Basu, Rekha B.

Comments from the author about writing: I'm a newspaper columnist, and this book is a collection of columns I've written for The Des Moines Register on women standing up for a cause or getting a first-hand education on an issue. I use people's personal stories to extrapolate larger social messages. My columns are direct, pointed and opinionated. I write because of a passion for the issues I tackle, but also because writing is like breathing to me. I need to do it to live!

Literary awards received and date received:

• Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Grinnell College
• Iowa Women's Hall of Fame Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice
• Woman of Influence Award from Des Moines Business Publication
• Iowa Interfaith Alliance Award
• Iowa Farmers Union Award
• Master Columnist award from the Iowa Newspaper Association
• Associated Press Managing Editors Award
• United Nations Association Award
• South Asian Journalists Association Award
• Des Moines YWCA’s Mary Louise Smith Award for Racial Justice
• Vivian Castleberry Award for journalism on women.
• Voted best local commentator by readers in Des Moines CityView for 2012.

Book Types: Nonfiction

Audience Types: Young Adult, Adult

Genre: Essays

Are you willing to do programs for schools, libraries, or other groups? Yes

If you are willing to do programs, will you charge a fee? Negotiable, depending on the type of institution and the nature of the program.

E-mail Address:  rbasu@dmreg.com

Mail Address:

c/o Des Moines Register
715 Locust St.
Des Moines IA 50309

Author's Web site: http://www.facebook.com/ColumnistRekha

County: Polk

Books By This Author

• Finding her Voice: A compilation of Des Moines Register columns about women's struggles and triumphs in the Midwest. The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, 2012.