My Visit to Alternative High School West
Recently, I was lucky enough to meet the delightful teachers and students of Alternative High School West in Silverdale, Washington. I shared my experiences growing up as an Indian immigrant in a small Canadian town, showed slides, and described about how I became a writer. The students shared their experiences, their impressions of Maya Running, and asked brilliant questions. We engaged in a lively discussion about everything from the hurtful effects of name-calling (a bully taunts Maya in the book) to growing up and finding your true identity.

Many thanks to everyone at the school, especially Bruce Richardson, Silvery Brown, Lindi Zuber and the wonderful students who read my book!

From left to right: Silvery Brown, Katherine Fajardo, Wally Gates, Lindsay Gates, Mark Reynolds, Jessica Deal, Lindi Zuber

“The book is all good. This story, Maya Running, has a little bit of everything for everybody. What you must consider when reading Maya Running is that this story is about a girl who has conflict in her life and makes a wish to the God Ganesh, the remover of obstacles who makes her wish come true. In her wish, every thing she once knew is wrong: family, friends, and the world. When she fixes the world, Maya learns not to be so materialistic and to rely on her heart. “
-Wally Gates

“I learned a lot about what is takes to write a book and the process it takes. I have a newfound respect for authors.”
- Lindsay Gates

“ Maya Running is a delightful coming of age book that stresses the importance of tolerance and acceptance.”
-Silvery Brown

“I enjoyed how this book is more than the moral ‘be careful what you wish for.’ It is also a story about self-discovery and getting in touch with your religion. I like how Maya learned to appreciate all aspects of her life, faults and all, by not knowing what she had until it was gone.”
- Katherine Fajardo

P.S. “It was nice meeting you, and I hope to read more of your books. Thank you for taking the time to visit us.”