Margarita Wednesdays : Making a New Life by the Mexican Sea

The author of Kabul Beauty School (2007) recounts what happened after she was forced to flee Afghanistan following a kidnapping threat targeting her youngest son. Rodriguez leaves behind both her beloved salon and her coffee shop, as well as her increasingly unstable warlord husband. Back in the States, Rodriguez lands in California, where she falls into an unfulfilling relationship. A cruise to Mexico proves to be an eye-opening experience, and Rodriguez decides to buy a colorful old house in the town of Mazatlan. Upon relocating, Rodriguez experiences some initial culture shock: she doesn’t speak any Spanish, and she’s horrified to find sewage coming up through the drains of her new house. But soon she amasses a group of friends, both Mexicans and expats, and even meets a man. Though she’s certain she’s left hairdressing behind, Rodriguez opts to open a salon to offer manicures and pedicures—allowing her to employ several of the women with whom she’s grown close. This inspirational read is bound to appeal to anyone contemplating their second or third act.