Keeping Corner Wins Another Award

On April 9th I traveled to Chicago to attend the Friends of American Writers Awards Luncheon.
The Friends of American Writers was established in 1922 in Chicago to focus on American Literature and to encourage high standards among new American Writers.  Since 1928, awards have been given annually for outstanding books by authors coming from Midwestern states, or books which have stories that take place in Midwestern settings. The Annual Juvenile Book Merit Awards began in 1960.
The Friends of American Writers gives four awards each year—two to adult books, one to a children’s picture book, and one to a children’s chapter book—and this year I received news that my book, Keeping Corner is the winner of the 2008 Friends of American Writers Award for Children’s Chapter Book.
It was a wonderful celebration and I enjoyed meeting the members of the club as well as other award winners.

Comments

[Margaret Lane]

I am so excited to tell you that my 12 year old, who was adopted from India as a 2 1/2 year old and has struggled with reading from the get-go, read Blue Jasmine and just informed me that it was a "homerun" book for her! She knows quite a bit about Indian culture and your book really touched her. She has always been a reluctant reader and when I found Blue Jasmine in the public library she said Ökay, I'll try it...." Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[Kashmira Sheth]

Margaret,

I am equally thrilled that Blue Jasmine was a "homerun" book for your daughter! It is so satisfying and fulfilling When one of my books touches a reader's heart.Thank you for posting your comment.

Kashmira

[Bina Sheth]

Dear Ms. Sheth,

We have the same last name and the cover of your book caught my eyes as I was strolling through the books to read.

I read Keeping Corner, and it was eye opening. I came to this country when I was 17, and knew about this custom of the past, but never realized how many widows' dreams it has crushed. If you did not have a strong and supportive family, I can not imagine how they lived. It was a book that gave me a new way of respect for gandhiji and real follower of his principles.

amazing book! a must read for teenage girls and boys. Anyone can be a reformer!

[kashmira Sheth]

Dear Bina,

We have the same last name and we both came to this country when we were 17! When I did the research for my novel, Keeping Corner, I learned about a lot of heartbreaking details like the custom of keeping corner. It is nice to know how this story connects with readers of different backgrounds.
You are right. Anyone can be a reformer!(That is what Gandhiji did in South Africa)
Thanks for writing!
Kashmira

[Pooja Kini]

Dear Mrs. Sheth,

I enjoyed Blue Jasmine very much! I also loved Keeping Corner. It helps you understand how life was for young widows and paints a picture in a person's mind while reading. Thank you very much for writing these amazing novels. It has helped me understand history in a fun way!

[Ekta Shah]

Hello!!!!
Blue jasmine.....although I am 17, it was a true inspiration to me. It was like reading my own story........amazing.

[kashmira Sheth]

Hi Pooja,
Thanks for taking time to write to me. As a writer I find it most challenging to incorporate details that would make the setting and time come alive. But it is important to do so. When I get comments from readers like you, it reinforces my thinking and makes me happy!
Kashmira

[Nermina]

Dear Ms Sheth

Im a German girl and I red your book
koyal dark, mango sweet its a very great book its my favourit book
and I have some questions about you.
Im writing a paper about your book for the school.
1st I want to know when you were born?
2nd Im interestet if you have own
children?
3th what are your hobbies?

I hope you can answer my questions
it would be very nice
thank you very much

Nermina

[kashmira Sheth]

Dear Nermina,

Before I answer your questions I have one to ask you...Did you read my book in English or German?
I was born in Bhavnagar, India. It is in the state of Gujarat.
I have two grown daughters.
I like to garden, dance and travel. And I love to read.
Good luck with your report!
Kashmira

[Nermina]

Dear Ms Sheth

I read it in German its very nice and thank you for you answer

THANK YOU

Nermina

[kashmira Sheth]

I wish I could read it in German, Narmina!
Thanks for writing.
Kashmira

[dissertation writing help]

Thanks a lot for a bunch of good tips. I look forward to reading more on the topic in the future. Keep up the good work! This blog is going to be great resource. Love reading it