Dear Readers,
Today we blow out the candles on our virtual birthday cake - we are three!
Our birthday is not just about us; it is about the shared passion for South Asian stories that binds our community together.
In celebration, we invite you to take a stroll down memory lane and share your all-time favorite review(s) from our collection. It may be a book that reshaped your perspective, provided a comforting escape, or authentically represented a stage of your life.
While you often hear from us, this time, we are eager to hear from you. Share your thoughts through Instagram stories, leave a comment down below, or connect with us via email. Your words mean the world to us!
Until next time,
Mishika and Sri
They Called Us Exceptional by Prachi Gupta
Several years ago, we came across an article 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, Gupta courageously acknowledges the harmful attitudes harbored within her family.
We had the opportunity to meet Gupta and read her debut "They Called Us Exceptional" ahead of its publication date. In conversation and in print, Gupta details the complexity of resorting to parental estrangement. With the pressures of representing a model minority and immigrant family in America, Gupta acknowledges that estrangement is not freeing, but it can be necessary when tolerating different opinions, values, and behaviors within a family.
By gently, yet vividly, spelling out the lonely, singular phenomenon of grieving the loss of still-living family, Gupta contributes to the destigmatization of family disruption and estrangement. Admirers of Tara Westover’s “Educated” and Stephanie Foo’s “What My Bones Know” will value Gupta’s resilience as she revisits painful personal experiences to deliver her unfiltered story - one which is likely to deeply resonate with readers who are estranged from loved ones.
📚 Get your copy of “They Called Us Exceptional.”
Loot by Tania James
Reviewed by: Shivani Kumar
Tania James’s captivating 18th-century historical novel is brimming with enchantments of lore, love, and lineage while reckoning with the violent realities of British colonialism. At seventeen, Abbas, a highly skilled and talented woodcarver, is selected to create a larger than life automaton tiger for Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore. This tiger is meant to mark his sons’ freedom from British captivity. Abbas apprentices with Lucein du Leze, an illustrious French clockmaker. Together they set forth on this feat. As Abbas focuses on refining his craft, he also finds himself falling in a slow-burn love with Jehanne, Du Leze’s daughter. His move from Mysore to France is shaken by British colonialism as Tipu Sultan’s palace is raided and the automaton tiger is stolen. Abbas’s journey takes a turn as he now must travel to the English countryside and rightfully claim back his tiger that now lives amongst other pillaged art in an estate owned by the widow of a British soldier.
This sharp tale of conflict spanning countries is written with rich prose steeping in imagery that feels tangible. To be transported into the world of a book is not to be said lightly, but James masterfully makes space in her novel’s pages to allow readers to be fully immersed in Abbas’s life. The beauty of grandeur and simplicity is equally celebrated throughout each trial and tribulation. As colonialism rears its devastating head into Abass’s life, it takes up valuable space. In many ways, he is robbed – of time, energy, art, skill, and talent. But his fierce belief in his existence remains steadfast. It fuels him to push past what British colonialism aims to do – break down countries into submission. “This thrilling novel weaves themes of freedom, compassion, and survival, with brilliance and wit. It left me feeling motivated to embrace what belongs to us, even if it's displayed in museums behind bulletproof glass.
📚 Get your copy of “Loot.”
M(other)land by Priya Joi
Reviewed by: Aanal Shah
Mother(land) by Priya Joi is an honest and introspective memoir that explores the author's journey toward self-discovery as a British Indian. Joi highlights the challenges of growing up in a society that is not always inclusive of different cultures. She beautifully weaves together her narrative with factual insights, providing readers with a better understanding of the issues faced by individuals with multicultural identities.
The book also touches upon the challenges of raising children in a foreign country while balancing cultural values and peer pressure. Joi's struggles and experiences offer a unique perspective on how parents can navigate these challenges and help their children embrace their identity while finding a balance in life. Her message of inclusiveness and acceptance is relevant not just to parents but to anyone seeking to understand and appreciate diversity.
Mother(land) is a well-written, insightful, and thought-provoking book that offers a new perspective on the challenges of growing up with a multicultural identity. Joi's journey and experiences are relatable especially to anyone raising binational/cultural children or interested in understanding the complexities of cultural identity and the impact it has on personal and family life.
How to Be Love(d) by Humble the Poet
Reviewed by: Disha Patel
In this refreshing take on a self-help book, Kanwer Singh, professionally known as Humble the Poet, breaks down the painful truth that we often treat others better than we treat ourselves. “Unlearn: 101 Simple Truths for a Better Life” offers a unique and authentic perspective on how to live a fulfilling life. Instead of the usual clichés, Humble the Poet delves deep into the complexities of relationships, both with others and with ourselves. The author's rare perspective as a South Asian male discussing love adds a refreshing and valuable voice to the conversation.
Singh explains the difference between self-care and self-love. I learned to appreciate the value of both. Self-care addresses specific problems troubling our body, mind, or spirit;. self-love teaches us that we are not broken and fosters inner contentment. The book’s message is clear: we must learn to love ourselves before we can love others. Humble the Poet stresses the importance of embracing our imperfections, flaws, and vulnerabilities. He shows readers that true love isn’t about trying to be perfect, but about accepting ourselves and others for who we truly are.
What sets this book apart is the author’s ability to combine personal stories with practical advice. Moreover, the bonus accompanying digital workbook offers exercises to help readers apply the concepts to their own lives through exercises around experiencing and attracting love, as well as sharing loving with yourself and others. Humble the Poet’s funny, vulnerable, and insightful stories help readers cultivate self-love and build meaningful connections with others.
📚 Get your copy of “How to Be Love(d).”
To view all of the books featured on our page and/or purchase them from independent booksellers:
Happy anniversary. The cover of Loot is STUNNING
Happy 3rd Birthday! And thank you for sharing these recs - they all sound brilliant 🤩