Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

Padma Venkatraman’s Born Behind Bars is another ‘Battle of the Books’ title this year, and I’m so glad that pushed me to read it. (It’s been on my radar, yes, but who knows when/if I would have gotten to it?) It’s a story reminiscent of Soontornvat’s A Wish in the Dark, except that where she marries Thai culture and fantasy, Venkatraman writes fully realistic fiction. Each features a boy who leaves jail–the only world he’s ever known–when still a child, but Venkatraman’s Kabir lives in modern-day India and is hoping to find his father’s family, even though (as far as his mother knows) they know nothing of his existence. Luckily for him, a Roma girl who lives in a tree takes him under her wing and helps him find his way; what transpires is poignant, hopeful, and so good that I can hardly wait to check out more of Venkatraman’s books. Go read this one!

In the meantime, I finally started wrapping yesterday, we have successfully filled our church-cleaning assignment for the month, and I think all I have left to shop for before Christmas is food items. (Of course, since I won’t be in Idaho with my side of the family until mid-January, I’ll still have some shopping to do afterwards.) Good luck in all of your Christmas preparations, and when you’re extra stressed, may you find your peace in Christ.