Gifted Book

Most of us are quite aware of how old we are. Rumi knows how old she is too. However, she knows her age down to the seconds. She is a mathematical genius.

Her first day in school, her teacher asks to meet her parents. Her father, an Indian emigree, thoroughly endorses strict discipline for bringing her genius to total fruition. Rumi leads a very goal-oriented life from then on. Hours upon hours alone at the library, studying before dinner. She cannot leave the room except to use the restroom. Her parents begin an intense regimen for their daughter with the ultimate goal for her to be the youngest student ever to go to Oxford University.

However, children need more than being force fed curriculum. Although her parents truly believe they are doing the right thing, bringing her natural ability into the forefront, they are also stifling the child within.

This is the debut novel of Nikita Lalwani, and if it is any indication, there will be many more to come. It is well written and you will care about the characters, and feel deeply for the child in the book, along with her well-meaning parents who think they are doing what is right for their child.