April 1, 2020

Reese Chats with Alka Joshi on Why She Picked The Henna Artist

“Never in my ten-year journey of writing this book– did I ever think that the Henna Artist would be picked by Reese’s Book Club–so thank you so much!

Reese Chats with Alka Joshi on Why She Picked The Henna Artist

“Never in my ten-year journey of writing this book– did I ever think that the Henna Artist would be picked by Reese’s Book Club–so thank you so much!

“Never in my ten-year journey of writing this book– did I ever think that the Henna Artist would be picked by Reese’s Book Club–so thank you so much!

My mother was the main inspiration for my book. When my mother was 18, her father took her out of school and said “I have arranged a marriage for you” and that was to my father. So she was trained to be this very obedient woman and follow her family choice for her to get married. Within four years she had three small children and her life was never her own. She never got to make any of the major decisions in her life, but she made sure that I as her only daughter would always be able to make my own decisions. So she gave me such a gift with her teachings and encouragement. She always said I was so brave, so courageous, so kind and so smart. So I wanted to give her the gift back. My gift was reimagine her life as a woman who could make all the major decisions in her life. And that is what Lakshmi was able to do in ‘The Henna Artist'”.

Watch full video here:

"This is a love story and it is better, by far, than any of the ones I dreamed up in the past. If I’m allowed a wish, just one, then it is this: I wish for our story to have a happy ending."

We are still reeling from the beautifully heartbreaking writing in Broken Country. If you haven't read it yet, grab a copy at our link in bio.
"I quite literally told anyone who would listen about this book."

📷+💬: @lorraineslibrary
The Three Lives of Cate Kay and its love stories alway brighten our day. 🌈☀️
You know and love The Last Thing He Told Me. Now it's time to get ready for its sequel: The First Time I Saw Him, available January 2026!
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"As I came to understand my path as that of a writer, I realized that my family didn’t have much in the way of material things to pass down, but had stories, had representations of the life we lived together on this earth, and folks before me had representations of the life they lived and survived so that I could be so privileged to be here to tell you all about it…and that for me is the legacy."

Thank you, @delana.r.a.dameron, for sharing Redwood Court with the world and reminding us why it's important to tell stories. Experience the beauty of Redwood Court at our link in bio.
When a book you adore gets a companion ✨ 

If you loved Seven Days in June and everything it celebrates, you’re in for a treat. In Audre & Bash Are Just Friends, @tiawilliamswrites revisits the world of Seven Day in June and gives Audre the main character treatment. Start reading to find out why first love stories never lose their magic.
Inspired by this sweet moment of nostalgia in Tom Lake to take the time to appreciate both the past and present this morning. ✨
Listen up book lovers, we’ve got a new podcast brewing, and you won't want to miss it.

Reese's Book Club is excited to announce, Bookmarked, the podcast that goes behind the scenes with your favorite stories, characters, and authors. Books are stacked high, tea is piping hot. You in? 

Press play every Tuesday starting June 24th, available on the @iheartradio app, @applepodcasts, or wherever you listen.