on reading assignments. I'm still glad I had the resolve to finish this, because this book will help me remember what many will forget.
The part of the book that is most likely to stick with me is throughout the story and how it describes Aby's yearning to meet his son Bobby and wife Bincy. I cannot imagine leaving someone I loved for such an extended period of time and having a child I had never met. More importantly, the anticipation and emotions Aby had to have felt waiting for them at the airport.
ReplyDeleteThe part that I found most impactful was the interview with Ladner. The workers had come so far. They reunited with their families. They had all obtained visas to live freely in America, but there was still this anger that Saket Soni was holding for the men. He thought, "This, this will satisfy us. This will be the closure for everyone." Due to Ladner's Dementia, Soni was unable to witness the sweet acknowledgement of his wrongdoings. Some bad things happen and some bad people go unscathed, the peace has to come from within. There's not always closure.
ReplyDeleteThe part of the book that will stay with me is the circumstances that these men were faced with. Being completely helpless in a place that looks at you like a ghost had to have been so hard. I feel like it helped me to realize that sometimes we need to get to know someone's story before judging. These men were just trying to provide for their families, and instead their hard work was taken advantage of by business men.
ReplyDeleteThe section of the The Great Escape that will stick with me the most, and a part that I have thought about every single day since reading, is certainly their march to Washington D.C. The dedication these men had towards reaching their goal of T-Visas, even when the whole world was condemning their actions, is truly admirable. Most people will conceit when opposed with any small amount of opposition; however, these immigrants were willing to fight an entire government, even if meant their death. Their dedication is a prime showcase of the indomitable spirit of man.
ReplyDeleteSomething that I take away from The Great Escape by Saket Soni is the message of fighting for what’s right, no matter the odds. Spanning a couple years, Saket Soni rounded up and brought around 500 people out of a trafficking situation filled with fraud, threats, and legal battles. There were moments where it seemed absolutely hopeless, like when ICE took over the investigation, but because of their determination and trust, they pulled through and got what they wanted, and much more. Tens of thousands in cash for each, Signal in bankruptcy, and citizenship for them and their family.
ReplyDeletewait, nevermind. huh.
DeleteThe thing that stuck out to me the most was just how long the immigrant workers were in America and separated from their loved ones. They were stuck in a foreign world for years and experienced so much pain in those years. It is one thing to take on hardship, but it is much more difficult to take on hardship with no end in sight. I cannot imagine how the men must have felt year after year, yet they still kept fighting for what they believed in.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Burnett wanted to help them at first only to be the one to hurt the people who praised him. That Alvin Ladner didn't want to chase immigrants. They went against who they were and ended up allowing others to suffer longer than needed. My favorite part was when Saket Soni went to apologize to the families. I thought it showed Soni's growth with the workers, but also the true tragedy that was felt. I will remember that the immigrants continued to fight for truth even though they were at odds.
ReplyDeleteThe greatest takeaway for me was the idea that as long as hope persists, justice is attainable. There were often times in the book that, when looking at the circumstances, giving up seemed to be an understandable option. From the very beginning, the men had every odd stacked against them, and many more trials and tribulations constantly barricaded them from the justice they deserved. But, the work of Soni, his team, and the men’s constant effort allowed them to succeed. It shows that even in a sometimes cruel and unforgiving world, hope can be the deciding factor for change.
ReplyDeleteOne part of the book that will stick with me is when Paul Konar is on a hunger strike. He was the oldest of them all and put his health at risk for change to happen. It amazed me that he was willing to die for the cause even though he had a wife and three daughters at home. My takeaway from this book is to remember that you do not know what people have been through in their life. You do not know what people had to face to get to where they are now. I for one could not imagine the pain these immigrants faced every day, and I never would have known their story if it were not for this book.
ReplyDelete-Abigayle Shropshire
For me, the most impactful part of the book was the thanksgiving dinner toward the end of the book. After years of hardship, from the trafficking, the escape, and the fight for justice, these men were able to come out the other side and were eventually able to bring their families over to America. Each man coped with the trauma differently: some of them would not talk to their families about it, and some told their wives everything. It's a stubborn reminder that although justice was served on the governmental side of things, these men will never be the same.
ReplyDeleteThis book really helped to show me just how resilient people can be. The migrant workers took the job opportunity to make a better life for themselves and their families.
ReplyDeleteDuring the book, we learn of a man named Giani. Giani is a Sikh who is forced to shave his beard or be deported. The decision between crippling debt and breaking his vow broke his character, but even when stripped of his humanity, he pursued and fought for justice.
This helped reveal their bravery and courage to fight for their rights as humans and the morality they faced through it.
-Rachel Bernardy
For me, I will remember the ending the most. The anger I feel over the lack of consequences Signal and ICE faced. While generalizing Signal and ICE is unfair to those who had no knowledge or involvement of the situation, it is easier to blame them. To learn that there was very little repercussion for those who were involved is heartbreaking. Signal and ICE hurt thousands of people causing emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual pain. In addition, the years wasted by covering up their actions are inexcusable and had devastating consequences for the Indian workers and their families.
ReplyDeleteThe most impactful part of the book to me was the thanksgiving chapter. It showed me that through all the hardships and depression life throws at you that there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. At the end of all the mistreatment and fighting they were all able to spend time together and bring loved ones over to America. The way these men made this an annual tradition and embraced the new arrivals shows that life will get better.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this book and several parts will stick with me. One chapter that really stuck with me was when Saket admitted defeat and visited the workers' families in India. Saket was ashamed and prepared to beg for forgiveness but was met with family members who craved a piece of their loved ones. Even those who were angry at the circumstances clung to the stories Saket shared and treated him as family. It was a beautiful picture of grace.
ReplyDeleteThe human mind is complicated and entwined with a sense of justice and morality. These men threw away their lives in India just for a chance to see the light of America. In the beginning, it was believed that morals should be thrown away to justify the wrongdoings the men created. By lying to obtain passports, the tangle of webs began. This was human, lying to obtain something greater. Worth it, right? What stuck with me the most was how fast it turned from them being human, to nothing more than mere “Indian workers” who whine, beg, and plead for necessities. Except that wasn’t what they were doing. From our side, as readers, our morals line up with the men. Most will agree that these men were being enslaved and treated as such. Yet, from the perspective of Signal, or at least those in charge of this operation, they believed in their twisted sense of justice. The men were here to do work, and nothing more. That was what they were hired for, right? It’s insane how fast things change once you’re on the other side. This is proven when Ghadge works against the men for his chance at a visa. The things humans will do to get what they want, twisting their sense of justice and morality… In some cases, much like the ones we read here, things get better and work out well. But the amount of cases we don’t hear about, the people who have experienced the same or similar situations, those will be the ones I will always think about. This book was eye-opening, but at the same time, it’s only one example of the monstrosities that happen in the world today. Not only will it haunt them, but hundreds, if not thousands of people who read this story.
ReplyDeleteThe parts of the book that stuck with me the most was the inhumane treatment that these Indian men suffered from while working for Signal. For example, the living conditions were absolutely atrocious all because the contractors decided to cut corners when constructing the man camps for these men. Because of the cut corners, the man camps were a breeding ground for bacteria and all types of sicknesses which affected these men in many types of ways ultimately making their heath decrease. What these men had to suffer through really does stick with me because it shocks me to think that people can put other individuals into situations like that, putting their lives and overall well being on the line. Another part from the book that stuck with me was how these men were not able to be with their family for years and years. Because they were gone for that long, they missed out on essential parts of their lives with their family back home and will never be able to get those moments back.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great read and something that I can heavily understand about these people is their desperation for a better life. These people left their homes with the belief of achieving the American dream and ended up going through so much. These are strong courageous people. When Javier was dealing with the smuggler for his child back I could only imagine what It felt like for him and I could not wish that on anyone. I think what that part speaks the loudest is that they are all people who are willing to do anything for a better life.
ReplyDeleteThis book was filled with many lessons and great key points to remember. However, one that will stick with me the most is my new perspective on the government. As a kid, I used to think that the government was there to protect us and could do no wrong, but as I got older, I quickly learned that the government is filled with corruption and does not always have our best interests in mind. Reading about how the government treated these men only made my discontent with our government grow.
ReplyDeleteThe part that I believe will stick with me the longest is the story of the strongman hunger striker. He had lasted well for a long time and had gotten some support as well as pride in doing so. But as his health deteriorated, he would not stop. He was willing to strike to the death for his cause. I don't have a wife of kids but I can't imagine offering to leave them behind for the sake of freedom. And he was not just doing it for himself, it was for others as well. That courage and sacrifice will stick with me. Another thing I will remember is the shock of Ladner's dementia and the relation it has symbolically with our society.
ReplyDeleteOut of everything in The Great Escape, the part that will stick with me the longest is the fate of Rajan. In the story he and all the other workers go through the same struggles and face almost the exact same challenges. The only thing that set them apart was the fact Rajan had given up, and in the end, he never got the chance to truly be free the way he wanted. It truly made me realize that just the slightest moment of weakness could change someone’s whole life, it is a rather terrifying thought.
ReplyDeleteThe book The Great Escape was as thought provoking as it was unforgettable. That being said I believe that the part that will continue with my as my journey will carry on is the fact of the book no human had charges pressed against them. That no one did, or ever will face punishment(other than monetary) for their crimes. I think that the outcome for the Indian workers was great, and I'm glad that in the end they got to receive American status. However, I believe someone should be held responsible for the crime of trafficking. One may note that the scheme was corroborated by many, and no one individual trafficked these poor Indian workers. In response, I would say that although that is true, there is several key persons that have in fact played a large part in the scheme. One may note; Michael Pol, Alvin Ladner, Sachin Dewan, and Malvern Burnett, as without these key figures, none should have the idea for guest workers, ICE would not have taken over the investigation, no one would have the market of jobs and none would have the man-power to create all of these visa applications. In all, I believe the book was a very worthy read, and I would in fact read it again, and given the chance would love to learn more, in person, such as meeting the author or any of the workers affected by this horrendous act.
ReplyDeleteIn reading The Great Escape, a lot of things became landmarks or things I will forever remember. I think with any piece of literature you consume, you become changed. That point still remains true for me as I have completed Saket Soni's The Great Escape, but when I think about what will stick out to me the most, I think of a person, not a memory. That person is Aby. Aby was a good man, a voice of reason to many, and the only person who could really rally the men. My favorite memory of Aby is on page 288. ICE, for context, had gotten the men right where they wanted them, and instead of investigating Signal, ICE was investigating the men. They were claiming visa fraud on the men (270). But Aby had done what he was meant to do: remind them why they were fighting. "But then, late at night, every night, I call India, and I talk to Bobby. My son. My life. He is almost three. I've never seen him. But he knows me. He calls me Daddy. Daddy. So how can I be dead? If he says Daddy, I must conclude that I am somehow still here." Aby then goes around asking the men who their "life" is—a chilling turning point in the book. All hope was lost, but Aby didn't do what so many men had started to do. He did not forget—a theme encouraged in the book. Let us not forget. Let us honor. Let us serve. That is my takeaway. Let this book be a reminder of those who fought and those who are still fighting unseen. Let us not forget the men and women who fought for freedom, some spending their last breath.
ReplyDeleteThis is somewhat of a vague answer, but throughout the entirety of the book, the thing I kept noticing the most was their fervent determination. There were so many moments in which they could've given up, but they had so much riding on this opportunity that they had no choice but to keep going. I think about how easy it is for me to complain and give up on simple tasks, and then I think about these men and the seemingly impossible task that was ahead of them, and how they never really seemed to look back. It was inspiring, yet also hard to read in some spots just because of how real it really is. This book also gave me a new perspective, because I had no idea how that process happened until now.
ReplyDeleteThe part that will stick to me the longest is the passage when it is revealed just how separated he had become from the workers’ mindsets by Rajan asking him about how many rupees equal a dollar. All of them were so desperate and afraid that they would do almost anything to get themselves out of debt and free from the risk of deportation. Even sell each other out.
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