Echoes from Punjab was a deeply moving and enchanting story to read! The following is my heartfelt book review:
As a reader and author of non-fiction works, I am delightfully surprised by this beautiful novel, which was so well written that it could be non-fiction!
From the velvety soft book cover, to the pacing, the story moves at such an elegant pace, it can keep a reader meaningfully engaged from beginning to end.
As I read this endearing story, I learned some Indian words–even some new English words! I laughed, cried, and experienced many emotions–all the while I read about Jasmine’s journey.
Jasmine, the central figure and main character, has led a similar life to mine, except that I only moved to a different state in the USA, not to a completely different country (so obviously I did not have the racial or language challenges she had).
I so enjoyed the way the author interlaced descriptions of places in India, Indian history, and lots of Punjabi (the 10th most widely spoken language in the world) into her novel.
For example, in Chapter 2 – The Land of Milk and Honey, Daljit teaches us, “Tussi Punjabi ho” [you are Punjabi] as very early on in the story Jasmine meets a stranger in the U.S.A. who is also from Punjab. Somehow I knew I would love this book just by seeing the title of this chapter–as this is indeed what America is–The Land of Milk and Honey!
Speaking of favorites, Chapter 6 – The Twins knocked my socks off! My daughter is expecting twins and lives far from me, plus, I’d only recently learned of this glorious news when I began reading Echoes from Punjab! Obviously, synchronicity was working spectacularly for me! I read this chapter and the many to follow about Jasmine’s twins with eager excitement! I could really visualize so much of this story… Oh!! I love it so much!
I also truly grasped the richness of the vivid imagery the author detailed, both in the Indian scenes and in the northeastern U.S.A. Since, I lived a good many years of my life in the northeast, and traveled to many of the destinations that Daljit writes about, I had those scenes well set in my imagination. When she took me to India, a place I’ve only seen in many movies, well, I could paint them easily from her words.
What is hard to imagine is just how far away Punjab is from America. I’ve talked with several coworkers from India over the last few years who have tried to explain the travel time and how tiring it can be, so I have an inkling–but mostly it’s mind boggling to think about the actual distance, time, and money involved in the travel.
Chapter 9 with its aptly fitting title, The Journey, does its best to convey about the burdensome travel though. This chapter gives us shocking twists and turns in the drama of what is becoming Jasmine’s life–I won’t tell you what happens as I don’t want to spoil it for you–but I can say, that again, I’ve shared some of these life experiences and oh, how good it is to have them behind me!
On one particular page during The Journey, I can tell you that I absolutely agree that “I love my country as I love my mother but that does not mean I cannot see its shortcomings.”
I have so much respect and admiration for those who leave their home to go live in another country, as until I read Echoes from Punjab, I could barely imagine how one could be so far from loved ones, deal with a different language, culture, time zones, currency, racism, and so on! I have a hard enough time dealing with the fact that I have dear loved ones several states away from me within our own country, much less having to deal with all of those other pressures! I also believe one must really be dedicated to make such a sacrifice.
The Distressed Visit, Chapter 12 was intensely emotional for me. I was “with” Jasmine in every gut-wrenching moment! Having lost several friends in my life already, I know the pain of what she must have felt, and I grieved with her. When you have to say goodbye to friends, especially so far away, and when you have not seen them face to face in a long time, it can be especially difficult. Our family and friends are so important to us all! I think I now realize why so many people do not move away from their home places!
Chapter 20 – The Weddings, was as bright, light, and uplifting as The Distressed Visit was sad! Through Echoes from Punjab you get all of the ups, downs, good, not-so-good, colors, sounds, and intensity of life that one could want. I would smile and laugh, then reminisce of times gone by. I definitely could correlate several times of my life, alongside Jasmine’s up and down experiences. Thus, in the end, through sadness, grief, joy, and bewilderment, I shared her humanity. And I will be forever grateful to a new yet, dear friend who was thoughtful enough to gift me with this timeless book. (Thank you Rekha!)
Visit Rekha at her store in Sarasota, Florida:
1899 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34236
Or connect with her on Facebook:
A bit about me:
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, both available now.
I am available to come to your bookstore, crystal shop, acupuncture / chiropractor office, or other holistic / natural healthy lifestyle business for books signings and lectures. For information on both of my books, visit my Amazon author’s page — Click here.
If you’ve beat a chronic health challenge by alternative, integrative, or other natural remedy I’d love to hear about it.
I am interested in participating in any raw and living food’s festivals in Florida – if you would like to reach out to me to help you get that going!
Send me an email and keep in touch.
To learn more about me Click Here –>> Take it upon yourself to be healthy, joyful, vibrant, and beautiful.
UPDATE 9/12/2018:
The book that’s been in the making for 13 years, Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life, is now available for online sale and distribution (PDF format).
Buy it here: https://beingwhollyvibrant.wordpress.com/2018/09/12/book-launch-take-it-upon-yourself-to-live-a-wholly-vibrant-life/
Be the best version of who you want to be.
Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.
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Published by Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey
I'm the author of the book, "Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life”, as well as two blogs. I write about holistic health and wellness, and spiritual topics. My intention is to share what I have learned and integrated into my daily life to help uplift and lighten others. Everyone can live a balanced, soul-aligned, and wholly vibrant life!
I am all about Holism (think wholesome and holistic health). I'm into Breathwork (having naturally healed the body in inhabit of asthma in 2005 and healed various other ailments with Pranayama). I am into Meditation and Personal Awakening & Transformation. I believe Social Change will come about the more we embrace the mantra, We Are All Connected, and work actively to Connect with others one-by-one.
I am a vibrant spiritual being living a Soul-connected earthly experience.
My mantras:
Align with Spirit in ALL ways.
Go with your "God bumps" flow to FEEL your Soul-alignment ALL the time.
We Are All Connected.
Everything Resolves to Gratitude.
Life's an Art. So, I do the following and encourage others to:
Study at your Passion.
Gather knowledge.
Pray.
Meditate.
When upset, breathe from heart-center and embrace Balance.
Always balancing. Always integrating.
Then, Take It Upon Yourself to walk your talk, practice what you preach, and integrate all you learn into your day-to-day, so you joyfully express Omni-everything!
Life's an ADVENTURE! Now, go have FUN!
Disclaimer: I'm an Information Technology professional (of 30+ years). Most of my work deals with data and documentation management on large-scale relational database application software and systems. I've been working remote, from home, for nearly 5 years.
I am NOT a doctor or health practitioner, though I confer with natural and holistic health professionals as a writer and emcee at health festivals and events.
I encourage folks to FIRST seek natural and holistic health remedies when they begin to notice any irregularity in their mind or body. I believe multiple opinions offer us the most hope and support when challenged with any health issue.
I support you in your quest to find holistic, alternative, licensed, professional health and wellness providers.
I am a meditator, eat (and fast) on a mostly plant-based diet, more tree hugger than consumer, advocate of simple and minimalist living, and grandmother of three fantastic granddaughters (who live far from me, but with whom I video chat with weekly and visit in person whenever possible). Prior to 8/2021 my husband and I lived in an RV full-time for 11 years, the last 17 months of which, were Off-Grid.
To our better health! Amen. Namaste. OM
View all posts by Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey