Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult

Wonderful Memoir

i initially went into this story expecting to learn more about a lifestyle that i know nothing about. Having finished it, i feel like i not only achieved that, but Ive learned a bit about myself. I studied scientology for a couple of years, and the allure of the imense philosophy was intreguing. I can deeply relate to this story because of my brief stint with an organization that i felt incredibly dedicated to, but turned into something negative. The emotional rollercoaster that Jayanti experienced was almost parallel to what i went through. I am glad that this book was written, and also glad that while her distaste is apparent, she maintains respect for The Center and its followers. Very good book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A memoir is a personal thing and this was an interesting life, manipulated.

A one sided view of a personal life experienced and very thoughtfully written.Well promoted and great publicity around this book to create lots of "BUZZ". worth a read and thoughtful discussion

Fantastic story, engaging relatable memoir

allthough Born into the Sri Chinmoy center, a religion decidely out of the mainstream, Ms. tamm relates her story of adolesant angst, mother daughter conflict and the perils of growing up in a strict religious setting in such a way that anyone who has come of age and strugled with who they are and what they belive can relate too. All in all anexcellent Memoir far more satisfying than most popular works.

All I want to do is hear more!

Colorful detail and humor with an inside look at "growing up cult", I read Jayanti Tamm's marvelous memoir "Carthwheels in a Sari" in less than 3 days. The story itself makes for a fascinating read, mainly because she chronicles her life in such a way that you can easily follow her story as the chosen disciple of Sri Chinmoy . The book is written so that you are given a complete look at Jayanti's life from the moment she is born until she gives birth to her own daughter. In the little over 300 pages of the book, I followed her life as a child of the Guru, who wants her own bunny, to having her first kiss in junior high, her first true love, and her brief encounter with the Goth scene, (just a few of the many stages in her life explained in the book). At every milestone, Jayanti debates her "coming of age" with constantly trying to please Sri Chinmoy. It's an inner spiritual struggle that follows throughout. There is no subject that is guarded in the book, you aren't left questioning anything, but perhaps the only thing you'd want is to hear more about Jayanti's life. I know I do!

A Memoir You Will Not Be Able to Put Down

During the 1960s many Indian gurus and mystics came to America in search of followers. While most of America quickly forgot about these swami, a small fanatical core devoted their entire lives to their causes. Cartwheels in a Sari is the powerful story of a woman who was born and raised as the chosen follower of the guru Sri Chinmoy. Told with great details and humorous insights, the memoir is an honest look at the bizarre life within the group and the moments of tenderness and belonging that the security of the group holds. It is a rare and fascinating chronicle inside a uniqe subculture of America that reads like a great novel.

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