The author achieved some considerable media attention when this book was released earlier this year. I caught her interview on BBC Radio Four's Woman's Hour by chance and was gripped by all that she had to say about her life inspiring the story for this book aimed at readers aged 11 upwards. I was very enthused yet have only just got round to reading the book!

Apparently the author had never thought herself to be a liar - it was her therapist who pointed it out to her. As a 'people pleaser' Sanghani was aware she was telling family and friends slight untruths when she didn't want to hurt their feelings - saying she was busy if she didn't want to meet them, for example. But the therapist said these were all lies and for her own wellbeing, Sanghani needed to learn to be more open and honest in these relationships.

So she set herself a challenge - not to lie for a year. The experience led her to write this book. 

In the story, the central character Priya lies regularly to keep everyone in her life happy - the girls at school, her best friends, her sister and parents. Then one day she puts on a bangle left her by her grandmother and finds that she is incapable of lying while wearing it (and it won't come off).

Initially always telling the truth gets Priya into trouble but ultimately she and all her friends and family learn the lesson of being open and honest.

There are a lot of themes and issues covered in the book, and the conclusion I found rather dispiriting, but it's a great concept to explore and would lead to a valuable discussion for a young person's book group.