Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

A non-fiction work of tatamount proportions, Ms. Boo has introduced us to the lower members of the caste system in Mumbai, India.  This is the author's first book but I'm sure I am not the first reader to state, it will not be her last.

Through intricate storytelling, we are enveloped in the day-to-day lives of the slum dwellers.  Fraught with illness, starvation and the unsavory political and economic systems prevalent in India today, the people still have hope that they will somehow climb out of their dire existence into a better place.

This is obviously a well-researched book.  It is also a well-written story that invites the reader to become immersed in the day-to-day happenings of a society most of us are not familiar with.

As a reader of light-hearted novels and some mysteries, this book was a must read.  As members of humankind, we must not insulate ourselves against the atrocities that are occurring every moment in various parts of our world.  By being informed readers, it is my hope that we can take our own small steps toward making the world a better place for all.

Ladybookbug!