DSM Book Club
We think the best part of finishing a good book is talking about it with friends. That’s why we’ve started the DSM Book Club.
The DSM Book Club is a new online sharing session designed to showcase our favorite reads and get you ready to meet the authors at our March Festival. This Club will inspire you with a monthly pick and features an online Zoom book discussion. Each month will feature one book that is connected to The Festival and an individual registration for participation. We hope you will join us every month, but there’s no guilt if you miss one.
Participation in the DSM Book Club is FREE thanks to our sponsors.
February 2021: "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
Club Meeting: Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. | Register Now
About the Book
Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own…
Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow—a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those that surround her as she does.
About the Author
Alka Joshi was born in the desert state of Rajasthan in India. In 1967, her family immigrated to America. She earned a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts in San Francisco. Prior to writing “The Henna Artist”, Alka ran an advertising and marketing agency for 30 years. She has spent time in France and Italy and currently lives with her husband on the Northern California.
Past Book Club Picks
July 2020: "An American Marriage" by Tayari Jones
August 2020: "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
September 2020: "But What If We're Wrong?" by Chuck Klosterman
October 2020: "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
November 2020: "Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
December 2020: "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
January 2021: "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein
