The Fortune Teller's Prophecy

A Memoir of an Unlikely Doctor

by Lally Pia, MD

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org

*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Pub Date Apr 30 2024 | Archive Date Apr 15 2024

She Writes Press

Biographies & Memoirs | Multicultural Interest

Talking about this book? Use #TheFortuneTellersProphecy #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!

Description

When a military coup in Ghana leads to the abrupt closure of Lally Pia’s medical school, she is left stranded there, thousands of miles away from her family in California, with no educational prospects or money. Adding to her turmoil is her discovery that her American Green Card has been botched, which means she has no country to call home. But a Sri Lankan priest told Lally that she would one day become a “Doctor of Doctors” —and she is intent on proving him right.

This sizzling multicultural roller coaster illustrates the power of self-determination as Lally, a young immigrant with a drive to succeed, takes on obstacle after obstacle—an abusive relationship, the welfare state, and a gruesome job where she has to dismember human bodies—in order to fulfill her dreams. A story that will resonate with anyone who has faced cultural and immigration hardships, The Fortune Teller’s Prophecy is a nail-biting journey across continents, through hardships, and into ultimate triumph.

When a military coup in Ghana leads to the abrupt closure of Lally Pia’s medical school, she is left stranded there, thousands of miles away from her family in California, with no educational...

Advance Praise

“Lally's memoir is a testament to both the intense work it takes to achieve [the American Dream] and the sacrifices she made that would be unthinkable to the average American fortunate enough to be born into that dream. The writing is clean and concise and reads like a conversation rather than a series of events . . . Excellent, excellent work. Very highly recommended.”

—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“Lally Pia is an extraordinary writer who has led many extraordinary lives and has written an extraordinary book about several of them. An exile, immigrant, friend to cadavers, and a doctor of doctors, this extraordinary human’s story is full of light, dark, inspiration, and love. You must read it.”

—David Henry Sterry, author of Chicken

“Resilience at its best. From the first sentence I was hooked! The Fortune Teller’s Prophecy is written in the most beautiful and deep way. I believe everyone will resonate with something in this memoir that will make them look at their own life in a new way. This masterpiece is so raw and captivating, I could not put it down. Lally is resilient and strong, vulnerable and human. She is a true inspiration! This is a must-read for everyone. Period.”

—Ingrid Christine Abild-Pedersen, certified professional coach, speaker, and author of Unmasked: A Triumphant Memoir of Recovery from Childhood Trauma, Eating Disorder, and PTSD

“A remarkable memoir that will engage you from start to finish. Discover how a prophecy made by a Hindu priest impacted and shaped the life of author Dr. Lally Pia. The reader will learn how the author’s perseverance and hard work helped her to reach her goals despite the challenges of being an immigrant and having to deal with trauma and loss.”

—Harry Wang, MD, Adolescent Psychiatrist

“The Fortune Teller’s Prophecy is an epic tale of fulfilling one’s true destiny. What seems impossible to imagine becomes Lally Pia’s reality as she pursues her dreams against all odds. This memoir reads like an adventure story and you will root for the protagonist all the way until the very end.”

—Grant Faulkner, Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month

“Dr. Pia’s inspiring life story is both an adventure and a lesson to never give up. Through her courageous sharing, we deepen the understanding of our human nature, what we are truly capable of, and the mysterious workings of the universe. Her journey is evocative, soul searching, and illuminating.”

—Marty Rubin, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, California Northstate University