Writers in the Schools

Dear Ma'am,

I first heard about your books when I saw a press release for the film version of 'Mistress of Spices' starring Aishwarya Rai.

The story line seemed intriguing but then I follow a golden rule when it comes to movies based on books - always read the book first.

I put it into effect after I made the mistake of seeing "The Bridges of Madison County" in its celluloid avtar before I read the book.

I managed to read almost everything that you've published except for the poetry collection because our college library didn't have that.

Since I started working I've begun collecting your works although my favorite remains 'The Mistress of Spices'

I've enjoyed reading the Conch Bearer series too. I hope that when my nephew grows up a little more I'll find the time to read it to him along with the Harry Potter Series.

I find your books to be like the tales that my Grandmother used to tell me. My belief in believing and faith has been reinstated after reading your books.

I came across a copy of the Queen of Dreams when I was at a very low point in my life. I will not lie and say that the book changed my life, but it did provide a sense of comfort and the courage to move beyond a personal sense of betrayal that plagued me at that time.

I hope that you keep writing and delighting readers across age groups.

Your's Sincerely,

Madhudhar.

What is fourth grade? Year 4? Year 10? Lincoln, ENGLAND, United Kingdom

Hi Chitra,
I just finished reading "The Unknown Errors of Our Lives" and loved it, especially the way you write and think, it was very beautiful!

Hello Chitra,

my name is al seeger, i live in Savannah, GA, U.S.
My English 1112 teacher just recently introduced me to some of your work. Yesterday, i read "Clothes" - i found it absolutely fascinating and enoyed EVERY bit of it.
I just wanted to send you a quick comment, i hope to be back on this site again soon.

- al -

Hello Chitra, I left a comment on this post with Red Room. I often think 4th graders are my favorite students. I've always had good times when I visit their classes. I will have to leave some of their work on a comment a little later.
Here is a poem by a good friend of mine, on the next to last day of National Poetry Month. I hope you like it. And of course you know well about the craft of these literary "snares" we weave and knot and crochet.

Craft

Move the thread
she did tied a
thousand, thousand
knots, chains, flowers
What do you
make I said
A snare Oh I
thought it was lace
She held it to her face
What do you think
lace is anyway

-- Isabel Zuber, from RED LILY

Mrs. Divakaruni, I did the ice cream *_* it was a huge success my family loved it ~_~! Thank you very much for the recipe, next will be the curry ^^ best wishes!

Dear Chitra--I just read the blog on how the transition to children's books happened and was so moved by what you wrote. Yes, often we preach to the choir and the trick is always to figure out how to find new audiences that need to hear what we have to say. Books indeed are the way in which we enter each other's lives and hearts.

You are really a treasure, not just in the South Asian community but in the American community . Keep those books coming.

Thrity

Chitra
I am so glad you are writing for the children, I really wish they get interested in reading again. I have not read the book but sure I will.
I have a request how do we incorporate intergenerational themes. I have been in USA for almost 40 years and every phase of life poses a challenge, I think those of us who are graying in USA (or trying to hide the gray) have the responsibility of creating the global village, I try that whenever I get a chance but literature is so important media.How do we encourage our children to get the stories from the seniors and incorporate it in their writing , and also encourage the seniors to tell their story in a manner that interest children?

I love your style , the simplicity but the relevance is excellent. heard you in different occassions and I think you are a great mentor for Indian women of all ages.
We met briefly in Houston . NABC(took you aside in the hallway when you were leaving your college reunion) and in Toronto when you and Amit spoke.
I really want to start a writing group for 50 plus women, will be so theraoutic I think( I am a counselor by profession).

Love to hear from you. Keep up the good work.

I am coming to Houston for afew days (14th-18thMay) do you have any event during that time?
Currently I live in Cleveland ,Ohio looking for a South Asian writer's group , any lead?
Counsellors and writers make a good team as you know.

Take care
Chandana Sarkar ( can be your didi )