THE ABOVE IS AN AD FROM BELLA MAGAZINE - PORTION OF ALL BOOK SALES GO TO THE HOKIE SPIRIT FUND
SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY OF BLACKSBURG - LIMITED COPIES AVAILABLE, GET YOURS TODAY - MAKES A GREAT GIFT FOR ANYONE WHO IS FAMILIAR WITH BLACKSBURG, OR HAS LIVED IN A SMALL TOWN

Find copies of Homecoming Journals at the following locations in downtown Blacksburg:

The Campus Emporium
The Chocolate Spike
The Gourmet Pantry
Volume Two Bookstore
Cabo Fish Taco
Smithfield Plantation giftshop
Barnes and Noble
or order online at www.amazon.com or www.bn.com

Hear an interview about the book and Blacksburg aired on Studio Virginia here

Contact bookstores for book signing dates.

Home is where your history begins, or at least where it is not forgotten, as author Krisha Chachra discovered when she returned to her hometown at the turn of the millennium. After traveling the world and living the big city life, Chachra's essays of returning to Blacksburg, Virginia amusingly and sincerely chronicle the challenges and fortunes of living in Southwest Virginia as a young professional and a first-generation Indian-American. Her words reveal the importance of a mighty support system of community, family and friends and the possibility of living big dreams in small towns.

REVIEW From Publisher's Weekly:
Columnist Chachra takes a good, honest look at going home again in this winning collection of essays from Blackburg, Va., first published in The Roanoke Times between 2002 and '04. Largely unknown outside the region until the Virginia Tech shootings of April 2007 (a portion of all sales will be donated to the Hokie Spirit Fund), this small town faces some familiar challenges under Chachra's watch: the march of progress, racial tension, a dearth of suitable mates and the struggle to retain its native sons and daughters. Indeed, a recurring theme is Chachra's own rediscovery of her hometown, which she spent "a lifetime plotting to leave." Chachra's voice, unfettered by tragedy, makes a poignant love letter not just to a place, but to the years before that place became the focus of a nation's sorrow.
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Praise for Homecoming Journals:

“Growing up in a small town I appreciate Krisha Chachra’s perspective and authentic voice. I think all of us can find a bit of home in her entertaining essays.” - Jason Ryan Dorsey, author My Reality Check Bounced!

“This entertaining collection of essays paints a vivid picture of the valuable support system found in a small town community…Krisha Chachra’s words are soulful, imaginative and come straight from the heart.” Mozell Miley, ABC Television

“…With her love of public radio, fresh ideas, and distinctive story telling style Krisha has the tools to speak well to the new generation of public radio listeners who also happen to be avid readers and would find Homecoming Journals appealing and compelling.” – Rick Mattioni, News Director, WVTF News

“The universal message of Homecoming Journals is clear: connectivity is an essential part of a thriving community...in a big city staying connected often happens over the internet, in a small town, it happens in person.” – Stuart Mease, City of Roanoke, Special Projects Coordinator, Retaining and Attracting Young Adults

Krisha Chachra is a columnist, podcaster and writer from Blacksburg, Virginia. She has written a series of entertainment columns focusing on communication skills in the social, dating and relationships scene. Her work has appeared in Bella Magazine, The Roanoke Times, Honolulu Advertiser, USA Weekend Magazine and several online journals. She also hosted a live, call-in, daily television show on public television and reported and hosted segments for National Public Radio affiliates in Virginia and Hawaii. She has traveled to over 35 countries in 6 continents compiling human-interest stories for publication and works with international software company, VTLS Inc. in addition to writing her columns. Krisha holds a BA from William & Mary and a MA from American University. She most recently lived in Honolulu, HI where she taught communication courses at Hawaii Pacific University. Please contact her at krisha@vtls.com or visit her web site at www.socialtalkers.com www.socialtalkers.com

Homecoming Journals is available in local bookstores and may be ordered online at Amazon.com or bn.com

To hear Krisha's podcasts, audio clips from WVTF and HPR radio please visit www.socialtalkers.com

For Krisha's personal blog, please visit www.myspace.com/krishachachra2