Last Bench

Last Bench

Sometimes, under the weight of other people's expectations from us, we forget who we truly are and what we want from our lives. Same was the case with this young boy, Vikki, who tries so hard to live up to his namesake. Vikki is a teenager with a brilliant mind and a kind heart. He is a foodie, a die-hard Bollywood fan and, most important of all, he is a great friend. So, what will he do when a friend in need comes to him for help? To what extent will he go to save him? Read the debut novel of Ram Halady to find out, and be ready to be moved by this endearing, coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Bangalore in the '70s. "an exceedingly sentimental tale in many respects... manages to avoid despair masquerading as profundity, or facile, manufactured triumph-and it does it all while also telling a deeply beguiling story about a memorable protagonist. Overall, it's an impressively layered novel that's as intelligent as it is charming. A thoughtful novel that's moving and entertaining, by turns." -Kirkus Reviews "Libraries have plenty of choices when it comes to teen coming-of-age novels, but Last Bench stands out from the crowd with its vivid portrait of Indian culture and young adults who face daunting limitations and possibilities in their lives and family ties...filled with social, cultural, and psychological insights... a notable read that ideally should be on the reading lists" - Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review