The Secret Kingdom

The Secret Kingdom

Juvenile biography
"Twenty-six villages were bulldozed flat to build Chandigarh, a
sharp edged city of colorless concrete. Nothing in this modern place
tugged at Nek's village heart. Where were the curving paths and
flowing streams? Where were the singing men, the swaying women?
Where were the stories?"
Nek Chand Saini grew up near the Himalayas, nourished by the
traditional stories told by family members and traveling minstrels.
Inspired by the tales, he created detailed kingdoms on the banks of
the village stream. Eventually he became a farmer. He had a good
life until...
...the arrival of men with guns. Land on which people of all
faiths had coexisted peacefully was divided into two countries: India
(Hindu) and Pakistan (Muslim). Nek and his family had to walk twenty-
four nights to get to India. They arrived in a very ugly place. What
could Nek do to create an oasis of beauty and keep his beloved
traditional stories alive?
A whole lot it turns out. Read the book to discover his amazing
story of love and dedication.
On a personal note, the medicine to perk up Joey's appetite is
working. He's eating better and getting stronger. He really enjoyed
visits from my son, my older daughter, and her fiancée. They had
thought to bring a bag of tuna, shrimp, and salmon cat treats. He was
all excited to have those to devour. So I'd say he had a very good day.
As for me, I managed to handle a work shift. People at work are
really being kind. Night is the worst when it's dark and silent.
A great big shout out goes out to the best little cat in the world and
my human children who grew up with and love him.
jules hathaway



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