Leaning into difficult conversations
On Our Bookshelf | April 2023
Dear Readers,
Several years ago, we came across an article in the Jezebel that left an indelible mark on us. It was a powerful and vulnerable account about award-winning writer Prachi Gupta’s late brother, Yush.
Yush, a brilliant computer programmer and engineer, struggled with deep-seated insecurities about masculinity and body image. While it is easy to point to misogyny and internalized racism among strangers, or even brown men, Prachi courageously acknowledges the harmful attitudes harbored within her family. Her writing about navigating complex relationships with our loved ones opens up an important conversation.
Recently, we had the opportunity to meet Prachi in person to discuss her new book, "They Called Us Exceptional," which delves further into familial estrangement. We encourage you to pre-order her book (out 8/22/23) and explore other titles we have for you this month.
Until next time,
Mishika and Sri
That Sucked. Now What? by Dr. Neeta Bhushan
Reviewed by: Shachi Bhatt
If you have ever felt stuck in a constant stream of bad luck, we may have just the book for you. "That Sucked. Now What? How to Embrace the Joy in Chaos and Find Magic in the Mess" by Dr. Bhushan Neeta uses a blend of cheerful optimism and tough love to delve into the intricacies of connecting more deeply with your emotions, developing coping mechanisms for obstacles, and learning to soar despite them.
The book is divided into three parts:
In "The Magical Moment of Suck," Dr. Neeta helps readers identify the core emotions that may cause them to dwell in a negative headspace. The second part, "The Bounce Factor," discusses four factors that might hinder moving forward after a negative experience and ways to address them. Finally, "Fly Forward,” highlights the benefits of releasing damaging tendencies.
Dr. Neeta's writing is kind, gentle, and empathetic. Throughout the book, readers will find helpful journaling exercises, charts, and thought-provoking questions to aid in their self-reflection. This is one I found particularly impactful: "What's something you wish everyone knew about you, but find it hard to share?"
"That Sucked, Now What?" offers valuable advice worth considering. Even as a self-help book skeptic, and generally resilient and optimistic person, I reflected deeply on several chapters. Anyone looking to embrace the joy in chaos and find magic in the mess will appreciate Dr. Neeta’s guidance.
📚 Get your copy of “That Sucked. Now What?”
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Choksi
Reviewed by: Malavika Praseed
In her first foray into adult fantasy, acclaimed YA and middle grade author Roshani Chokshi brings her signature lush prose and deep affection for myth and fairy tale to the page. “The Last Tale of the Flower Bride” presents two dueling narratives centering Indigo Maxwell-Castenada, one told first by her inquisitive bridegroom, and one told by her longtime friend. These two stories present a mysterious, nuanced picture of Indigo, who is parts fairy tale queen and parts alluring nightmare. A fierce friend, a loyal partner, and often misunderstood.
The pacing of this book is languid and intriguing, and foreshadows enough calamity to keep the reader guessing. And while the inclusion of fairy tales and Chokshi's obvious talent for imagery makes the individual paragraphs a pleasure to read, at times it slows down the narrative as a whole. Despite inclusions of sex and intimacy, the novel feels solidly YA, and this is not due to the usage of fairy tale motifs and Greek mythology. Rather, the prose dances around the rougher edges of Chokshi's story, portraying ideas of abuse and neglect without fully showcasing their horror. Additionally, it is easy to get lost in the trappings of Chokshi's worldbuilding, especially in the middle sections of the story. The novel feels long despite its relatively slim page count, but more experienced readers of adult fantasy may find its pacing appropriate.
Overall, the novel leads to a satisfying resolution, if a little unbelievable, and creates an altogether enjoyable reading experience. While this may be better categorized as a work of crossover fiction, rather than strictly YA or adult, that doesn't detract considerably from the book as a whole. This book is best consumed in a single sitting, to further immerse yourself in the strange twists and turns of a new, bizarre world.
📚 Get your copy of “The Last Tale of the Flower Bride.”
The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi
Reviewed by: Ankita Agarwal
Powerful and captivating women characters take center stage yet again in Alka Joshi’s latest novel, “The Perfumist of Paris.”
Set in Paris and Agra, the final installment of Joshi’s hit trilogy follows Radha, Lakshmi’s sister. Radha is the assistant to a master perfumer, with aspirations to become a perfumer herself. Joshi's world-building is particularly impressive, as she creates a universe almost entirely based on smells. She reminds readers that our strongest memories are often rooted in scent and that a single fragrance can be transportive and transformative. In addition to exploring the power of perfume, Joshi also delves into the complex roles of women, particularly as mothers and subverters of societal norms.
While Radha juggles her professional aspirations with her obligations to her young family, she is also faced with a string of secrets that encapsulate characters from Joshi's previous novels, “The Henna Artist” and “The Secret Keeper of Jaipur.”
While the novel ends somewhat neatly and new characters may feel one-dimensional, readers are sure to be captivated by Radha's character growth - she is far from the reckless 13-year-old we met in Joshi’s debut. A beautiful conclusion to a powerful series about womanhood, "The Perfumist of Paris" left me wishing I could continue seeing these characters flourish for the rest of their lives.
📚 Get your copy of “The Perfumist of Paris.”
Dialect of Distant Harbors by Dipika Mukherjee
Reviewed by: Manisha Davesar
Dipika Mukherjee fuels a reader’s wanderlust in her collection of poems. Her work spans from Wisconsin, to Amsterdam, to Guan Yin Peak. In fact, Mukherjee is a traveler, considering herself a nomad who belongs nowhere and everywhere. But, it not solely the locations that captivate her audience. It is the perfectly detailed and relatable feelings she describes. She captures the human experiences in different forms, like death, assault, immigration, and even in tender, often forgotten, moments.
Most admirable about this collection of poems is the relevance and relatability: the pains of womanhood, the feeling of anomie, the case of “otherness,” and arbitrary labels that divide us. She eloquently puts into words the thoughts we seldom share and, instead, allow to rattle in our heads. Her words may be foreign to some, as she draws from languages that comfort her. As readers dive deeper into her work, it’s understandable why comfort may be needed. Mukherjee discusses rape, racism, immigration, and death; and pulls from historical events to do so.
Though the harbors might be distant in relation, Mukherjee makes them feel closer than ever.
📚 Get your copy of “Dialect of Distant Harbors.”
Advika and the Hollywood Wives by Kirthana Ramisetti
Reviewed by: Jasvir MacIntosh
When meet Advika Srinivasan at her lowest: she is mourning her twin sister. She is miserable at her job bartending Hollywood events. When Julian, a renowned film producer, lands in Advika’s life, she allows herself to fall fast and furiously. The plot thickens when Julian’s first wife dies and leaves Advika with a whopping one million dollars and a film reel - only to be granted to Advika on the following condition: she must divorce him.
I loved Kirthana Ramisetti’s debut novel: ‘Dava Shastri’s Last Day’, so I had high hopes for this book. And Ramisetti does not disappoint. Like Dava, Advika is a memorable character, surrounded by an equally memorable cast. Julian's previous wives are varied and complex. Olive, in particular, is Advika’s eccentric co-conspirator. Together, the duo will captivate the hearts of readers. And, because this is one of those books readers can see as a great movie, I am hopeful the pair and their entourage will make their way to the big screen.
Advika, for all of her flaws, is a true heroine. Her sweeping romance is innocent. And her redemptive arc is powerful. I cheered while watching her find a clever way out of an extraordinary scenario.
📚 Get your copy of “Advika and the Hollywood Wives.”
This is One Way to Dance by Sejal Shah
Reviewed by: Tiffany Ta
Like any Asian American experience, Sejal Shah's collection of 25 essays, "This is One Way to Dance", cannot be put into a neat box. Written over an astounding 20 years, Shah commits to dissecting a range of topics: media representation for South Asians, the American identity, and weddings. There is no definitive genre; some essays were poetry, others fiction.
In one essay, titled "Betsy, Tacy, Sejal, Tib," Shah creates a fictional world that she hoped for in her youth. The essay chronicles a group of Indian-American kids growing up in an American town, juxtaposing their daily life against the typical American upbringing. “They had to approximate India, too. They were playacting, too: outdated gestures, films, food," Shah writes. This is a sentiment I could relate to deeply. As a Vietnamese American, I, too, had to “approximate” being Vietnamese, as my version of what was Viet must have been extremely outdated, a relic of a culture frozen in the time my parents fled their country.
📚 Get your copy of “This is One Way to Dance.”