This is a beautiful thank you note/love letter from a son to his mother as he reminisces over the hardships of growing up in pre/post Apartheid Africa. (I only hope my son can look back on his childhood and my guidance as Trevor does his mother. ) Trevor's humor allows you to connect with him and the tragedies that unfold. It is witty and thought provoking. How does one go from being born a crime to comedy genius? A powerful understanding of words.

Two stories. Almost 100 years apart. Lessons can't be learned unless the living are willing to listen. And it just doesn't seem like we've really learned them yet. This YA novel gives voice to the Tulsa Race Riots and challenges us to not only call out those past tragedies but grow from them.

Stepping into Lakshmi's sandals and traveling back to 1950's India was one of the highlights of my literary year so far. I've finished several books since The Henna Artist, and yet my mind still wonders back to Lakshmi, what she persevered through, how she endured, and where her life would be now. This is a stunning and beautiful story, so much so that my meager review pales in comparison.

After finishing The Henna Artist, I couldn't quite let go of the culture and dove directly into this novel about Punjabi Indian women in a London community. The question this book poses: Are all women (and their needs/desires) intrinsically similar no matter what their culture? Based on the stories these Punjabi women tell (some of which were quite eye opening), I'd say, yes, indeed. While I'm not even a big fan of romance novels and steamy scenes, I was endeared to these women and their desire to bust free of the walls and expectations encasing them.

(I'd also add that the "steamy scenes" are only a small piece of the novel, not the novel in and of itself. Don't let them keep you from reading this book. There is much more to the book than steam.)