One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

What is one amazing thing about your life?  If you were asked to share one amazing thing, what would it be?  That is the big question in the lovely book One Amazing Thing, by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.  I immediately liked the premise of this book but didn't realize how much I really loved the characters until the book was over.  I miss them.  I wonder what happened.

The concept of the story is simple, nine people, most strangers, are trapped in a visa and passport agency after a major earthquake.  Seven are there to get their Indian visas.  Two work in the office.  With the ceiling threatening to fall in and the water rising, they face the fact that they may die.  To pass the time, and keep themselves sane, they each share one amazing thing about their life.  Their backgrounds are all very diverse.  Their stories for going - or leaving - India are varied.

Each story is captivating.  After Jiang, the old Chinese grandmother, tells her story, I wanted to know more.  I could have read a whole book just about her!  This continued with each character.  It's a wonderful book to read at the beginning of the new year.  All things seem possible and maybe we can find one amazing thing to share with someone this year.  I highly recommend this book.