based on the book Q & A by Vikas Swarup
978-0-7432-6748-9
Scribner, NY 2005
318 pages
Plot Summary
Jamal Malik & his brother grew up living in a garbage heap in the slums of India yet he ends up on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?," and through luck and cunning he wins the hearts of millions of Indians (and he hopes the heart of the woman he loves, his childhood friend), and ends up winning the grand prize as well.
Critical Evaluation
Slumdog Millionaire won the Academy Award for Best Picture last year. Somewhat loosely based on Vikas Swarup's book, Q & A, the movie follows orphaned brothers trying to survive in the slums of India. This book vividly portrays the violence surrounding the grinding poverty in India's cities, and is sometimes visually disturbing to watch, but always compelling, and ultimately uplifting.
Reader's/Viewer's Annotation
Slumdog Millionaire traces Jamal Malik's life from his childhood in the slums of India to his rise as a contestant on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." During the time he is on the show, he wins the hearts of his fellow countrymen.
Author's Info
Vikas Swarup is an Indian diplomat currently serving in South Africa. Q & A, his first novel has been translated into 34 languages and is the basis for the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
Genre
Crossover adult novel/ movie
Curriculum Ties
current world history - could lead to discussions on childhood poverty
Booktalking Ideas
1. Jamal and his brother are taken away to the "orphanage," lured by Cokes. Is this a good thing?
2. Jamal realizes that his brother now works for the man who was the feared "landlord" of their childhood slum.
Viewing/ Interest Level
High school through adult - violence is too graphic for younger children
Challenge Issues and Defense
graphic violence, sex, language, smoking , drinking
Oscar winner for Best Picture
Rave reviews, including "dazzling" according to the NY Daily News
Why I Included This Book/Movie
Lots of teens (including my own) were going to see this movie and said that it was great.
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