Hoboken Author Who Appeared On 'Today Show' To Read In Local Park

HOBOKEN, NJ — Fresh from her appearance with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on the "Today Show" last week, Hoboken-based author Raakhee Mirchandani will officially launch her children's book "Hair Twins" this Saturday in a Hoboken park.

The book celebrates diversity by focusing on how a father and daughter bond over their hair.

"A new children’s book just came about a Sikh father and daughter bonding over their long hair, and honestly, it’s exactly what I’ve been wanting for my own girls," Tweeted Sikh activist Simrat Jeet Singh last week, after Mirchandani's TV appearance.

Mirchandani's book launch event will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. with Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who like her, is a Sikh American. The Hoboken Public Library and Little City Books helped organize the launch and author signing.

Early reviews of the book, which is to be officially released this Tuesday by prestigious publisher Little, Brown, have been positive. "A feel-good picture book about diversity, family relationships, and self-love" said Kirkus, in a starred review.

A book description notes, "Every morning Papa combs through his daughter's waves like he does his own—parting it down the middle, using coconut oil to get all the tangles out."

In an essay on the "Today" website last week, Michrandani explained, "This book is a heartsong. It represents who we are as a family, our lived Brown joy, on full display for all to feel. ... I hope, above all else, that readers of all ages see "Hair Twins" as an invitation to share their story, and all of who they are, with the world."

She noted, "I wrote "Hair Twins" to share the story of my family: my husband Agan, a turban wearing Sikh, and my Satya, a little Sikh girl. It’s a celebration of the bond they share, father and daughter, and a window into our family and our tradition. (As part of their religion, Sikhism, both Agan and Satya don’t cut their hair.)"

In the TV interview with Kotb and Hager, she noted, "I struggled as a little brown girl in New Jersey in the '80s and '90s. I had a foot in both worlds, a foot in India and a foot in America, and I felt like my entire existence hinged on keeping those things separate."

The Hoboken library noted, "We are so excited for this community celebration to honor our friend Raakhee's recent accomplishment and to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month."

You can order the books, sign for the event, and get more information here. Those who buy the book at the event can get it signed.

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