Tiffany's Book
Braided in My Hair is the story of Daisy Wray, a gifted but awkward child who struggles to understand her relationship with God and the lessons He teaches. Daisy is raised by her very loving, religious, and sometimes harsh grandmother. Together, they embark on a journey that is spiritual and educational.
Daisy has become a very good friend of mine. Sometimes, she’s my alter ego; sometimes she’s a page from my autobiography. Every now and then she’s a scene I borrowed from a friend’s life, or an anecdote I heard a relative tell.
She was born during one of my early morning runs. I was anticipating another stressful day in a string of challenging times. But I had had a long talk with my grandmother the night before, and I knew everything was going to be all right. Though I was troubled, there was plenty of bounce in my step. I even caught myself smiling once or twice. I wanted to find a way to bottle that feeling and give it away, because more people should know about it. But since a bottling method is impossible, I decided to create a character and disseminate the feeling the only way I know how: through my writing.
I continued to develop Daisy as I snuggled under a quilt hand-made by my great-grandmother. I listened to gospel music and wove some of the lyrics into her life. I placed her in my hometown; I peppered her story with names and faces of people who knew me even before I was born: mothers of the church, friends of my grandparents, family members I know only through the stories they leave behind. I learned to love her because she’s a reminder of old friends. Of talks with my granny. Of lessons learned and obstacles I’ve overcome.
Parts of the book will elicit strong emotions. You’ll laugh, cry, and possibly feel so overwhelmed that you’ll shut the book for a second, then immediately open it again to find out what happens next. You’ll feel so strongly because Daisy’s character is so real. At some points, she’ll even seem like your alter ego, your autobiography, your best friend.
You’ll genuinely feel for her, cheer for her. You should meet her. Read Chapter One.
