Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond's coming-of-age novel, 'Powder Necklace' is indeed one for the ages. As I devoured each page, engrossed in the story of a young girl in London whose mother sends her back to Ghana for school after an 'incident,' I was incredibly moved by the main character's extraordinary journey.

Teenage Lila struggles with her stark new surroundings, attempting to find solid ground beneath her feet, while questioning her mother's love, and why she was sent away. She questions God, in disbelief that her new life is so vastly different than the one she left in London.

This remarkable story not only points out how easy Western living has become, but teaches us that there is growth in hardship, and that when we allow ourselves to experience life through the eyes of others, we reconnect with our own humanity. I had the honor of sitting down with this exceptional writer, Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, whose incredible voice gave birth to this unique and fresh novel.