THE GIRL WHO SMILED BEADS
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“The plot provided by the universe was filled with starvation, war and rape. I would not—could not—live in that tale.”
“Unforgettable.”
— PEOPLE
“A powerful record of the refugee experience . . . [with] moments of potent self-reckoning.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Riveting . . . [A] poetically written, searchingly honest memoir.”
— National Catholic Reporter
“Wamariya’s memoir proves how the human spirit can triumph. It truly floored me.”
— Elisabeth Egan, Glamour
Winner of the 2019 ALA/YALSA Alex Award
A Washington Post Notable Nonfiction Book of 2018
A Glamour Best Book of 2018
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2018
A Real Simple Best Book of 2018
“Sharp, moving . . . Wamariya and her co-author, Elizabeth Weil . . . describe Wamariya’s idyllic early childhood in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, and the madness that followed with an analytic eye and, at times, a lyrical honesty. . . . Wamariya is piercing about her alienation in America and her effort to combat the perception that she is an exotic figure, to be pitied or dismissed. . . . Wamariya tells her own story with feeling, in vivid prose. She has remade herself, as she explains was necessary to do, on her own terms.”
— Alexis Okeowo, New York Times Book Review
Purpose As Our PRACTICE
Life presents both joys and challenges that test our connections to every layer of humanity. Through my personal journey across cultures and continents, I've discovered our inherent capacity for wholeness, wellness, and collective resilience. My purpose—both in life and work—is to create spaces where authentic connection flourishes. I believe genuine communication and unwavering support form the foundation of all meaningful relationships.
This isn't just philosophy—it's my daily practice and life's mission. Whether facilitating workshops for organizations or engaging in one-on-one conversations, I dedicate myself to building environments where people can forge deeper connections with themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. These connections become the bedrock upon which transformative change happens, allowing individuals and organizations to realize their fullest potential while remaining anchored to their core values.