Join us for Joplin Reads Together!Joplin Reads Together is proud to announce The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi, as the 2024 Book. Published in 2020, the book is a New York Times bestseller and a Reese Witherspoon Pick. It has been translated into 29 languages and is currently in development at Netflix as a tv series..
About the Book
Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman’s struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.
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.
Read-a-likes
Library Hosted Events
April 2, 11:00am: Makerspace Take-Home Kit: DIY Sugar Scrub
April 2, 6:00-8:00pm: Chat & Craft: Air-Dry Clay Bowls
April 4, 6:00-7:00pm: The Henna Artist Book Discussion
April 6, 9:30-10:30am: Yoga Class with Sarah Kelly
April 9, 5:30pm: “The Henna Artist in Context: A Brief History of Britain, India, & Indian Independence” by Dr. Rebecca Shriver of MSSU
April 11, 6:00-7:30pm: Master Gardening Class: Herbs with Eric Osen
April 13, 10:00-11:00am: Plant Swap
April 15, 12:00pm: Adult Take-Home Kit: Mug Decorating
April 17, 1:00-2:00pm: The Henna Artist Book Discussion
April 23, 6:00pm: Author Visit & Book Signing: “The Henna Artist” with Alka Joshi
1901 East 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
Phone: 417-623-7953
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