Charity worker inspired to write book of short stories

Naheed Kausar’s new book ‘The Price of My Daughter’s Shoes’ is a collection of short stories about how simple acts of kindness can overcome the most challenging situations.

Naheed said: “The phrase ‘the price of my daughter’s shoes’ is the exact words my manager said to me. 

“I have been volunteering for the past 20 years at a local charity shop. Once when I took my daughter’s shoes for the charity I asked my manager what the price should be.

“She said ‘You tell me the price of your daughter’s shoes’.

“I quite liked that, so I created a story. 

“I had written a few more stories and sent them to a publisher. They accepted my script and that is how my writing journey began.”

Naheed said she had always had an interest in writing.

She said: “My children were young and my life was so busy. My English was also not very good. I am still learning.

“I had always read books and magazines as a way of relaxing. I remember when I was young, I wrote two articles for an Urdu newspaper. 

“Both were printed. I was so excited to see my name in the paper. It was overwhelming. But life got in the way.

“My granddaughter Sana helped me all the way long.

“My stories are fiction, but some kind of reality in it. I think kindness has the power to uplift the human spirit in the face of adversity.”

The description of the book reads: “Life was a relentless struggle for Ruby, a mother grappling with the emotional and financial challenges of raising three daughters.

“Aliza, her eldest, dreamed of becoming a doctor while battling an insatiable obsession with shoes – a temptation she couldn’t resist whenever opportunity knocked.

“In this poignant collection of standalone short stories that hit close to home, readers will discover glimmers of hope illuminating even the darkest of moments.

“These unforgettable tales of resilience and compassion serve as a heart-warming reminder that acts of kindness have the power to uplift the human spirit in the face of adversity.”

You can find out more about the book and buy a copy on the WH Smith website.