For My Sister -

For My Sister – My Award Winning Debut Novel – Available Now

Can the human spirit rise above the dark world of human trafficking?

Embark on a journey of light and darkness with Amla and Asya: twin sisters trafficked into India’s notorious Sonagachi district. Can the power of poetry, mindfulness, and sisterly love bring them back home and to each other?

Order your copy of For My Sister now:

praise for the book

"There is a timeless longing you feel as you read the pages of Puja Shah’s novel. Mournful, yet gentle and kind, it makes you want to keep turning the pages.”
- Christina Rasmussen, Best Selling Author of Second Firsts

“Puja Shah’s riveting words will grasp you from the first page, leaving you feeling every emotion along the way. This is a book that people won’t stop talking about.”
- Jyoti Chand, Influencer and Author of Fitting Indian

“For My Sister is a novel with a social conscience illuminating the epidemic of human trafficking. It will break your heart, open your soul, and ignite a fire within to become part of the solution. Share it far and wide with all of your sisters.”
- Arielle Ford, International bestselling author of The Soulmate Secret

“Puja Shah’s exquisite debut novel is a thoughtfully researched and captivating story illuminating the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.”
- Dr. Rashmi Bismark, Author of Finding Om

“For My Sister is at once both a hopeful tale of sisterhood, love, and resilience and also a heart-wrenching cautionary tale.”
- Huda Al Marashi, Author of First Comes Marriage

“A masterfully written book that awakens every emotion and a much-needed narrative…For My Sister is easily stacked with some of the best books I’ve read.”
- Dianne C, Braley, Author of The Silence in the Sound

“For My Sister is a gripping, and deeply moving story…this page-turner is full of insight, inspiration, heartbreak and hope.”
- Tejal V. Patel, Author of Meditation for Kids

"Puja Shah's honest and contemplative story embraces that which is wonderful about India, even as it cries out for social transformation. Rich in the texture of its use of language, Puja Shah's first novel is a work of marvelous beauty."
- Marsha J. Tyson Darling, Ph.D., Renowned Professor

“An incredibly intense and riveting read.”
- Amy Maranville, author

“Bravo!…Puja Shah is precisely the fiction writer the literary worldand global readers need to finally begin understanding the plight of women and girls across the globe…”
- Sasha K. Taylor, Child marriage survivor and founder of Reality of a Desi Girl™

“Puja is a masterful storyteller. For My Sister is a story of hope and empowerment. This novel is an important read for all.”
- Susie Walton, Author of Key To Personal Freedom

“For My Sister is an engrossing tale of twin sisters…their story will pull you in and not let go.”
- Carla Damron, Author of The Orchid Tattoo, The Stone Necklace,
and the Caleb Knowles Mystery Series

“For My Sister is a beautiful and profound story of hope that vividly captures the strength of the human spirit.”
- Shetal Shah, Author of Shakti Girls

“I was totally engrossed…I highly recommend For My Sister—the interplay of tension and emotion will keep you reading until the final page.”
- Professor Winona Howe, Author of Sita and The Prince of Tigers

“Puja Shah’s vibrant prose, intriguing narrative, and thoughtful storytelling in For My Sister is an engaging and beautifully written novel…”
- Penny Haw, author of The Invincible Miss Cust and The Wilderness Between Us

“Powerful storytelling, it’s a heartbreaking story that is still able to evoke hope as it shares the beauty and struggle of perseverance and resilience.”
- Sonee Singh, author of Lonely Dove and the Soul Seeker Collection of poetry

“For My Sister is an important book, bringing forth a social issue and message for change that is deep within Puja Shah’s beautiful prose. A must read!”
- Jill McManigal, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Kids For Peace Global nonprofit

“Even as you read this very engaging novel today, every 30 seconds another child becomes a victim of human trafficking across the globe."
- Mangneo Lhungdim, CEO, Oasis India nonprofit

“Through a compelling narrative about fictional sisters Asya and Amla, author Puja Shah brings to light the all too real and common, evil of human trafficking...the courage, and love shown by the sisters in this story, and those who helped them to escape, is present in so many real survivors, and those who, as we speak, are suffering in human slavery. “
- Alisa Gbiorczyk, Head of Global Operations, DeliverFund nonprofit

for my sister media coverage

Women’s Hour Radio KNSJ 89.1 FM: Info here.

The Coconut Chats Podcast: Listen her e.

Brown Girl Magazine: Read the article here.

Puja’s Interview on Ruckus Ave. Radio: Listen here.

San Diego Union Tribune: Read the article here.

The Brave Table Podcast with Neeta Bhushan: Listen here.

Yoga Medicine Article on Seva by Puja: Read the article here.

Drop Cap Feature: Read the blog post here.

Fox 5 San Diego News: Watch here.

Turn The Page Podcast: Listen here.

SD Voyager Magazine Feature: Read the article here.

Tuckered Out Podcast: Listen here.

Koehler Books Interview: Read the article here.

Shoutout SoCal Magazine Feature: Read the article here.

Literary Titan 5 Star Editorial Book Review & Interview: For My Sister Review,
The Strength Sisterhood Can Have

Adelphi University Great Minds, Great Conversations: Watch here.

Sony TV Keys To Kismat Episode: Info here.

Momsanity Podcast: Info here

For Media Inquiries download For My Sister media kit below

Winner of the 2023 Literary Titan Fiction Book Award, 2022 International Impact Book Award
and 2022 American Writing Award for Social Change

As Seen on

Order Your Copy of For My Sister

For My Sister, is my triple award winning novel about twin sisters Amla and Asya, who are unknowingly trafficked into SonaGachi, Asia’s largest red light district.

Torn oceans apart from their lives and each other, Amla and Asya turn to the beauty of poetry, mindfulness, and sisterhood for a chance at survival.

But can the light of their spirits illuminate the darkness threatening to consume them?

For My Sister is an eye-opening journey through one of the modern world’s most ruthless industries: and the irrepressible hope, love, and courage that can arise from those trapped in it.

Order your copy now:

a novel by Puja Shah

Puja Shah believes a good story might just change the world.

She is an activist, yoga and meditation instructor, public health professional, and a first generation immigrant raised in New York.

For My Sister is Puja’s debut novel, inspired by her work with children’s rights organizations across the world.

In the village, Amla and I would find comfort in the stillness of night…

The white noise of cicadas outside. The sound of Puppa’s gentle snore. Water drops falling into the pan Mummy used to wash her face in the dark. Here, the sounds were different. The sounds of shops closing and cars passing to their homes. The sounds of drunken men singing off-key along with Bollywood songs playing on small radios. The rattling of keys that opened our gate. This was how I knew to be ready for the night.

Every year, over a million children are stolen…

The story of Amla and Asya is the reality of many.

An estimated 40.3 million people worldwide are currently displaced or missing due to human trafficking.

The launch of For My Sister supports the work of organizations committed to dismantling this industry for good.

Find out more and how you can be a part of the mission.

The Impact of Human Trafficking

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Human Trafficking Victims

$ 0 B

Global Industry

The Majority Of Trafficking Victims Are Girls & Women

in 3

Victims Are Children

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Per Day A Child Is Sold For Sex

Human Trafficking Transactions Exceed The Sales Of Illegal Firearms

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digital and physical copies available

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Get book updates and a special welcome gift

Join the For My Sister mailing list for launch and author updates, plus a free surprise gift.

for my sister book signings and events

Check out the online events, book signings, and fundraisers with For My Sister.

Last Tuesday of the Month | 1:00 pm PST | Monthly Mindfulness and Writing class, San Diego Writer’s, Ink
Come to a free mindfulness and writing at the Dove Library in Carlsbad, CA with Puja. More info here.

September 27th | 6:30- 8:30 pm PST | Writing for Social Change: San Diego Writers, Ink | Virtual

Is there a cause you are passionate about? Do you love to write fiction? Do you perform spoken word poetry? In this workshop for all writers, Author Puja Shah will provide essential tips for how writers can serve as a voice of awareness on topics relevant to social change. With firsthand experience plus a guided visualization writing exercise, this course covers topics and research for those starting out as well as the query and book promotion for those ready to send their work out. All are welcome! Register here.

September 30th | 5- 10 pm CST | Northstar 2 Freedom Gala for Global Orphan Prevention | Denver, CO

Support this For My Sister aligned cause at their annual fundraiser gala to help this nonprofit aid the prevention of child trafficking in Nepal through education, leadership and economic development. Puja will be present for book signing as her novel will be present for donation with 100% proceeds going to the cause. Get tickets here.

October 7th | 10 am – 12 pm PST | Writing Fiction for Preteens | Encinitas, CA

Does your child love writing? Creating stories? Have a vivid imagination?

In this Fiction Writing for Preteens workshop, award-winning author Puja Shah will teach about the key elements to writing the perfect short story with guided prompts and fun exercises that will allow each child to go home with their own mental toolbox of creative writing tips. Puja is a mother of two kids and has years of experience teaching children yoga and meditation where she understands each child’s unique creativity. All they need to bring is a notebook and their imagination! Class size is limited, so register today. All writing levels are welcome! For ages 10-13. Register via San Diego Writer’s, Ink here.

October 14th | 6-9 pm PST | International Day of the Girl Child Shadhika Fundraiser “Our Time is Now” | Palo Alto, CA

Join Puja as the guest speaker in support of the nonprofit Shadhika in Palo Alto as we come together to celebrate the Shadhika Scholars and harness the spirit of collective action in the name of gender justice. The event will be led by local Bay-area girls and feature stories from young women all across India creating change and inspiring the future of gender equity over dinner and drinks. Get tickets here.

October 29th | 12:45-5 pm PST | Blissful Day Writer’s Retreat | Encinitas, CA

Are you looking for a day of writing bliss?

Join award-winning author, trained yoga instructor and renowned meditation expert Puja Shah for a restorative afternoon of guided mindfulness, writing, gentle movement and tea plus a special sound bath by Noble Tones sound healer Julie Habelmann to cultivate connection to your creative self. You will foster creativity and leave feeling relaxed, connected and inspired. No experience necessary! All meditation, yoga and writing levels are welcome. Register via San Diego Writer’s, Ink here.

Are you interested in having Puja speak at your event or join your book club?

Puja’s years of stage experience as a public health advocate in her past corporate career, guided meditation plus yoga expertise shared across the world and teaching on writing has brought her in front of thousands of people as a public speaker.

Contact her below!

speaker testimonials

"Puja motivated us to think about what we can do with our current knowledge and experiences to have a bigger impact.”
- Diane Doherty, Executive Director at Your Safe Place - A Family Justice Center

“Puja has an excellent story to share…as an introduction and conversation starter on human rights, and in particular, the rights of the girl child.”
- Alicia Brav, consultant

“Puja is a very inspirational speaker…with a beautiful and unique story about the power of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond of sisters. It is heartbreakingly relevant in regards to human trafficking in our world but hopeful even in the midst of that.”
- -Mary P., events at Diesel, A Bookstore

get in touch with Puja Shah

Press inquiries, interview requests, speaking events, book clubs and questions about the book or mission are most welcome.