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Author Talk: July 17, 2025

108 is a pulse-pounding eco-thriller that blends science, mysticism and the urgency of environmental justice in an unforgettable race to save humanity. In this interview, Dheepa R. Maturi explains her inspiration for writing the book, which is her debut novel, and what makes it unique; mentions some of her favorite environment-themed books; shares resources for those wanting to learn more about 108’s subject matter; and reveals what’s next for her.

Question: What was your motivation for writing 108?

Dheepa R. Maturi: I felt surrounded by dystopian stories about climate change --- not only in fiction, but also in general news reporting. With so many stories treating total environmental destruction as a foregone conclusion, I began to wonder: What if those stories are impacting our culture? What if they are causing us to give up our efforts and give in to despair? I wanted to send a different and more hopeful story into the world, about our intelligence and efforts being used to prevent climate catastrophe now, not just to survive it after the fact. I wanted to write a story showing that our individual actions matter, and our collective actions can have a positive impact at this critical moment in time. Additionally, I was excited to feature a heroine who shared my background, ideals and world view.

Q: How would you describe the type of reader who would most enjoy 108?

DRM: I believe that this reader treasures the beauty and wonder of the natural world; cares about leaving future generations with a habitable and thriving planet; is interested in the wisdom of cultures around the world; enjoys stories with elements of magical realism and/or mysticism; and believes in the power of the individual, as well as the power of community.

Q: Can you describe 108 in a “It’s this meets that” format?

DRM: Imagine the movie Avatar meeting Richard Powers’ THE OVERSTORY and a Dan Brown archaeological mystery. (This is an aspirational description, of course!)

Q: What are some of your favorite environment-themed books?

DRM:

Fiction:

  • FLIGHT BEHAVIOR by Barbara Kingsolver
  • MIGRATIONS by Charlotte McConaghy
  • THE GREAT TRANSITION by Nick Fuller Googins

Nonfiction:

  • BRAIDING SWEETGRASS by Robin Wall Kimmerer
  • ROOTED by Lyanda Lynn Haupt
  • WORLD OF WONDERS by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

Prose & Poetry:

  • YOU ARE HERE: Poetry in the Natural World, edited by Ada Limón
  • SISTERS OF THE EARTH edited by Lorraine Anderson
  • EARTH SONG edited by Sara Barkat

Q: What makes 108 unique?

DRM: 108 is an environmental thriller with a South Asian–American female protagonist who is a practitioner of yoga and meditation. The cultural elements, mythology and legends make it different from a typical thriller!

Q: What can readers expect from you in the future?

DRM: I am working on a collection of essays, as well as a sequel to 108!

Q: What was your favorite book as a child?

DRM: A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle, as well as the next two books in that series, captured my imagination completely as a child. I loved the combination of adventure and mysticism, as well as the wonderful, heart-centered characters battling to become better people and, of course, to save the world.

Q: Where can I learn more about 108’s subject matter?

DRM: Lynne McTaggart’s book, THE INTENTION EXPERIMENT, brings scientific methodology

and analysis to matters often considered unquantifiable, such as thought, attention and intention. Visit https://lynnemctaggart.com/intention-experiments/the-intention-experiment for more information.

Fritjof Capra’s textbook, THE SYSTEMS VIEW OF LIFE, provides a vocabulary for the interconnectedness of nature within the framework of quantum physics and describes how that interconnectedness can inform human-made systems if we choose. Visit https://www.capracourse.net for more information.

Q: Your book resonated with me. How can I get involved?

DRM: While I’ve always been concerned about the effects of climate change globally, I’d never thought much about the impact upon soil. The more I learned, the more I realized the critical importance of soil health and the need to shore up its organic content. To learn more about the threat of soil extinction, I recommend starting with the Save Soil website, https://consciousplanet.org/en/save-soil, which provides information, resources and ideas for action.

Another direction is to get involved with tree-planting and park-upkeep efforts in your local community. I’ve learned that local park directors and staff possess a wealth of information and ideas!