BlurbWhy does Daadi Maa pinch so compulsively?Join Vivek as he secretly reads Daadi Maa's diaryand learns about the tragedy that fell upon herwhen she was a young girl.But will tragedies tear apart his family orbring them together?
Description
Seven year old Vivek thinks his Daadi Maa (Indian Grandmother) is a mean old lady until he finds her diary. Although the first few entries are hilarious to him, Vivek soon realizes it was not meant to be funny. As he reads on, he recognizes that Daadi Maa is trapped in a vicious cycle. Her obsessive pinching is a
coping mechanism. Although Daadi Maa has persevered outwardly, she still suffers silently. The diary brings the issue to the forefront and light is finally shed on the death of Daadi Maa's brother Bhola, which is the crux of the problem. It also brings attention to the guilt she feels about the
death of her son - Vivek's father. Although Vivek's mother has
forgiven her, the fact remains that the last conversation Daadi Maa had with Vivek's father was an argument about her pinching habit - which is why she cannot forgive herself. This
obsessive-compulsive behavior which Daadi Maa suffered from most of her adult life touches the issue of
neurodiversity. It is only after Vivek finds the diary that Daadi Maa faces her guilt. Here, she finally realizes that she doesn't have to do it alone. She has a smart, educated family that will
support her and love her as she is. No one will think less of her. All she needs to do is open up and ask for help even if not in those exact words. Daadi Maa's Diary Of Secrets is a beautiful tearjerker picture book for young adults with twenty-two vivid and detailed illustrations (six of which are center spreads) that make the book come alive! The story explores the delicate issue of death in the family in a gentle way that young adults can relate to.
