Dear readers,
For those celebrating Diwali or Deepavali, Bandi Chhor Divas, or other holidays this time of year - we hope this letter finds you wrapped in warmth, joy, and strength. Even in moments when the world around us may not be as hopeful or luminous, we know this community serves as a beacon of support.
Recently, we had the incredible pleasure of coming together for an unforgettable event in New York City. This was our first in-person event at this scale, marking a proud moment for us, as we usually only get to engage with our community through a screen.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the overwhelming enthusiasm from everyone who attended and those who sent us messages of support from across the country and world. We have a village to thank for making this event a success: Our vendor partners, chef and food author Rachel Gurjar, Driftaway Coffee, and Snows Designs, added sugar, spice, and everything nice to the festivities. Ashna Patel graciously offered us her time and talent to snap photos. Lucy Yu, founder of Yu & Me Books, our favorite NYC bookstore, was our co-host for the celebrations. When we started planning this event, our vision was to honor the essence of the festival of lights by harnessing the illuminating influence of stories to build connections among us. Despite a devastating fire at their physical location earlier this year, Lucy and her team remained dedicated to that mission, infusing it with even greater significance in challenging times.
And, of course, thank you to the stars of this event: our esteemed author panelists willingly and generously shared their time and wisdom.
As we reflect on this special occasion together, it not only highlights the profound influence of community and storytelling but also emphasizes the transformative power of sharing stories rooted in truth—a resonant theme in all the speaker panels. This exchange of authentic narratives not only strengthens the bonds between us but also stands as a testament to the resilience and unity that storytelling inherently nurtures within our community.
Until next time,
Mishika and Sri
Western Lane by Chetna Maroo
I came across a review of “Western Lane” that emphasized its brevity as a shortcoming; but, I consider it to be its most valuable asset. In 160 pages, debut novelist Chetna Maroo skillfully demonstrates that the brief moments are the book’s greatest exhilarations. It is reminiscent of a game of squash, where intensity and thrill often come from quick, unexpected volleys and rapid exchanges at the frontcourt. The pacing surpasses the vividly imagined drama that can sometimes accompany stories centered around profound life-altering experiences.
The book's meticulous focus on the ordinary moments of life becomes wholly understandable when considered in the context of its narrator, Gopi, an 11-year-old girl who is grappling with the recent loss of her mother. Gopi’s innocence is beautifully shown through the moments she recalls: squash practice with a new partner, Ged, her growing affection for him, her astute observations of her sister’s disrupted sleep patterns, telling a lie about their food supply to their aunt, out of fear she may perceive her grieving father negatively. Within these concise snapshots, love and grief are medleyed together, though their depth may often elude the 11-year-old, who is primarily preoccupied with navigating her daily existence and training for a tournament. The squash court becomes her refuge, a sanctuary where she can try to momentarily escape the weight of mourning.
Her father’s presence, his shadow, and his subtle movements cast a constant, discernible distraction even as she strives to find solace on the court. She remains highly impressionable, and the final chapters throw fast curveballs. However, as a reader, we are firmly rooted in the present moment, as Maroo does not elongate or predict Gopi's future. The story concludes much like any coming-of-age tale, with an unfinished narrative, devoid of a conventional happy ending, as life simply continues. And as readers, we can find comfort in the belief that much like on the squash court, Gopi, with her unyielding determination and careful perceptiveness, will discover her path to a satisfying life, even if we may never fully witness it unfold. As a reader who has grown fond of this fictional character, I hold onto the hope that each rally in her life will lead her to an exhilarating victory, even if it's a fleeting feeling of bliss.
📚 Get your copy of “Western Lane.”
Refashioning Race by Alka V. Menon
Reviewed by: Neha Sharma
Can a plastic surgeon accurately predict the cosmetic changes a patient might seek based on their demographics? In “Refashioning Race: How Global Cosmetic Surgery Crafts New Beauty Standards,” Dr. Alka V. Menon explores this question, delving into the complex interplay of race, beauty, and cosmetic surgery.
Inspired by a New York Times article that probes into ethnic disparities in plastic surgery, Dr. Menon brings attention to a crucial yet often overlooked dimension of racial equity projects: beauty standards. She argues that cosmetic surgery wields a profound influence in reshaping racial identity, prompting readers to reconsider who truly shapes the construct of race.
One engrossing segment illustrates the negotiation process between surgeons and patients, where images of public figures are used to define desirable traits. This practice resonates with anyone who has compared themselves to others. The book examines cosmetic surgery practices in the United States and Malaysia, two culturally diverse nations where this industry has gained increasing popularity. Dr. Menon's work provides a niche perspective on global beauty ideals, comparing and contrasting the racial expectations and beauty standards in two distinctly different societies. It reveals that surgeons may inadvertently adhere to racial stereotypes to fulfill patients' desires for enhancements.
Going beyond a general discourse on cosmetic surgery, "Refashioning Race" makes a crucial observation, highlighting that beauty is frequently dismissed as "frivolous" and "insignificant." This observation compels not only clinicians but also scholars interested in race theory, as well as individuals outside academic circles, to reassess their preconceived notions.
📚 Get your copy of “Refashioning Race.”