NEWSLETTER: INDIA BOOK TOUR HIGHLIGHTS AND UNCOMMON LOVE IN USA

Happy Women's Month! I hope you are celebrating March with some of the special women in your life and reading books that spotlight women. (All of mine qualify!)

My novel, Independence, is now available in both India and USA in paperback. It's always exciting to hold a new edition of a book in my hands. The hardcover of Independence is currently on sale in USA for a very low price (43% off) on Amazon--that's cheaper than the paperback. 

Some more news: I have learned to make Instagram reels. That's a big accomplishment for me because I am NOT tech-savvy.  A couple of the reels have gone viral, with around 100,000 views -- a pleasant surprise. I'm going to be putting up some special posts during March. Check them out: my Instagram handle is divakarunichitra. Suggestions for future posts are very welcome. 

I returned from my India Book Tour of An Uncommon Love, the biography of Sudha and Narayana Murthy, in mid-February. 

It was hectic, but I was thankful because the book was very positively received. I did events in Delhi, Chennai (Hindu Lit for Life Festival), Jaipur (Jaipur Lit Fest) and Bangalore, with huge audiences everywhere. Below, Sudha Murty and I are enjoying a quiet moment in the Author's Tent at Jaipur  Lit Fest.

And here is a photo of part of the crowd that came to listen to us in spite of the pouring rain. 

In Bangalore, I did a launch with both the Murthys. Their children, Rohan and Akshata (yes, Rishi Sunak's wife), were there, too. The auditorium at St. Joseph's College, where the event took place, was packed. I also signed a lot of books.  

Throughout my trip, I met many schoolchildren and college students, which I really enjoy. The children in the photo below had come from a school in Varanasi to enjoy the Jaipur Lit Fest. For many of them, it was the longest and most exciting trip they had ever taken. 

 I'm happy to let you know that, in addition to being available in India, An Uncommon Love is now available in the US through Amazon in both hardcover and Kindle-format. Here's the link

Finally: Thank you to the thousands of readers who came to all my events. (Let me know if you were there). As always, I remain most appreciative of your support of my books. 




INDIA BOOK TOUR FOR AN UNCOMMON LOVE -- AND OTHER FUN THINGS COMING UP

Friends, A belated Happy New Year to all. May it bring us peace, prosperity, good health and joy. And of course, many excellent books to read! Happy Pongal/Sankranti and related festivals to all who celebrate this special time.

I cooked pongal, my mother-in-law's recipe, which is a family favorite. Here's how it turned out. 

My new book, my first work of nonfiction, is out! It reveals to readers the early, relatively unknown years of Sudha (philanthropist & writer) and Narayana Murthy (Infosys co-founder). It is filled with anecdotes told to me by the Murthys and is at once funny, surprising, touching and inspiring. I loved writing this book and hope that you will enjoy reading it. It is titled AN UNCOMMON LOVE: THE EARLY LIFE OF SUDHA AND NARAYANA MURTHY.

In India, it is available in bookstores & on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.in/dp/9353456444

In USA, it is available on Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/Uncommon-Love-Early-Narayana-Murthy-ebook/dp/B0CPXZC89N 

Below is my brief overall India itinerary—what I have so far. The event on January 26 in Chennai is at 2:30 PM, in Sir.Mutha Concert Hall.

I'll post more details, once I have them, on my social media, especially my public Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/chitradivakaruni, which is accessible to all. Please do check it and let friends know about the events. 

An Uncommon Love has been receiving great attention and I've done several interviews. I am very grateful for the positive reception. I've put up some links/videos on my FB page, Twitter (X) and Instagram--please check them out. 

Additionally, the paperback of my historical novel about Partition, titled Independence, is now available in India. https://www.amazon.in/Independence-Chitra-Banerjee-Divakaruni/dp/9356996067

The paperback of Independence will be available in USA in late February. Meanwhile, the hardcover is on a special sale on Amazon--45% off--great for gifts!  https://www.amazon.com/Independence-Novel-Chitra-Banerjee-Divakaruni/dp/0063142384

And finally, my novel One Amazing Thing has been optioned for a film!

It's very exciting. Fingers crossed that all goes well. I will share more info when I am allowed to announce details.

Hope to see many of you when in India!

Please share this newsletter with friends. Thanks, as always, for your warm support. 

Chitra