Friday Memes: Mira in the Present Tense by Sita Brahmachari

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice.

Mira in the Present Tense by Sita Brahmachari. 284 p. Albert Whitman & Company, September, 2013. 9780807551493.

Publisher synopsis: Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic, and outspoken family in which it's not always easy to be heard. As her beloved Nana Josie's health declines, Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her and also starts to keep some of her own. She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past. As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her. An incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance--and often injustice--of life and death. But at its heart, it's a celebration of friendship, culture--and life.

First line: I have an ache in the pit of my belly, and a metal taste in my mouth, the kind that comes up just before you puke.

Page 56: It's like he belonged. Watching Krish standing there did feel like a historic occasion in our family, even though they announced the winner to be someone else..."Chris Levenson."

It was then that I saw Graddad Bimal hoist himself out of the car and walk very slowly over to the trailer where the man was chattering away on a loudspeaker. The next thing I heard was Loudspeaker Man's voice.

"I have an apology to make..."