Dear readers,
As the first newsletter of the new year, we want to start by sharing some of our recent reflections. Last year, we hosted in-person events that brought our community together, from a casual gathering in Central Park to our Diwali author panel event with Yu and Me Books. We also moderated literature festivals, allowing us to connect with authors and engage with our community face-to-face.
In a forthcoming interview with TINDS, we shared that we did not start BGB intending to become "influencers,” or ever imagine it would grow it into a platform with tens of thousands of followers. While this growth happened organically, the inherent pressures of social media and continuing that momentum became harder to ignore. But rather than fixating on the numbers game, we’re renewing our commitment this year to deep engagement and fostering community.
Stepping into 2024, we are eagerly anticipating more opportunities to connect with friends of BGB, partner with like-minded businesses, and of course continue sharing plenty of book recommendations. If you haven’t already, check out our most popular reviews of 2023 and 24 books we are looking forward to in 2024. As always, your engagement and support are the pillars of BGB's success. If there's anything you’d like to see from us this year—be it gatherings, collaborations, or genres you'd like to to find more about—send us a message. 💌
Until next time,
Mishika and Sri
The Sea Elephants by Shastri Akella
Reviewed by: Padmini Jambulapati
Queerness and patriarchy are boldly addressed in this unforgettable novel, which unfolds against the backdrop of American immigrants in India. To escape the harassment inflicted by his classmates and his father’s attempts at conversion therapy, our young protagonist, Shagun, finds solace in the company of a traveling street theater group. Within the troupe, he discovers acceptance and validation, fueling his determination to challenge toxic Indian masculinity through the power of art. Readers witness Shagun’s struggles against multiple tragedies and become intimately acquainted with the members of his chosen family.
The novel does not shy away from the harsh realities of Shagun’s world, deeply rooted in toxic masculinity. Shastri Akella conveys this grim yet essential message through visceral and, for some, triggering depictions of conversion therapy, abuse, violence, and sexual assault. However, Akella excels in evoking empathy and portraying the troupe’s reclamation of joy, especially as each character’s painful backstory is unveiled.
The novel includes many references to unique facets of Indian culture and society. Shagun's lover, Marc, is a member of the Cochin Jewish community in Kerala. Akella draws parallels between Hinduism and Judaism, particularly in the context of how queerness intersects with and is often oppressed by religion. Akella also confronts a nationalist movement rooted in hyper-masculinity, exemplified by the myth of Chitrangada, a warrior of two genders.
The novel's rich storytelling and historical mythos prompted me to delve deeper into the India my parents left behind, evoking a shared sense of concern about the ongoing repression and violence against LGBTQIA+ communities in both countries today. Filled with vibrant descriptions of street theater and profound exploration of the joys and struggles within the queer Indian experience, "The Sea Elephants" offers readers a compelling narrative that lingers in the mind long after turning the final page.
📚 Get your copy of “The Sea Elephants.”
I Will Greet The Sun Again by Khashayar J. Khabushani
Reviewed by: Neha Sharma
In the vibrant pages of "I Will Greet the Sun Again," Khashayar J Khabushani expertly wields the power of "show, don’t tell," crafting a narrative that effortlessly captivates and unravels the complexities of identity, queerness, and the immigrant experience.
The journey begins alongside “K” and his brothers, delicately intertwining the challenges of navigating life as a first-generation American while subtly alluding to K's sexuality. In a testament to Khabushani's skill, the first portion of the novel is told through the eyes of a fourth-grader without descending into juvenile or immature prose.
The intentional openness of various storylines reflects the authentic messiness of real life, contributing to the book's charm. By the third act, there is a noticeable acceleration in pace, which can leave readers feeling rushed, especially relative to the the slow build and intricate detail that characterized the first two acts.
Khabushani's debut novel is truly a tapestry of themes that gives the reader both a thought-provoking and resonant experience.
📚 Get your copy of “I Will Greet the Sun Again.”
The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh
Reviewed by: Padmini Jambulapati
Hurricane Harvey, the devastating Category 4 storm that rocked Houston in 2017, provides the backdrop for this murder mystery. After an acrimonious divorce, Jia and her son Ishaan relocate from Chicago to Houston. Seema, Jia's affluent sister, invites them to stay in her suburban home, which Jia accepts with trepidation, due to a secret involving her brother-in-law, Vipul.
Soon after, the arrival of Hurricane Harvey brings Raj, Vipul's brother, and his wife Lisa, a domineering mother-in-law, a toddler, and a mysterious neighbor to stay the house. Rising tensions amidst the floods turn the living situation into a powder keg, ultimately leading to murder. Jia, in the role of a detective, unravels clues to expose the killer and ensure the safety of herself and her son.
Highlighting the profound failure of infrastructure that frequently occurs during Texas disasters, Parekh delves into the cavalier "you're on your own" attitude ingrained in Texans. This disposition, mirroring the challenges of divorced mothers, becomes evident in Jia's experience, despite her proximity to family. As a newly single mother, Jia grapples with feeling alone and trapped, navigating the subtle disdain, pity, and gossip about divorcées that is prevalent in South Asian communities.
As the storm clears, both Houston and Parekh's characters confront a reckoning. The conclusion is not neat and righteous, but rather, like real-life, Parekh opts for a messy ending that preserves the remnants of family.
📚 Get your copy of “The Night of the Storm.”
The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar
Reviewed by: Dilpreet Kainth
Unravel the vulnerable story of family secrets, forgiveness, and healing in Thrity Umrigar’s "The Museum of Failures." The narrative unfolds with a seemingly irreparable mother-son relationship, haunted by a decades-old truth. Remy Wadia's connection with his mother, Shirin, laden with childhood debacles, leads us through a blend of his American life and Parsi culture in Ohio and India. Traumatic moments become part of Remy's "museum of failures."
Though the story starts slowly, momentum builds as Shirin's health improves, reigniting the connection with her son. While Remy's character may leave something to be desired, Shirin stands as the true catalyst for the narrative, unveiling secrets that burdened the family. The exploration of failures and the evolving meanings of "home" shape the powerful Wadia family legacy.
As the plot deepens, the meaning of “failures” and “home” become important definitions. Failures evolve from initial setbacks to valuable lessons, mirroring the nuanced redefinition of home as characters mature. These definitions intricately shape the powerful legacy of the Wadia family, adding depth to their narrative. The book also underscores the transformative power of human connection. While Remy’s decisions may prompt questions, the conclusion resonates with forgiveness and genuine connection born from shared experiences.
In this emotional and honest tale, Umrigar adeptly reveals the strength of compassion and the intricate, loyal bonds within family complexities, leaving readers deep in thought about the evolving meanings of failures and home.
📚 Get your copy of “The Museum of Failures.”
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