I just received a very special book in the mail!

A year and a half ago, when I was conducting workshops at Fairview Public Library, a young girl came in my writing workshop and submitted her work in progress a novel called My Demon’s Name is ED. ED stands for ‘eating disorder’.

She had been an anorexic and the work in progress was a diary she’d written while working her way through the experience.

One night I sat down and read it, and I couldn’t put it down. I think I finished it at around 2 a.m. and thought to myself, this has got to get published!

I ended up contacting the first editor I ever worked with, who’s now situated at Second Story Press, and I told her she should take a look at it.

Long story short, the book came out this year!

It’s Danah Khalil’s first book!!! And it got some pretty good reviews. Kirkus called it “A young anorexic’s heart laid bare.”

Danah sent me a personal copy and wow! Guess who she dedicated the book to???

The Dedication reads:

To my inspiration and mentor, Rukhsana Khan; thank you for believing in me.

And then she wrote a personal bit: “Without you, this would have never been possible. I am forever grateful.”

I highly recommend it!