A Mom's Choice Awards® Gold Medal Recipient. Jamie, an exceptionally bright and inquisitive eight year old, is given the opportunity to see New Orleans in a way that few will ever see it. Upon accepting the gift, he finds that he is able to interact with the "shadows" of the city, the essences of people hidden away from the rest of the world. As a result, Jamie learns difficult, yet important, lessons about the emotional pain, regret, and fear with which some must live.

When Ailsa Keppie puts on the hijab for the first time, it solidifies her commitment to her new, chosen religion. She gives up the lights and action of the circus for the position of wife and mother, learns Arabic, and moves to Morocco. A new mother living in a strange country, under foreign rules, Ailsa experiences isolation and racism, as well as romance and sisterhood, in her quest to fit in with her new community. She welcomes another wife into her marriage hoping to experience the peace and joy of a pious life. As the story progresses, cracks appear in her relationships. Things are not as blissful as Ailsa would have others believe. We are drawn into her inner struggle, often seeing the folly of her choices, but championing her to prevail. Torn between her inner voices of duty, shame, longing, and hope, she is determined to find the light that will get her through darkening times. Ailsa's story is easily recognizable by women who have dimmed their light in order to survive. For any woman who has faced similar constraints of marriage, religion, or culture, Ailsa's story will help bring clarity and a sense of knowing she is not alone.

[Ravikovitch's] song is both ancient and new, and it is unutterably poignant. --Stanley Kunitz

A collection of poetry by the author.