Book
Wondering exactly how I went from an unremarkable life as an accountant in Australia, to adventurous life as a writer in India? The answers are in this book.
I’ve alluded to the relationship breakup and personal crisis that propelled me to do community work in India. However, what it was, was actually a very traumatic divorce. When I was at the age where I’d just started to feel like I was getting on top of life, life turned the tables on me. All that I was left with was a career that I’d never found fulfilling.
But life offers choices. As the saying goes, we can become bitter or we can become better. I decided to pick myself up from the mess my life was in and reinvent it the way I wanted it to be, instead of trying to recapture what it had been.
This is my story of how I did it. It’s totally upfront, honest, sometimes confused, sometimes funny, and sometimes sad. I hope you’ll read and enjoy it.
Overview from the publisher:
From the publisher:
How far would you go to change your life?
Sharell is 30 years old and living a privileged life in Melbourne’s wealthy suburbs. She has it all: the childhood-sweetheart husband, the high-powered job and plenty of cash to splash.
And it’s not destined to last. In a dramatic turn of events, Sharell’s marriage breaks down and her perfect life falls apart. Sharell opts for a complete change of scene, travelling to India to do volunteer work.
But reinventing herself is not as easy as it sounds, especially in the chaos and confrontation of India. Just as she is beginning to wonder whether she’ll ever find her way, she meets a man. And so begins Sharell’s transformation.
Set in the Himalayan hills of Manali, the beaches of Kerala and the madness of Mumbai, Sharell’s is the real story of what falling in love with an Indian, and India itself, really entails.
Sharell was born and brought up in country Victoria, Australia. After gaining a Bachelor of Business she moved to Melbourne, where she worked for ten years in the accounting and finance sector of the Victorian government. Then, India called. Sharell now writes about India travel for a New York Times company. In addition, she maintains a popular blog on her life in India called Diary of a White Indian Housewife. Sharell lives in Mumbai, India, with her husband.
Find Out More:
Visit the Henna for the Broken Hearted website.
Read about the India book launch.
Or find out about what it’s really like to write a book.
{ 83 comments… read them below or add one }
“However, what it was, was actually a very traumatic divorce.”
That is shockingly surprising for me as , I think , you have never revealed this tragic experience in your blog.Now that I have come to know this your journey looks more remarkable and brave.I can only recall two lines of a Hindi poem for the person you are ..
“गीत ख़ुशी के गाता फिरता , इस महफ़िल में उस महफ़िल में ,
किसे पता है गाने वाला , कितना दर्द लिए है दिल में ! “
I’m so disappointed, I don’t have my Hindi interpreter with me at the moment.
I never wanted to talk about my past on this blog because I didn’t want to let it overshadow who I am today. I’m a completely different person. But there comes a time for everything I guess.
Congratulations on your book Sharell! Don’t forget you are here (present) because of your past. Then again its a different thing if you don’t want to share it on the blog, however it can’t overshadow who you are, you are who you are due to what you were.
Interestingly my wife was also married previously before we met.
Thanks KalyanG, I know I have a lot to be thankful for my past making me a better person (well, I guess, I did that, but it gave me the situations to make choices). But it’s hard when there are labels and perceptions that go with it. It’s part of the journey of accepting myself I guess.
It’s interesting about your wife. I know many other women like that too. I wonder if the state and instability of western culture these days is causing us to turn away from it. I think it’s true in my case anyway.
I would love to see the cover page of the book. Pics?
my lap top plays tricks… just saw the cover and I actually love the tittle!
Oooh, someone loves the title! How exciting. Thanks, Inaie.
No worries , I can do the honor for now just for you !
It goes something like .
“He keeps singing song of happiness , in every party here and there ”
“But nobody knows the amount of pain , in his heart is there ! “
Whow ! Sharell ! I wish you all the best in this new adventure ! I like the cover a lot, and the tittle gives a smell of a romantic story, which can appeal to me also
I should read your book when I get to India soon.
Thanks Nathalie! Yes, the cover is quite evocative.
Congrats, can I buy it on amazon?
Sometimes, we have to go through rough times to appreciate the good times.
The journey is part of the destination.
Hi Travelbug, it’s available on Amazon Kindle at the moment. So true that!
it has been a while since i’ve been enjoying your blog.
I almost saw a superhuman in you,a person who can open up so wonderfully to a new culture and whatever life had to offer .Sometimes i pitied you,more indian in accepting change than an indian,loving life and changing course like a river whenever the need arose.I felt that people were being too intrusive and you were keeping up with this all for you were inherently good.
had this revelation of being a divorcee came before ,i confess i would have seen you(and hence your blog), in a totally different light .But now i am forced to abandon my prejudices.I also see your husband’s broadmindedness,more western than indian males’ pejorative mentality towards women in their lives. you have richly matched pradeep’s understanding with your adaptability.
love knows no boundaries,its sole purpose being to weave a harmony through comfort and evolve to the highest.
I now hope you trust the universe and take a plunge into motherhood to abrim your basket of joys.
wishing you love and luck.
Hi Amit, thanks so much. Yes, unfortunately, there is a lot of prejudice that surrounds it so I can understand how it might have influenced your views. I guess, in a way, I’m glad that people know that I am fallible, as hard as it is for me to reveal it (and even accept that it happened to me, because I have traditional values). P is remarkable, and very progressively minded — we’ve both helped each other evolve in different ways, and I’m sure will continue to do so. The universe has forced me to trust it. It obviously knows the plan for me, and the best I can do it have faith and give it my best effort.
Your good wishes are really appreciated.
FANTASTIC Sharell , Congrats to you and your hubby! CHEERS! Michele
Thanks Michele! xo
Wow this is wonderful! I hope this is available as an e-book I just bought a Nook. If not then hopefully Amazon!! Many congrats. I really enjoy your blog and can’t wait to read about your past and how it change your furture for the good.
Hi Tina, thank you, it is available as an e-book.
Hope you’ll enjoy the journey of my life, it’s been hugely transformational.
Congratulations on publication of your book, Sharell! I got a Kindle copy so I can start reading it immediately. If your writing in the book is even half as good as in your blog, I know I’m going to really love it and get a lot out of it. I hope the book sells really, really well! Are you going to be doing a publicity tour in Australia for it?
Hi Laura, I’ve been told the book is better than the blog, so hopefully you will love it!
I won’t be going on tour thankfully, but I’m in Australia now to do interviews and attend a few events that have been scheduled for me. It’s all a bit crazy!
Hi Sharell,
Congratulations and bravo.. knowledge and acceptance of something is one and then being able to finally write about it is quite another. I am very sure it has been and will be a very therapeutic and and the end comforting journey for you, not to mention helpful and inspiring for many others… Writing is a gift you have and I am glad you are using it well.. Cheers! .. Tara
Such encouraging words, Tara, thank you so much!
Congratulations Sharell! I have been anticipating your book release for months now, I will be heading to the bookstore this afternoon!
Congrats!!! I am glad. I stumbled upon your blog by quite an accident, and ended up reading all the posts on your blog in 2 days! Yes, all!
I am glad you decided to withhold this information, because Indians in general can be very prejudiced towards divorcees(as u well know). I am sure many would have behaved in a way that would have been humiliating to me as an Indian! :/
The way you adjusted to life in India is faintly very shocking and inspiring. A lot of people manage to live in a new country, but very few actually manage to love it. And at times, u sounded more Indian than me. No, actually, most of the time u sound more Indian than me.
Though no doubt, credit should be given to your husband too. Given that I am also poised to enter a inter cultural marriage here in India, I know through painful experience that Indian men can be very…
So yes, hats off to you and your husband. You have seriously managed to achieve something that very few manage.
Congrats again on the book. Though I believe the fact that you actually managed to live through it, is more adulation-worthy than the book. But then again, that’s my opinion. You would know better, I guess!
So, yeah! Congrats! And thanks for writing such a great blog! Wonderful!
Hi,
Same wit me… Even i stumbled upon your blog n i loved it. I read almost all of them. But seriously cumin to a different place and accepting it whole heartedly, livin here wit all of ur will is amazing… Liked a lot about your other issues that you were facing; especially the pumpkin one…Gud job. Keep going…
n waiting to read your book…..
Hi there Naurin, thanks for stopping by and for your kind words of encouragement. They’re much appreciated.
My book will be out in India in December! I’ll keep everyone updated.
Wow! Congratulations, Sharell! This is a monumental life achievement worthy of much celebration! Thank you for taking the plunge to share your story with the world. I hope you will continue with your blog, but I’m sure you are going to be quite busy now that you are a distinguished author!
Thanks Sowmya! I’ll still be writing this blog, don’t worry. It’s what’s helped me to actually write a book, so I’ll never forget my friends here.
Hey Sharell.. This is my first comment to your blog… I’m reading your blog from last one year or so… after every post I kept on thinking that I should write a comment or two.. but today I can’t resist.. Heartiest congratulations to you and I wish good luck for you and your book… I’ll definitely buy and read it.
I would also like to mention one striking thing in your writing is that you always write from a very positive perspective and write very honestly.
I always feel good after reading the blog and I’d learn many things from it.
Thanks for all these things and I hope you will continue with the blog as ever.
Hi Shilpa, thanks for commenting at last. I’m glad it was my book that prompted you into action!
I really appreciate your kind words, especially about my honesty and positivity. They’re two things that are really important to me. I’ll definitely continue with my blog — I love all the people here, and everyone is so supportive and encouraging. Thanks again.
Sharell,
Congrats !
A Great Accomplishment !
Celebration-time !
Thanks Chris!
A book review from my friend Barns (it’s not biased though).
http://jdanspsawyksui.com/2011/09/11/book-review-henna-for-the-broken-hearted-by-sharell-cook/
Maybe just a little bit biased. After all, I did start the book already knowing you are awesome.
Haha, awesome but slightly hyper!
i’m going to go buy your book and say i now have a ‘friend’ who is a published author! woot. congrats!
Congratulations!! Fantastic.
Sharell,
Kudos to you and congrats for being a published author
I would love to read your book, could you please tell me where can I get it?
Thanks so much!
Here’s a list of where you can get it from at the moment: http://www.hennaforthebrokenhearted.com/buy/
Unfortunately, paperback edition is only currently available in Australia. It will take time to be available in other countries, but another option is e-book, or buy from Australian bookstore that ships internationally.
Hello Sharell, Congrat!!!! I am very hay that you made it…Honestly I never read blogs except yours. I find your writing sincere and honest!! Thank you for that! I wish I can buy your book as soon as possible. Cheers from Istanbul;)
Hi, Sharell,
Its good to see that atleast now you are settled well. I would definitely like to read your book. May be I can have some tips from you on the relationship front, but definitely not here.
With best wishes, luv n regards,
Arvind
Thanks Arvind. If you need to ask any important questions, you can always get in touch via the contact form on my blog.
Congratulations! Been reading your blog for sometime now! It’s great, the title, cover design and everything!
I am planning to move on to NZ, for PhD, and *hopefully* post doctoral research…so was wondering, funny how life is completely opposite for people… I guess, you found happiness here, and ultimately that’s what matters! I hope my NZ experience will be good too!
All the best with your book!
Congratulations!
I’m so pleased for you, also a bit envious.
Not at all keen on what the publishers came up with for the title, but never mind, that’s publishers for you! It won’t hold the book back.
But wish they’d let you decide!!
Not sure what I’d like to write, journal type articles maybe.
Look forward to reading the book soon (when will it be in the UK?)
Hi Masalabou — I wish too. Ah well, maybe in the future when I become a famous author and have some clout I will get to dictate what I want.
I’m not sure when the book will be available in the UK. Unfortunately, it will take time because publishing is made up of individual territories and my book has to prove its worth/viability in Australia first before it will be distributed in the US and UK.
When you get to the UK launch I would love to do an interview for the Guardian newspaper on a Saturday (Family section has lots of reviews on books) But not sure whether they are all done freelance or not. Anyhow I’m sure the publisher’s promotions machine is very impressive!
(I am a self styled gori blog critic Wrote a piece: http://masalabou.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/whats-in-a-name-gori-blog-titles/)
Decided to start the Masala Bou blog recently but equally interested in writing about other blogs as writing mine!! Love the genre.
That’s a very interesting blog post/analysis of blog titles.
I’d never given it much thought.
As for my publisher’s promotions, it was great but exhausting. I was assigned a publicist who organised everything for me. I’m always open to other ideas for publicity though!
Glad you liked the post!
I also owe you thanks for mentioning Dreaming in Hindi on your blog which led me to seek out the book, I found it really fascinating. I read it this summer in India (we go in the Summer) It gave so many insights into the process of second language acquisition especially with regard to a South Asian language that I am reflecting on ten of the insights and their relevance to my learning of Bengali (in my language blog http://mybangladiary.wordpress.com/dreaming-in-hindi/)
I noticed always read something about changing your life when I go to India in the summer.
Last time was a Preethi Nair book called Beyond Indigo ( which now seems to be called The Colour of Love http://www.preethinair.com/beyond_indigo.php).
Have you read it? Nina, the heroine, pretends to still have her job as a management consultant and puts on a suit each day to fool her Indian family she still has a ‘proper job’. But really she is painting secretly and ends up leading a double life – arranged marriage on one side, and developing love for an Irishman and promoting her paintings (making out she is agent for a fictitious, elusive painter) on the other…until the two paths of her life collide…
a review by myself on Sharells book:
http://chasingthedawn.tumblr.com/post/11095685414/henna
Yaaay, thanks so much! I’m glad you liked it as much as the blog!
My answer to Booktopia’s 10 Terrifying Questions!
http://blog.booktopia.com.au/2011/10/07/sharell-cook-author-of-henna-for-the-broken-hearted-answers-ten-terrifying-questions/
Sharell,
My wife actually got me hooked on to your blog about an year ago, and have been a frequent visitor since then. I was initially curious to hear about your “Indian” experiences given your “non-Indian” background. I like your perspective on things: simple, logical and challenging at the same time. I downloaded your book (Kindle), have been through only the first few chapters, very gripping thus far. I and am very much impressed with your writing, simple and nonchalant, but getting the point across. Even though I am originally from Western part of India (Ahmedabad, Gujarat) and have been living in the US for the past decade, I can still relate to the every day experiences you mention in your book. Small things that get forgotten when you stay away, but am re-living those through your book. Thanks for writing such a wonderful book, I’ll let you know when I finish it.
Take care,
Arpit
Hi Arpit, I’m glad you like it so far. Wait til you get to the chapter about my Gujarati neighbours in Mumbai though! The book is quite a roller coaster and will definitely take you on a journey.
Happy reading.
DONE! Really really enjoyed reading it. You really write good for being an accountant, I am a CPA as well and struggle to write the MD&As.. hehe
How do you remember all incidents in so much detail, were you taking notes all the time? Else you have real good memory, I envy you! I can’t even remember what I did a few months back in so much detail 
. When is the next book coming out?
Hi Arpit, thank you! See, I was really destined to be something else apart from an accountant.
As for remembering everything, I actually had real diaries where I wrote everything down for years. The hard part was sorting through them all, choosing the relevant bits (a lot of the contents was rubbish!), and then writing about them in the most interesting way. The next book will be out when I have something to write about! So, not for a few years yet… probably after having a kid in Mumbai. That will be an adventure!
Hi Sharell! Loved your blog and congrats for your book!
I genuinely wish and hope best for you, but can I ask something? You have your purpose in life and probably know where you want to go/be. Since this new Sharell is reinvented, her choices are different from the earlier Sharell who lived 10-15 years back. Had you met your current husband 15 years back you would have probably not wanted to marry him/date him. Two questions: Dont you fear if this new Sharell someday wants to again re-invent herself and happen to have different choices (not forced by circumstances but due to your own desire to find higher purpose)? Did your husband love you in his consciousness or is he yet to find more meaning out of his life? And when he does so, will he still want to be with you? or a third case could be like many Indian men – they dont bother so much- Family is everything for them.
Good luck..
To put it simply: Often we do things in impulse due to intriguing events in life. Do you think the choices that you and your husband made are what you really wanted to do all your life or is it an impulsive thing, a passing phase, a temporary journey? Do you fear someday you or he might just call it a day and realize it was just a nice dream?
Hi Smita, those are really interesting thoughts and questions. Thanks for stopping by and putting them forward. My answer: the thing about life is that it’s constantly evolving, and people also constantly evolve. Neither myself or my husband will be the same people in 10 years, just like we’ve changed and developed a lot in the time we’ve met eachother. The key to staying together and staying happy is to evolve with eachother. It’s very difficult to predict how people will evolve in life, and that’s the challenge! Sometimes, they realise that they want to be by themselves and have their freedom to explore life as a single person (such was the case with my ex). I have faith that my husband and I will be able to evolve together. We’ve done a pretty good job of it so far, including living in a whole lot of different environments in India, and doing different things. My husband had done pretty much what he wanted with his life, without family restraints, because he moved to another city (his family definitely isn’t everything to him because he’s very different to them) when he was in his early 20s (I met him when he was 31). He’s never been forced into complying with people’s expectations and always done his own thing. Hence, he doesn’t feel unfulfilled. He’s not at all a restless person — he’s very calm and settled, which is such a positive trait about him. We’ve discussed where we’d like to end up when we’re 60, and he said he’d always thought about going to an ashram or doing spiritual pursuits. That’s fine with me. I’d be keen to join him. We’ve also discussed going live in Australia at some time in the future to be closer to my parents, and that’s fine with him too. So, for us, the future is wide open with possibility. I think in any relationship you can worry about whether one person might call it quits and want something else — it really can happen to anyone, no matter what their background is, or how their relationship came about. The key is being open to new possibilities, while at the same time remaining close and sharing a lot in life so you don’t drift apart . You also have to be supportive of eachother. For example, my husband was working in the family business after we moved to Mumbai (he gave up music to do the “respectable” right thing). He hated it and was miserable. So, he’s back doing what he loves now — music. It’s not always ideal and stable, but we’re both doing what makes us happy. If I insisted he remained working in the family business because it was stable and respectable (and better for me), I guess I may be worried that he might need to look elsewhere for meaning in his life.
But that’s not the case, we’ve evolved together and supported eachother. He works from home a lot, so he always helps me around the house, cooks meals etc, in return. Funnily enough, we were drinking wine and listening to old 70s and 80s music like we used to do the other night, and we both said we don’t want to let the magic die! 
Who knows what the future has in store, but I’m not fearful. Life is what it is, and everything that happens to us is a learning experience.
Sharell, I have just finished reading your most amazing book and feel very sad about coming to the end of it but I have your blog to follow so that makes the end of the book bearable!
Many years ago now I wanted to marry an Indian fellow when we both lived and worked overseas (not in India) but that never happened because he was a Brahman, I was an Australian Catholic and he did not want to stand up to his family. I was broken-hearted for a long time but I did meet my to-be-husband some months later after coming back to Australia to live. I fought that new relationship for some time but it came to be and we have been married 20 years next month and whilst the road has been rocky because of health and other issues, we are very happy and well-matched.
I do every so often think about S, the Indian man I wanted to marry, and wonder how things would have been, had we married and your boook sheds light on much of that. (I was prepared to go and live in India so that was not the issue. Oddly enough this man has lived in Australia with his wife for many years now. I don’t stalk him, just happened to see him on the news accidentally years ago to do with the buushfires in the Blue Mountains, don’t know what year. You don’t forget the name easily of someone you wanted to marry, especially when it is an Indian name and not something common like Smith – not that there is anything wrong with that surname!)
What did endure from that lost relationship (plus also living with a Catholic Indian family for five months when I was living and working overseas) is an ongoing love for many things Indian – the cooking, the art, etc. I love making curries and parathas (but sadly my husband doesn’t like anything spicy – a hangover from living in Vietnam when he was serving in the Australian Army in the Vietnam War) and do need to learn to make pakoras, I might add! So I enjoy my (mostly) daily dose of India through your blog and thank-you for this. I love looking in my Inbox and seeing your E-mails. Thanks again for your most wonderful book and blog! I look forward to a follow-up book – no pressure, no pressure … lol … !
Congratulations on the birth of your first book, Sharell :0
After reading your above response to Smita, so well-considered and pure in its love & devotion, I sayyou and your husband have too much love for two: it’s the perfect time for a baby!!! :> And if you can adopt some too, that would be grand, please do. (And I do not write this lightly – I have really high standards on the topic). Go girl! (As to where you will find support for empowered, truly current, aware birth resources apart from the standard exported American obstetric practices (circa 1960s) in urban India, that’s another subject altogether…Aussie M.D. Sarah Buckley’s leading-edge, juicy, and highly referenced new book “Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering” is one of the best on the planet though). The universe will bring you any and all resources you need in order for your love to expand…
Have really enjoyed checking in with your blog over the past couple years, but have never commented until now. I just purchased your book and am having it shipped from Oz to Texas, at an exhorbitant price (but worthy investment), because I so appreciate your beautiful co-existence ethos. In a strange and wonderful way, your writing has helped me accept the fact that I am who I am, in its multifarious spendor some of which includes being:
*a divorced white woman of Irish descent who has never lived in India or South Asia,
*morphed by about 25 years of loving indian veg food into a Mistress of Spices (including cooking for swamis and others, as well as some desis who all voice astounded proclamations and/or request my recipes in earnest),
*touched deeply by hinduism since my first yoga class in a Los Angeles temple environment and also my experiences around the nearby Vedanta Society’s center (again, about 25 years ago)…*emotionally resuscitated by the divine Ma reality in awesome ways (in the many forms that India preserves – living and past human women as well as great yogini chants and stories!),
*encouraged by a daily personal yoga practice that led to becoming a certified teacher some years ago,
*finally finding the path of deeper liberation process through real & ardent meditation, via vipassana (SN Goenka), the essence of Patanjali’s sutras,
*continuing each day to practice (i.e., sit for at least one hour in the morning, if not also in evening), to learn, and to be the love I wish to see in the world – within a wonderful, mostly asian, interfaith sangha in my town and the world at large,
*stymied at times with how this roasty-tasty personal fusion culture and ethical compass (the best of both east & west with the dross left behind) sustains deep meaning in my life yet is most able to just be itself in non-sectarian realms,
* having loved an NRI bachelor for quite awhile now (and it’s going at glacial speed, as he is, um, a virgin just smelling the coffee about me/marriage well into his forties and it would be a quantum leap to be the first ever in his family to marry for love AND also marry a non-indian – but anything can happen)… This relationship (including the one with his very open-minded, affectionate mother who adores me) has been teaching me SO MUCH – mostly about my own values and grace, regardless of outcome with HIM,
* all this, but have no craving to go to India as a tourist (though I used to, a decade ago)… these days, the meditation cushion’s travel itineraries are quite diverse and fulfilling. But if I ever do end up there under other conditions – I would definitely look you up your kindred spirit… however you will probably be WAY too famous by then :0
For this improved self-acceptance, for the inspiring side of global culture that shines even amidst the many other grim global realities of these times, for the far-reaching community of hearts that you have so generously and elegantly fostered on this blog – for ALL THIS and MORE, I thank you.
Henna for the Broken-Hearted is perfectly positioned for lightening success (east-west fusion is the new wave in literature, etc) as your sincerity and spirit of service are unique compared to that other book that was a recent blockbuster film, and could have been titled instead “I, Me, Myself: An Anglocentric White Woman Tourist Stuck on Herself,” lol. Keep your hat on, keep the light on, and stay close to your heart ~
Hi Mary (you have the same name as my mum).
Thank YOU for such a beautiful comment. I truly hope you will enjoy my book and get even more benefit from it than my blog. You sound like a very inspiring soul, and of course I’d be happy to meet you should we ever come into close distance of each other. We have a lot in common, and I do think we could have a wonderful and interesting exchange that we’d both benefit from. Thanks for stopping by and sharing a bit about yourself, as well as for your kind words and encouragement. And please do keep in touch.
Hi Sharell
Sounds like the response to the book is excellent. Just dropping you a line to say my aunt has increased your sales by 1 and bought me your book (she emigrated to Australia 15 years ago and it visiting the UK this Christmas) and I’m looking forward to reading it soon when she arrrives!
You have inspired me. I’m thinking of writing up our two years in Ethiopia. Funnily enough, I always thought that I couldn’t distort it enough to make it interesting but suddenly I’ve realised that the absolute truth of everything that happened (and about myself which is more difficult) is what is interesting I think. So maybe!
Masalabou
Oh wow, that’s great to hear!
I think you should definitely write and I’m sure it will be interesting. I’d love to read it. Writing about yourself is a really confrontational process though — it’s darn scary! I only recommend it if you’re feeling bold and brave. Hope you’ll enjoy the book. I’m so relieved, it has been well received. Even my parents read it and praised me, and it’s brought us closer together now that they understand me better.
You are 100% right about needing to be bold and brave. I also wonder about the other people I will write about e.g. still in prison or something in Ethiopia, would it have any positive/negative effect, or revealing extremely personal things about other people or myself. I think I would write it first for my eyes only – no holds barred and then look at it as if from someone else’s point of view before I showed it to anyone. It would be good to confront myself through the process, but I know, very tough.
It’s really hard writing about other people. I wish I didn’t have to do it, hence the reason why I changed most names in my book — and have told very few friends (who will know some of the people) about my book… like my blog, if they find out, they find out but I’m not going to direct their attention to it! Writing a personal book is such a confronting experience in so many ways.
Its Funny how I met ur Blog! I just googled “Mother and Son” because tommorow is my mom’s birthday and I was looking for some poems and there I was, I found a Great Website. I will dowload all ur posts and read ‘em one by one, relish ‘em day by day, mam. I was looking for a good book to present to one of my friends. Well,I chose two so far, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the 2nd book is “Henna for the Broken Hearted!” I think she’s gonna love it! Its an Honour to Discover ur Blog!
Hi Karan, welcome! And it’s an honour to have you here.
I hope you’ll enjoy the blog, and that your mum enjoys the book if you do give it to her.
http://kitabikida.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/henna-for-the-broken-hearted-2/ The review on my blog
Sharell,
What an amazing story you were able to convey so eloquently in your writing! I was captivated from the very begining, being that I follow your blog and have commented a few times. I had the book shipped to the States (the postman was taken aback that I was receiving a package from India), and finished it two days after it arrived. Your style of writing is very positive, as even the times of doubt had positive outcomes. I enjoyed reading your book, and will pass it on to some girlfriends of mine so that they may enjoy it as well. I hope everyone can find the happiness that you have, wherever they may be in life.
Thanks so much for your lovely feedback Jenn! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the book so much, and how funny about the postman.
Please do share my book around.
Hi Sheryl,
Good that you have come to India to help the poor. Hope that you will be another mother Teresa. India needs a lot of mother teresa. Please engage yourself selflessly in uplifting the poor here.
Hi Dennis, my name’s actually Sharell.
I was doing community work in Kolkata but that was 6 years ago. These days, I do my bit to help the poor by social investing: http://www.whiteindianhousewife.com/2010/11/how-to-help-low-income-entrepreneurs-in-india/
I just found your site and love it! My husband and I are living right around the corner from you in Malaysia. (Well, not really around the corner, but closer than we are to “home” in the U.S.!) Can’t wait to read the rest of your blog when I get home today. Thanks for writing!
Hi Sharrell,
Just finished reading your book and must say, it was both refreshing and entertaining. I think it touched a personal chord with me when it came to the angst of trying to live a ‘normal’ life in India where it’s not always possible to wear what you want, do what you want and speak to or smile at anyone you want without attracting unwanted attention
. Your troubles adjusting to India’s concept of time, were quite amusing too 
.
But I think mostly, your journey as a woman trying to find her feet was most inspiring. It’s not always easy to bare your soul the way you’ve done in this book, so kudos for that!
BTW, thanks for personally signing the book for us. Both Madhu and I are super-thrilled with it
.
Cheers,
Savi
10yearitch.com
Ah, Savi! How wonderful to hear from you.
I’m so pleased that you liked the book, could relate to it, and got a laugh out of it too. Looking back, I can’t believe all the incidents I’ve encountered. There’s nothing like India to test one’s adaptability and strength. It all does seem so funny now though! And I’m definitely a better person as a result of it all. I really admire the direction that you and Madhu have taken with your lives too. It was a bold move. Let’s hope the future is full of fabulous things for you both and 10 Year Itch.
Hi Sharell,
I read a book review in Saturday’s Age travel section (24 March 2012) and almost choked on my weeties when I realised it was written by the young woman who use to sit next to me in VAGO. Wow! You are stunning. I’m going to read more about you and your travels. – Your friend, Rog.
OMG!!! Rodger!!!
How amazing to be in touch with you again. You’ll be surprised to know that you’re still in my thoughts often. We get Nigella in India. 
I hope all’s going well with you. I finally escaped VAGO and accounting, and it’s been an amazing adventure ever since.
Hello Sharell,
They say it’s never late for anything good, on the same note I’d like to wish you loads of success and happiness.
I just came across your blog while looking for some Indian blogs. Loved your blog the best!
I like reading about love stories, and truly your’s is inspiring!
Love to read more from you.
With love.
I accidentally hit this website, and found it interesting, really really interesting. First of all, I am an Indian. I live in Australia and married to a Chinese. Reading your blog got me thinking what my wife would be thinking about marrying an me, an Indian. Hmm, I am going to recommend her to drop by your website, and will get hold of your book too. Well done Sharell.
Thanks Mehul. And welcome to the website.
Namaste Sharell,
Just finished reading your book. A fan of the autobiography genre, this book was so much more for me. Living here in Aus with my Indian born partner “Henna…….” provided fabulous insights into the cultural nuances that have potential to create conflict in our wonderfully eclectic relationship. It was only during my first ever trip to India last year to meet family and endeavoring to learn a little Hindi that I started to understand why my lovely considerate man so seldom said please or thank you!!!
I look forward to many more trips to India to immerse myself in India’s amazing complexity and explore it’s diversity.
Thank you for sharing your story,
Judi
Hi Judi, thank you sooo much for your kind feedback. I’m really glad you enjoyed the book and got so much from it. You’ve made my day.
Wishing you a rewarding journey ahead in getting to know India.