Stories that stir discourse

On Our Bookshelf | April 2024

Dear readers,

Earlier this month, we invited our Instagram followers to "ask us anything,” and one question stood out: "What are some books that have challenged your perspectives of the world?” Among the titles we named were “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller, “Nectar in a Sieve” by Kamala Markandaya, and “The Spoiled Heart” by Sunjeev Sahota.

Crucially, these books embrace provocation, rather than shying away from it. From Miller’s unflinchingly raw depiction of the aftermath of sexual assault, to the more subtle, yet unforgiving, exploration of cyclical poverty in “Nectar in a Sieve,” readers are confronted with difficult realities. In our current read, “The Spoiled Heart,” Sunjeev Sahota presses against the tension between inequity stemming from class versus race through two Indian characters: an older man upholding traditional union values of collective action and a younger woman who divisively advocates for racial minorities within the union itself. While initially, we were inclined to support the latter—someone more immediately relatable to ourselves—as the story unfolds, we discover that there is much to learn, and empathize with, in the perspective that class struggle may be equally, if not more, prominent than race struggles, and certainly cannot be overlooked.

In conversation, we tend to oversimplify or depersonalize discussions around uncomfortable topics like racism, sexual assault, or class privilege, in order to not offend. However, these are precisely the issues that hold complex nuances, especially at their intersections. Writing that has shifted our perspective includes pieces that provide an avenue for exploring complexities, compelling us not only to sit with discomfort but also to gradually empathize with characters and viewpoints that may differ from our own. Ironically, we’ve discovered writing can sometimes facilitate more productive dialogue than a direct conversation. We’re in admiration of these stories that have allowed us to interrogate our entrenched beliefs and develop greater empathy in the process.

What are some books that have shifted your perspective? Let us know in the comments of this post, or response to this email.

Until next time,

Mishika and Sri

Coming Out As Dalit by Yashica Dutt

Reviewed by: Nandini Erodula

In “Coming Out As Dalit: A Memoir of Surviving India’s Caste System,” journalist Yashica Dutt reckons with her identity as Dalit as an adult. Dutt learned to hide her Dalit name and identity growing up, influenced by her mother who wanted to afford her equal educational opportunities to her upper caste peers. Along with her personal experience, Dutt embeds narratives of other Dalit individuals alongside extensive research and analysis, including B. R. Ambedkar’s work and the history of Dalit Women’s Movements. Dutt provides readers with an important context to challenges their perspectives and take a stand against caste-based violence and discrimination.

Despite the common misconception that the caste system is a relic of the past, this book illuminates its pervasive and contemporary influence. Dutt shows that far from being obsolete, caste exerts a profound and insidious control over modern life, still severely limiting opportunities for upward mobility.

Dutt’s examples of how the caste system remains entrenched in India and all over the world are numerous: through endogamous marriages, the glorification of vegetarianism, and acts of violence against Dalits.

“Coming Out as Dalit” issues a resounding call to action to stop overlooking the effects of caste in the modern day. This is required reading for readers seeking to confront the deep-rooted injustices perpetuated by the caste system.

📚 Get your copy of “Coming Out As Dalit.”

A Great Country by Somaya Gowda

Reviewed by: Alagu Chidambaram

“A Great Country” by Somaya Gowda is a compelling exploration of privilege and race in contemporary America, skillfully delving into the experiences of different generations within the Shah family. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of immigrant versus second-generation encounters, shedding light on the disparities that emerge within the same family over time through a mystery surrounding the arrest of the Shahs' twelve-year-old son.

Gowda's strength lies in her meticulous development of the Shah family characters. Each member is carefully crafted, their motivations and actions laid bare for the reader. Initially appearing formulaic, with familiar elements like the rebellious teenage daughter and high school romance, the plot gradually reveals the intricate layers of each character. Prejudice and discrimination surface at every level, showcasing the imperfections of each family member. The author adeptly switches narrators in each chapter, highlighting the similarities between characters to show that, despite differences, they share common flaws and blind spots.

Gowda treads the fine line of making her characters relatable while confronting uncomfortable truths about the model minority myth. The novel beautifully portrays the family relationships, especially between mother and son and the siblings, and it offers a sensitive portrayal of autism spectrum disorder and mental health challenges within South Asian cultures, which adds depth to the narrative. While some plot elements may feel contrived and the resolution might not be entirely satisfying, ”A Great Country” is a thought-provoking read that prompts readers to question notions of belonging in America. Gowda's exploration of privilege, race, and family dynamics makes this novel a worthy addition to the contemporary literary landscape.

📚 Get your copy of “A Great Country.”

Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur

Reviewed by: Bhaani Kaur

In the popular podcast "Girls that Invest,” Simran Kaur and Sonya Gupthan, simplify complex money concepts. Listening to their podcast sparked my interest in wealth management, and Kaur’s valuable guidance shines in her first book, "Girls that Invest: Your Guide to Financial Independence through Shares and Stocks.”

While helpful for anyone who would like to start their journey in investing, I was particularly inspired to see South Asian women discussing finance. Kaur decodes financial jargon, debunks myths about investing, covers trending topics like cryptocurrency, offers strategies for paying off debt, and addresses the emotions and psychology surrounding money.

The writing is straightforward, with actionable tasks provided at the end of each chapter. Kaur's approach is educational rather than prescriptive, allowing readers, whom she refers to as “investors in training,” to make informed decisions that aligns with their values, ethics, and priorities.

One of Kaur's strongest assets is her deep empathy and respect for her readers, particularly those who might feel intimidated by financial terminology. Her encouragement and validation are uplifting, making readers feel supported along their financial journey. Personally, I've gifted this book to multiple friends and intend to revisit it as I refine my financial goals. While each individual’s experience with nonfiction content can vary, Kaur's book provides valuable resources for anyone seeking ongoing learning and inspiration in finance and investing.

📚 Get your copy of “Girls That Invest.”

Why We Remember by Charan Ranganath, PhD

Reviewed by: Farhana Kassamali

For those readers like me, who struggle with forgetfulness, "Why We Remember" by Dr. Charan Ranganath is an intriguing read that blends scientific insights with engaging anecdotes. Ranganath delves into familiar topics like multitasking, screen time, stress, and sleep deprivation, as well as memory's diverse applications, from its role in criminal justice to trauma and healing to political messaging.

In an era marked by incessant information overload, it's no surprise how often tasks slip off our to-do lists or we resort to multitasking. Despite the belief that it boosts productivity, Ranganath reveals the detrimental effects of multitasking on our brain—plunging us into a state of 'brain fog' and impairing memory, especially as we age. He emphasizes the need to counteract the fast pace of life to safeguard our cognitive function, highlighting how stress, sleep deprivation, and technology overuse contribute to memory decline.

The book also delves into memory reconstruction and traumatic memories. In one example, Ranganath shows how faulty memories can lead to wrongful convictions, shedding light on how biases and media influence distort recollections. Ranganath prompts reflection on the accuracy of our recollections over time, using analogies like a photocopy becoming increasingly distorted with each duplication. One particularly relevant topic, especially in this election year, is the influence of political ads on memory and perception. Ranganath discusses how subtle cues in advertisements can sway our opinions of political candidates or policies, especially when those positions are reinforced by our preferred news sources. Ranganth shows that we are more likely to believe negative opinions especially when we trust the source.

For those who may be overwhelmed with today's information overload, seeking practical insights, or simply interested in the unique aspects of memory, perception, and focus, “Why We Remember” offers insight and anecdotes that can help readers cope better with modern challenges.

📚 Get your copy of “Why We Remember.”

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