Dear readers,
In a recent feature in Canvas Rebel magazine, we gushed about one of our favorite projects, Books & Brands:
Books & Brands is our annual campaign that bridges the worlds of South Asian brands and literature to inspire more purposeful and impactful gift-giving. We launched this initiative not only to foster community and support the work of other South Asian creatives, but also to promote the act of giving books as a thoughtful addition to other presents. In a world where materialism often overshadows the value of thoughtful gifting, our Books & Brands series underscores the importance of meaningful and personal presents, fostering a culture of gratitude and connection. It also taps into our communities to share the work of small businesses with BGB, and BGB with those small businesses.
In the spirit of this cherished tradition, this year, we dreamed up six gift sets destined to delight both the bibliophiles and aspirational readers in your life. And that is not all – for our U.S.-based audience, we are gifting each of these sets away on our Instagram. For those not in the U.S., consider these ideas to exude care, not haste. Wishing you a season of giving, sharing, and connecting.
Until next time,
Mishika and Sri
Enter our giveaway via Instagram to win one of the following gift sets:
Liberation Loom
🎨 Bandhani Natural Dye Kit, Bandhani Scrunchie, and South Asian Floral Sticker Collection from Hamesha Project
📖 “They Called Us Exceptional” by Prachi Gupta
Crown Essentials
💆🏽♀️ Saffron Face Oil and Scalp Oil from OFTHEROOT
📖 “Loot” by Tania James
Ruler’s Respite
☕ Special Edition Chai Latte Kit and Chai Cap from Kola Goodies
📖 “Victory City” by Salman Rushdie
Kindred Keepsake
🌹 Roses Galore Set from the peacock avenue
📖 “Independence” by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Gentle Flames
🥘 Bundle of Comfort: 12 South Indian One Pot Meals from PODI Life
📖 “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese
Lingua Luxe
💎 Forever Linked Charm Bracelet from Studio Anai
📖 “The Centre” by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi
Happy by Celina Baljeet Basra
Seeking a break from heavy nonfiction, I recently picked up this seemingly light-hearted read. I was drawn to the cheerful cover promising an escape. Instead, Celina Baljeet Basra’s novel, far from conforming to its facade, skillfully intertwines smiles with shadows.
Enter Happy, the charming and cheery protagonist whose hopeful and ambitious demeanor paints the world in a tapestry of optimism. Basra’s artful use of personification illustrates Happy's keen observations. Passages are told from the perspective of a gulmohar tree, a puff of cotton candy, and a historical necklace. Happy fabricates conversations with anything and everything, revealing a character whose playful nature is as infectious as his spirit.
However, what began as a whimsical escapade morphs into a poignant tale when Happy immigrates to Italy. Basra exposes the harsh realities of migrant workers and the toll of inhumane working conditions on their dreams and well-being. The author treads the delicate balance between charm and tragedy, crafting a narrative that challenges assumptions and compels readers to confront the harsh realities faced by those seeking a better life.
📚 Get your copy of “Happy.”
Unreliable Narrator by Aparna Nancherla
Reviewed by: Nandini Erodula
Aparna Nancherla, known for making audiences laugh, proves she can translate her relatable observations into a different medium with her debut essay collection, "Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself, and Imposter Syndrome." In this profoundly personal journey, Nancherla humorously unravels the complexities of her experience with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, dedicating the book "to all the versions of ourselves the world never gets to see."
Nancherla candidly discusses the pervasive anxiety and depression that accompanied her from childhood, embodied through her ever-present companion "Brenda.” Boldly lifting the curtain on the predominantly white world of American comedy, she explores mental health and challenges stereotypes as an Indian-American woman in the industry. As readers explore the depths of her mind and the "CV of failures," we come to appreciate that each of our inner worlds deserves recognition, if not a standing ovation.
This book becomes a therapeutic anthem, granting permission for perfectionists, introverts, over-thinkers, and wallflowers to embrace themselves fully. Through a blend of humor and vulnerability, Nancherla emerges as a powerful voice, especially for South Asian American women, in navigating the elusive quest to fit in. For those who have danced with the relentless partners of fear and self-doubt, Nancherla's fearless exploration of her own human experience is a must-read.
📚 Get your copy of “Unreliable Narrator.”