Artichoke Hearts Paperback – 19 Aug. 2021

Artichoke Hearts is a really wonderful novel about families and grief and love and growing up. I absolutely loved Meera and her quirky, real family, which is loving but not perfect. I loved her relationship with colorful, opinionated, artistic and occasionally deeply insensitive Nana Josie, who is dying of cancer but determined to "die well" - a process which includes painting her own coffin, with Meera's help.I loved that even though Meera's gradual loss of her grandmother is heartbreaking (and spot-on in terms of the emotional journey), this is not a depressing novel. It's just a beautiful, beautifully emotional novel, with sadness and joy perfectly balanced. Meera is losing her beloved grandmother; she's also falling in love for the first time, with a boy who has his own wounds and courage and heart. She's also finally finding her voice in public after too many years of trying to be invisible for her own protection.I stayed up too late reading this novel, even though I'm sleep-deprived, because I didn't want to let it go. "Beautiful" really is the best word for it. I can't wait to read the next book about Meera - and any other books that Sita Brahmachari has written.

The author's prizes are well deserved.

The book was cheap and relatively new and in good condition. As a story its quite serious for younger teenagers - discusses death of a grandparent in depth, and touches on genocide.

This is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman - and by the way a wonderful family too. You could say I am biased as I am lucky enough to have knows "Nana Josie" and her family, but leaving that aside, this is such a beautifully written book that it stands alone. Poetic, moving, insightful what a treat. Thank you Sita!

I bought this book for my daughter. I looked at the first page and there was no stopping me. Two days later, got the Jasmine Skies. Now I am impatiently waiting for the next chapter in Mira's life. Beautiful, interesting and well written books even for a 44 years old. Thank you Ms Brahmachari.

Bought this book for my 12 year old grand daughter who is a voracious reader. She absolutely loved it - the best book she's read in a long time- I have bought since the other 2 books in the trilogy.

'What kind of someone could I let in to the mixed-up mind-maze that is me?'Mira Levenson's family is always chaotic - with a little brother and baby sister, busy parents and her artistic, outspoken grandma. She loves them all, but sometimes it feels like nothing is private and there's nowhere for Mira to just be herself. And the thing is . . . Mira does have secrets - her beloved Nana Josie is dying, she's drifting away from her best friend, and she can't stop thinking about mysterious, confident Jide Jackson, who is definitely keeping some secrets of his own.Everything is spinning out of control . . . can Mira let someone into her heart when it feels like it's about to break?This book is a touching debut novel by Sita Brahmachari about first love, death of a loved one, teenage problems and how a family hold together through rough times.I read it in a day, it is a very sweet and gentle book, giving an insight and helping hand to those going through the same things Mira is.I would say maybe it is more aimed at younger teenage readers who can relate to everything Mira is going through, first love, periods, first year in secondry school and drawing away from her best friendIt was a great read though and got me through a day of laying in bed with the flu!

Its a good book, but sometimes moves from each section to fast. It did however make me question my values and made me cry a few times