One Amazing Thing

“There had never been a time when so many adults had depended on her for something crucial, something they could not do. It made her feel taller.” 

Having lived in her brother’s shadow for most of her life, Lily feels a sense of pride in being able to help rescue Tariq under the trapped ceiling. Ironically, despite the fact that she is chosen because she is the only person small enough to fit in the space, the assignment makes her feel “taller.”

“Apologize to a woman and she would gain the upper hand. Mangalam knew better than to let that happen.” 

“Removed from the elegant choreography of the chants he depended on, he was stumped. What did people say to their Maker, anyway? In which tone did they register their complaints or pleas?” 

When Tariq is trapped, he begins to feel helpless. He is ashamed for his actions, for causing more trouble for the group and also for depending on Lily, a young girl, to rescue him. He turns to God because he doesn’t know what else to do. However, he recognizes that being part of a group is how he connects with God, through the chants and traditional words of the prayers. In the same way Tariq depends on others in his faith, he must rely on those in the group to save him.  

“‘Everyone has a story,’ said Uma, relieved that one of them was considering the idea. ‘I don’t believe anyone can go through life without encountering at least one amazing thing.’” 

As the tension begins to grow within the group, Uma suggests that everyone share a story from her life. At first people are skeptical, saying they don’t have anything remarkable to share. However, Uma insists that everyone has at least “one amazing thing” about their life. The fact that this is also the book’s title affirms the power of telling stories. 

“They were ready to listen to one another. No, they were ready to listen to the story, which is sometimes greater than the person who speaks it.” 

Despite their differences, the group is able to bond through the act of telling their stories. By listening to others describe intimate moments from their lives, previous distrust is dissolved as they realize just how universal life experiences are.

“When I told him I loved Mohit he said, Can fish love birds?”

To Jiang’s father, her love for Mohit is incomprehensible due to their cultural differences. However, he eventually grants them his permission to marry. This distrust of people from different backgrounds is also displayed in the visa office where members of the group initially judge each other based on stereotypes. 

“Forgive me, he said. I love you, but I can’t fight a whole country.” 

Despite being in love with her, Mohit rejects Jiang because the war going on between India and China has caused anti-Chinese violence to tear through Calcutta and he fears for Jiang’s safety. Although Mohit probably feels he is doing Jiang a favor by ending their relationship, Jiang is let down by Mohit. This leaves some unresolved feelings on Jiang’s end and it seems as though her trip to India is partly to seek out answers about what exactly happened.  

“Is the boy unhappy? No. When you’ve known only one thing all your life, you accept it as natural.” 

Mr. Pritchett’s story is about growing up as a young boy in poverty. Although he and his mother did not have much, his memories of her are generally happy ones. After his mother dies and he is sent to live with foster parents, who are able to provide for him better and encourage his talents in math, Mr. Pritchett still misses the times he had with his mother.