Shilpi Somaya Gowda

This is the story of the Olander family who experience the worst possible loss when 8-year-old Prem drowns in their backyard pool, leaving his parents and older sister, Karina, devastated and guilt-ridden. The family of three grieves individually, with each lost in his/her own pain. Jaya, the mother, turns to her religion, the father turns to his career and Karina is left to find her own way. The resulting divorce further divides Karina from her parents.

This is an interesting look at a grieving family. Divorce is not unusual following the death of a child nor are the choices made by Karina that made little sense. Her choices made the latter half of the book difficult to understand, much like those who followed Charles Manson and James Jones. I thought the book was initially very well done, but disappointed in the part that followed.… (más)

A comprehensive novel that covers every issue that might arise for an immigrant couple from India and their American-born children. Financial and career successes surround the Shah family in the suburbs of LA as they move to a wealthier neighborhood, but so do troubles: a socially conscious daughter is detained by police at a demonstration; a striver daughter makes mistakes as she competes for status and friends in her new high school; and the youngest child, a twelve year old son who is on the spectrum, gets charged with suspicion of terrorism when he flies his homemade drone too close to an airport. Husband Ashok, wife Priya, and their best friends hold the family together as other conflicts pile up. The resolutions are a bit too pat and neatly tied up, but it's still a good, readable-in-one-sitting novel.… (más)