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Not Indian Enough
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140 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 19, 2024
"Not Indian Enough" by Sumati Huber is a refreshing and relatable coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of identity, family, and self-expression. Sanjana, the protagonist, navigates the challenges of growing up in a traditional Indian household while yearning for individuality and acceptance. It delves into themes of cultural expectations, societal pressures, and the struggle to find one's own voice. Through Sanjana's experiences, Huber sheds light on the universal desire for belonging and self-discovery. The author's witty and engaging writing style keeps the reader hooked, while the relatable characters and situations make the story even more compelling.
The book explores the tension between tradition and modernity, highlighting the challenges of reconciling the two. Sumati shares personal anecdotes where she grapples with the expectations of her family and culture while yearning for personal freedom and self-expression. The author reflects on her experiences as an Indian woman living abroad, questioning the expectations and stereotypes associated with her identity. She humorously recounts instances where she felt "not Indian enough" due to her unconventional choices and lifestyle.
Fashion becomes a powerful tool for Sumati to express her individuality and challenge societal norms. She embraces her unique style, defying traditional expectations and embracing her own sense of self. One of the central themes of "Not Indian Enough" is the concept of "fitting in." Huber questions the notion of belonging to a single cultural identity and explores the fluidity of cultural boundaries. She challenges the stereotypes associated with Indian women and celebrates the diversity within the Indian diaspora. She reflects on her struggles to reconcile her Indian heritage with her upbringing in a foreign culture.
Sumati's writing style is infused with wit and humor, making the book an enjoyable and engaging read. She uses satire to critique societal norms and expectations, adding a layer of social commentary to her personal experiences. Through her honest and relatable storytelling, She encourages readers to embrace their individuality and challenge the constraints of cultural expectations.
In conclusion it is a humorous and relatable memoir that offers a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by young Indian women navigating cultural expectations and personal aspirations. The author's personal anecdotes and observations offer a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by young Indian women who are trying to find their place in the world. It will resonates with readers who have struggled with similar identity issues or those who are simply interested in exploring the nuances of cultural identity.
The book explores the tension between tradition and modernity, highlighting the challenges of reconciling the two. Sumati shares personal anecdotes where she grapples with the expectations of her family and culture while yearning for personal freedom and self-expression. The author reflects on her experiences as an Indian woman living abroad, questioning the expectations and stereotypes associated with her identity. She humorously recounts instances where she felt "not Indian enough" due to her unconventional choices and lifestyle.
Fashion becomes a powerful tool for Sumati to express her individuality and challenge societal norms. She embraces her unique style, defying traditional expectations and embracing her own sense of self. One of the central themes of "Not Indian Enough" is the concept of "fitting in." Huber questions the notion of belonging to a single cultural identity and explores the fluidity of cultural boundaries. She challenges the stereotypes associated with Indian women and celebrates the diversity within the Indian diaspora. She reflects on her struggles to reconcile her Indian heritage with her upbringing in a foreign culture.
Sumati's writing style is infused with wit and humor, making the book an enjoyable and engaging read. She uses satire to critique societal norms and expectations, adding a layer of social commentary to her personal experiences. Through her honest and relatable storytelling, She encourages readers to embrace their individuality and challenge the constraints of cultural expectations.
In conclusion it is a humorous and relatable memoir that offers a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by young Indian women navigating cultural expectations and personal aspirations. The author's personal anecdotes and observations offer a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by young Indian women who are trying to find their place in the world. It will resonates with readers who have struggled with similar identity issues or those who are simply interested in exploring the nuances of cultural identity.
April 4, 2026
2.5/5
man i dont even know what to classify this books as. is it semi autobiographical? is it a story? or is it a rant? how much of what happens here is true? by the end of the book the character sanjana ends up in the same position as the author so im going to talk about it like it is a autobiography.
the author is a 3rd generation(i think) indian girl growing up in thailand, while her family have been away from india they are still bound to the patriarchal ways of thinking that is idiosyncratic to their motherland, and that by itself is a unique enough setting i. at times it is really interesting to see this experience(that is alien to me) soo intimately and the way the author talks about some of her experiences is really funny. but im afraid thats all the "good" i can talk about this book.
there is semblances of a story here and there but other than that, this book is a just a never ending rant. for every 2 lines of actual events that happens there is 10 lines of commentary on what the author thinks about that whole situation. at certain points she will time jump to a completely different point in time and talk about that. i could be wrong but there is atleast 3 different sections in this book where there is this huge ramble about how the author is super into fashion and how cool she thinks certain articles of clothing are but her family dont get her fashion sense. this is like a 120 page book, that has a story, and on THREE different sections she is making the SAME ramble and its not like she is a fashion nerd or something, she doesnt talk about the history of certain clothing styles or how the deeper meaning behind certain styles that resonated with her. now, there is NOTHING wrong with being into fashion on a superficial level, but when you are writing a book and you keep talking about how fashion is soo important to you over and over and over again but the only way you describe your connection to your clothing choices are as superficial as "meesa likes it because meesa thinks its cool" it begins to get boring.
there are soo many instances shared here where the author has the opportunity to talk about the deeper bigotry that permeates indian societies in regards to casteism and classism but she doesnt even bring that up, maybe because she doesnt know about them and thats fair cuz she is an NRI, but not even mentioning them when you are writing a whole ass book about your experiences with patriarchy.... its just..... i dont want too crucify her for being apolitical but there is just a fantastic opportunity here. discrimination against women is cut from the same cloth as casteism/classism and other forms of bigotry. she clearly doesnt care about them at all.
now what really really really pissed me off was the line "they(in-laws) accommodated cooking for me in a separate pan when they ate beef" im not even surprised atp man. she is wears bikkinis, she drinks alchohol(way too much), she gets drunk at every wedding event she is invited to passes out on a chair in front of the guests, she goes out every night clubbing, she has a tattoo, (presumably) okay with pre-marital fornication, doesnt know how to cook, okay being unmarried until her 30s, doesnt go to temples or even believes in god BUT DRAWS THE LINE AT EATING FOOD FROM A PAN THAT HAD BEEF COOKED IN IT??????? i can understand if you are a lil queesy about beef, i dont eat that either because my faith in religion is very confusing as well, but this level of seperatism is just unbelievable man. you really cant take the casteism out of indians i guess. they are okay with breaking all kinds of rules as long as it benefits them but draw the line at things like eating food from the same pan. indians really cannot assimilate at all. even when they are married into a different culture.
maybe i am over reacting, muslims have the whole halal thing and jews have the kosher thing. but do they have something equivalent to casteism in their belief system? vegetarians in india get visibly disgusted at non vegetarian food. the lower caste people are typically the ones who eat non vegetarian food and the ones who are vegetarian are from a higher caste. therefore there is this superiority and inferiority associated with food preferences itself. which is why i get a little queesy when indians talk about having their food to be untouched of non vegetarian food. i can understand the sentiment of wanting to be "pure" for god, in an ideal where others arent discriminated for being "impure" i can be okay with the choices that are made in pursuit of the purity, but when soo much trauma and problems are associated with it how can i not have a problem with it.
its been a few hours since i finished this book and i cant help but think this whole thing couldve just been a 2000 word blog. like why did we make a 120 page book out of all this, there is nothing offered here other than just whats on the surface.
i was gonna rate this book even lower but i flipped through some of my annotations and there are some very meaningful observations here. this book is just a full on commentary with some story sprinkled in here and there, which is why im a little disappointed with no mention of caste in this at all, if this was full on story i wouldnt be expecting the author to fully dismantle and examine the socio poltical undertones of certain behaviours. this is book is good enough for non indians if they want to look at a sanitized image of what indian patriarchy looks like ig.
ps: i read a paragraph from arundati roy's mother mary comes to me, where she looks at a homeless/poor man lying on the street and says how even women from the highest classes of india arent as privileged as a man in poverty. this comment is made in reference to how prone women are to sexual violence in india. the author of this book comes to india at a certain point and says she felt stared at even when she was wearing modest clothes. her family has been in thailand for 3 generations and are leading very comfortable lives, even then she isnt completely free because she was a women. much to ponder about.
man i dont even know what to classify this books as. is it semi autobiographical? is it a story? or is it a rant? how much of what happens here is true? by the end of the book the character sanjana ends up in the same position as the author so im going to talk about it like it is a autobiography.
the author is a 3rd generation(i think) indian girl growing up in thailand, while her family have been away from india they are still bound to the patriarchal ways of thinking that is idiosyncratic to their motherland, and that by itself is a unique enough setting i. at times it is really interesting to see this experience(that is alien to me) soo intimately and the way the author talks about some of her experiences is really funny. but im afraid thats all the "good" i can talk about this book.
there is semblances of a story here and there but other than that, this book is a just a never ending rant. for every 2 lines of actual events that happens there is 10 lines of commentary on what the author thinks about that whole situation. at certain points she will time jump to a completely different point in time and talk about that. i could be wrong but there is atleast 3 different sections in this book where there is this huge ramble about how the author is super into fashion and how cool she thinks certain articles of clothing are but her family dont get her fashion sense. this is like a 120 page book, that has a story, and on THREE different sections she is making the SAME ramble and its not like she is a fashion nerd or something, she doesnt talk about the history of certain clothing styles or how the deeper meaning behind certain styles that resonated with her. now, there is NOTHING wrong with being into fashion on a superficial level, but when you are writing a book and you keep talking about how fashion is soo important to you over and over and over again but the only way you describe your connection to your clothing choices are as superficial as "meesa likes it because meesa thinks its cool" it begins to get boring.
there are soo many instances shared here where the author has the opportunity to talk about the deeper bigotry that permeates indian societies in regards to casteism and classism but she doesnt even bring that up, maybe because she doesnt know about them and thats fair cuz she is an NRI, but not even mentioning them when you are writing a whole ass book about your experiences with patriarchy.... its just..... i dont want too crucify her for being apolitical but there is just a fantastic opportunity here. discrimination against women is cut from the same cloth as casteism/classism and other forms of bigotry. she clearly doesnt care about them at all.
now what really really really pissed me off was the line "they(in-laws) accommodated cooking for me in a separate pan when they ate beef" im not even surprised atp man. she is wears bikkinis, she drinks alchohol(way too much), she gets drunk at every wedding event she is invited to passes out on a chair in front of the guests, she goes out every night clubbing, she has a tattoo, (presumably) okay with pre-marital fornication, doesnt know how to cook, okay being unmarried until her 30s, doesnt go to temples or even believes in god BUT DRAWS THE LINE AT EATING FOOD FROM A PAN THAT HAD BEEF COOKED IN IT??????? i can understand if you are a lil queesy about beef, i dont eat that either because my faith in religion is very confusing as well, but this level of seperatism is just unbelievable man. you really cant take the casteism out of indians i guess. they are okay with breaking all kinds of rules as long as it benefits them but draw the line at things like eating food from the same pan. indians really cannot assimilate at all. even when they are married into a different culture.
maybe i am over reacting, muslims have the whole halal thing and jews have the kosher thing. but do they have something equivalent to casteism in their belief system? vegetarians in india get visibly disgusted at non vegetarian food. the lower caste people are typically the ones who eat non vegetarian food and the ones who are vegetarian are from a higher caste. therefore there is this superiority and inferiority associated with food preferences itself. which is why i get a little queesy when indians talk about having their food to be untouched of non vegetarian food. i can understand the sentiment of wanting to be "pure" for god, in an ideal where others arent discriminated for being "impure" i can be okay with the choices that are made in pursuit of the purity, but when soo much trauma and problems are associated with it how can i not have a problem with it.
its been a few hours since i finished this book and i cant help but think this whole thing couldve just been a 2000 word blog. like why did we make a 120 page book out of all this, there is nothing offered here other than just whats on the surface.
i was gonna rate this book even lower but i flipped through some of my annotations and there are some very meaningful observations here. this book is just a full on commentary with some story sprinkled in here and there, which is why im a little disappointed with no mention of caste in this at all, if this was full on story i wouldnt be expecting the author to fully dismantle and examine the socio poltical undertones of certain behaviours. this is book is good enough for non indians if they want to look at a sanitized image of what indian patriarchy looks like ig.
ps: i read a paragraph from arundati roy's mother mary comes to me, where she looks at a homeless/poor man lying on the street and says how even women from the highest classes of india arent as privileged as a man in poverty. this comment is made in reference to how prone women are to sexual violence in india. the author of this book comes to india at a certain point and says she felt stared at even when she was wearing modest clothes. her family has been in thailand for 3 generations and are leading very comfortable lives, even then she isnt completely free because she was a women. much to ponder about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2024
Not Indian Enough invites readers to embark on the vibrant journey of Sanjana, a spirited young woman grappling with the rich tapestry of her Thai-Indian heritage. This tale artfully explores her navigation through cultural norms, family expectations, and her heartfelt pursuit of authentic self-expression. With a blend of humor and poignancy, Sanjana's story provides a captivating and relatable glimpse into the life of someone skillfully balancing the intricacies of two distinct worlds.
Sumati Huber has a remarkable talent for crafting richly developed characters. Sanjana stands out as a captivating lead whose evolution unfolds beautifully across the pages. Her relationships with family, friends, and love interests are portrayed with subtlety, revealing the complex internal and external struggles she endures. The ensemble of supporting characters, especially the lively 'aunties,' infuses the narrative with richness and realism, each representing diverse aspects of the cultural tapestry.
Huber’s prose dances with charm and approachability, effortlessly weaving humor into poignant scenes. Her clever satire and sharp wit breathe new life into weighty subjects, rendering the story both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. The dialogues flow authentically, capturing the richness of the characters' varied backgrounds and adding a vibrant layer of realism to the tale.
The novel delves into the intricate tapestry of identity, cultural clashes, and the journey toward self-acceptance. Huber artfully navigates the tug-of-war between conforming to age-old traditions and the vibrant celebration of uniqueness and strength. Its powerful message of carving out one’s own path amid societal pressures strikes a universal chord, resonating with readers from all walks of life.
Huber skillfully weaves together a tapestry of narrative styles, blending a first-person viewpoint with vivid flashbacks to paint a rich portrait of Sanjana's journey. The protagonist's reliance on humor as a means of navigating her challenges introduces a delightful complexity to the story, striking a chord that resonates powerfully with readers.
The book strikes a harmonious rhythm, guiding readers on a captivating journey that never loses momentum. Its thoughtfully organized chapters create a seamless experience, intertwining events and character growth effortlessly. Huber's talent for preserving a steady tempo while exploring deep emotional terrains is truly impressive.
Not Indian Enough charms readers with its engaging, conversational style that invites everyone in. Its perfect length strikes a balance, delivering a story that's both succinct and rich in detail. Huber’s vibrant and precise descriptions breathe life into the narrative, allowing readers to easily picture the scenes and connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Sumati Huber's inaugural novel is a noteworthy addition to the realm of modern literature, presenting a fresh lens on cultural identity and the journey of self-discovery. With a delightful mix of wit, heartfelt emotion, and thought-provoking insights, it creates an unforgettable reading experience.
I wholeheartedly urge anyone curious about the intricacies of cultural identity, family relationships, and the journey of self-discovery to dive into "Not Indian Enough." Huber weaves an irresistible tapestry of engaging prose and relatable characters, making this book a treasure trove for any literary enthusiast. Whether you seek a narrative that sparks deep reflection or just a delightful escape, this novel elegantly serves both desires.
Sumati Huber has a remarkable talent for crafting richly developed characters. Sanjana stands out as a captivating lead whose evolution unfolds beautifully across the pages. Her relationships with family, friends, and love interests are portrayed with subtlety, revealing the complex internal and external struggles she endures. The ensemble of supporting characters, especially the lively 'aunties,' infuses the narrative with richness and realism, each representing diverse aspects of the cultural tapestry.
Huber’s prose dances with charm and approachability, effortlessly weaving humor into poignant scenes. Her clever satire and sharp wit breathe new life into weighty subjects, rendering the story both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. The dialogues flow authentically, capturing the richness of the characters' varied backgrounds and adding a vibrant layer of realism to the tale.
The novel delves into the intricate tapestry of identity, cultural clashes, and the journey toward self-acceptance. Huber artfully navigates the tug-of-war between conforming to age-old traditions and the vibrant celebration of uniqueness and strength. Its powerful message of carving out one’s own path amid societal pressures strikes a universal chord, resonating with readers from all walks of life.
Huber skillfully weaves together a tapestry of narrative styles, blending a first-person viewpoint with vivid flashbacks to paint a rich portrait of Sanjana's journey. The protagonist's reliance on humor as a means of navigating her challenges introduces a delightful complexity to the story, striking a chord that resonates powerfully with readers.
The book strikes a harmonious rhythm, guiding readers on a captivating journey that never loses momentum. Its thoughtfully organized chapters create a seamless experience, intertwining events and character growth effortlessly. Huber's talent for preserving a steady tempo while exploring deep emotional terrains is truly impressive.
Not Indian Enough charms readers with its engaging, conversational style that invites everyone in. Its perfect length strikes a balance, delivering a story that's both succinct and rich in detail. Huber’s vibrant and precise descriptions breathe life into the narrative, allowing readers to easily picture the scenes and connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Sumati Huber's inaugural novel is a noteworthy addition to the realm of modern literature, presenting a fresh lens on cultural identity and the journey of self-discovery. With a delightful mix of wit, heartfelt emotion, and thought-provoking insights, it creates an unforgettable reading experience.
I wholeheartedly urge anyone curious about the intricacies of cultural identity, family relationships, and the journey of self-discovery to dive into "Not Indian Enough." Huber weaves an irresistible tapestry of engaging prose and relatable characters, making this book a treasure trove for any literary enthusiast. Whether you seek a narrative that sparks deep reflection or just a delightful escape, this novel elegantly serves both desires.
November 12, 2024
Cue this, we have heard about every day independence struggles of Indian girls and women in the world of putting boundaries and implicit cultural discipline for their 'safety', well it goes beyond another layer when the girl is brought up in a immigrant family, cue whiplash of International culture and even stricter culture standards set to enforce 'Indianness'.
Well, this book throws some light on it, by the author sharing from her own personal experiences, of a whirlwind of a journey from her young years, non-Indian culture of relationships be it love or friends to marriage revolving around the take of her parent's 'Indian' influences.
I really enjoyed reading this one. It was quirky and a fun book. And surprise surprise filled with lots of probing awareness of the odd questions I am sure every Indian has been dying to ask from their parents, on their parents firm yes and no, especially them not getting the current generation struggles *eyeroll*.
This book was not just about the rebellious parts but also parts where the author found herself connecting back to her roots in a beautiful non abrasive way, be it missing her Mom's call of 'what to make for dinner' or connecting to her fashion roots.
The reading experience felt like home for me, as I have travelled along the same journey and I have felt a bit different too, due to my 'roots'.
Book Recommendation - Definitely.
Well, this book throws some light on it, by the author sharing from her own personal experiences, of a whirlwind of a journey from her young years, non-Indian culture of relationships be it love or friends to marriage revolving around the take of her parent's 'Indian' influences.
I really enjoyed reading this one. It was quirky and a fun book. And surprise surprise filled with lots of probing awareness of the odd questions I am sure every Indian has been dying to ask from their parents, on their parents firm yes and no, especially them not getting the current generation struggles *eyeroll*.
This book was not just about the rebellious parts but also parts where the author found herself connecting back to her roots in a beautiful non abrasive way, be it missing her Mom's call of 'what to make for dinner' or connecting to her fashion roots.
The reading experience felt like home for me, as I have travelled along the same journey and I have felt a bit different too, due to my 'roots'.
Book Recommendation - Definitely.
November 9, 2024
'Not Indian enough' by Sumati Huber is a punch into the face of regressive Indian traditions and supersititions. Brought up in a strict Indian domestic household, she was always chastised for her modern dressing style. An Indian diasporic community though lives far away from their homeland, still bears the brunt of the stifling customs. Her vehemence is blatantly unleashed towards those 'Indian Aunties' who dictates what one should wear, eat or think. Indians with their perchance towards numerous gatherings and occasions, provide them the opportunity to pry into other's life. Getting married to an 'Indian guy' would be their constant advise.
The way Indians exerts smothering control over their children and prevents them from experimenting anything new, makes any youngster who grows in a foreign country to a rebel. Same happened to the author as she defended againsts that shackes limits her freedom with bold decisions. Growing up as a collective community, Indians as always forbidden from making individual choices. It is out of question as they firmly believe that pleasing the society matters more an individual's happiness. Therefore, 'what will people say' becomes a regular phrase used in an Indian home.
All such annoying practices are ridiculed and satirically treated by author making it a delightful read. A cool and refreshing book indeed!!
The way Indians exerts smothering control over their children and prevents them from experimenting anything new, makes any youngster who grows in a foreign country to a rebel. Same happened to the author as she defended againsts that shackes limits her freedom with bold decisions. Growing up as a collective community, Indians as always forbidden from making individual choices. It is out of question as they firmly believe that pleasing the society matters more an individual's happiness. Therefore, 'what will people say' becomes a regular phrase used in an Indian home.
All such annoying practices are ridiculed and satirically treated by author making it a delightful read. A cool and refreshing book indeed!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2024
For every Indian girl out there, Sumati Huber’s “Not Indian Enough” is your go to book. The story is about an Indian girl Sanjana who grows up in Bangkok but is always bounded by her conserved parents.
The book is an epitome of the typical Indian household wherein every girl has to go through the parental pressure to the societal pressure placed on females. This book feels like so much unsaid emotions and thoughts deep in our heart and mind rightfully being put up in words. The best part of the book was how Sanjana fought against her cold parents for her Non Indian lad for her marriage.
The book also reflects the thoughts of society on how a girl is judged on the basis of her looks, lifestyle, attire, advice on marriages wherein a person individuality is completely lost. The complete narration is based on what happens in a typical conservative Indian household.
The narration is so humorous and the questions being asked brings such a satisfaction to the soul while reading. The author has highlighted many common problems which we as girls do face at our household. This book feels so much like home that it is a must read for all females, as it will surely connect with your own life and you will laugh out your heart as well analyse and transform your life accordingly.
The book is an epitome of the typical Indian household wherein every girl has to go through the parental pressure to the societal pressure placed on females. This book feels like so much unsaid emotions and thoughts deep in our heart and mind rightfully being put up in words. The best part of the book was how Sanjana fought against her cold parents for her Non Indian lad for her marriage.
The book also reflects the thoughts of society on how a girl is judged on the basis of her looks, lifestyle, attire, advice on marriages wherein a person individuality is completely lost. The complete narration is based on what happens in a typical conservative Indian household.
The narration is so humorous and the questions being asked brings such a satisfaction to the soul while reading. The author has highlighted many common problems which we as girls do face at our household. This book feels so much like home that it is a must read for all females, as it will surely connect with your own life and you will laugh out your heart as well analyse and transform your life accordingly.
December 14, 2024
"Not Indian Enough" by Sumati Huber offers a satirical account of the regressive customs and societal norms observed in the Indian society. Narrated from the perspective of the protagonist, Sanjana, who represents the Indian diaspora and the archetypal, way-too-judgemental remarks that she has to bear in her life out there.
In a humorous vein, the author explores the mammoth themes of generational trauma, self-discovery, personal liberty, and individuality. By roping in the trope of "Indian Aunties" possessing an earnest penchant to discuss the state of affairs with other people, the author further takes a dig at the rough tides that a young woman has to face, and when they do things that don't conform to their traditions, are easily marked as rebels.
I loved how the author juxtaposed the comical and sensitive elements to depict how the stereotypical constructs in the society emerge as a huge roadblock in one's lives. And the book shows how one can navigate their ways through these hindrances and turn a deaf ear to things that don't serve them any purpose.
If you have ever found yourself at the crossroads of cultural battle and freedom usurpation, this book can be your survival guide.
In a humorous vein, the author explores the mammoth themes of generational trauma, self-discovery, personal liberty, and individuality. By roping in the trope of "Indian Aunties" possessing an earnest penchant to discuss the state of affairs with other people, the author further takes a dig at the rough tides that a young woman has to face, and when they do things that don't conform to their traditions, are easily marked as rebels.
I loved how the author juxtaposed the comical and sensitive elements to depict how the stereotypical constructs in the society emerge as a huge roadblock in one's lives. And the book shows how one can navigate their ways through these hindrances and turn a deaf ear to things that don't serve them any purpose.
If you have ever found yourself at the crossroads of cultural battle and freedom usurpation, this book can be your survival guide.
Read
November 25, 2024This book is a poignant narrative of how NRI kids feel outside India, being brought up amongst mixed cultures while trying to uphold their desi traditions.
The book starts with a quiz, and I was instantly hooked right until I finished all 15 chapters and even acknowledgements. The author very deftly talks about how it is to follow Indian customs while living overseas, especially in a joint family with close-knit Indian community living in Bangkok, Thailand, all the while acclimating to the international culture there in modern times.
Through our protagonist Sanjana, the quirky narrative addresses personal topics like outfit choices, fashion trends, pubescent facial hair, peer influences, community events, outings, dating, marriage, impact of ingrained superstitions, as we see her deal with liberal friendships while growing up in a caring albeit conservative family. Her journey from a concerned yet rebellious kid to a rebellious but headstrong woman, who fearlessly takes career and relationship decisions is both relatable and inspiring.
So many things hit a chord with me, and it offers a vitalizing perspective on how to be unabashedly you, while making an identity in a world full of advice and defining notions.
And the final realisation that some of these roots are indeed a beautiful connection to our culture & heritage.
The book starts with a quiz, and I was instantly hooked right until I finished all 15 chapters and even acknowledgements. The author very deftly talks about how it is to follow Indian customs while living overseas, especially in a joint family with close-knit Indian community living in Bangkok, Thailand, all the while acclimating to the international culture there in modern times.
Through our protagonist Sanjana, the quirky narrative addresses personal topics like outfit choices, fashion trends, pubescent facial hair, peer influences, community events, outings, dating, marriage, impact of ingrained superstitions, as we see her deal with liberal friendships while growing up in a caring albeit conservative family. Her journey from a concerned yet rebellious kid to a rebellious but headstrong woman, who fearlessly takes career and relationship decisions is both relatable and inspiring.
So many things hit a chord with me, and it offers a vitalizing perspective on how to be unabashedly you, while making an identity in a world full of advice and defining notions.
And the final realisation that some of these roots are indeed a beautiful connection to our culture & heritage.
January 23, 2025
2.5/5
Really had high hopes for this one, but was unfortunately disappointed on multiple fronts. The blurb made it seem like a coming-of-age/rom-com second-generation version of The Namesake or like a book version of Wedding Season. Instead, this novel is a collection of snippets that highlight the NRI struggles. I wish that the story had either kept with the fashion theme, which seemed to be a big throughline at the start of the novel but then disappears halfway through or had a more coherent structure of chapters instead of sometimes seemingly random sideline incidents becoming whole chapters. There were some lines and paragraphs that showed real promise, but overall a book that I think is more suited to the non-Indian than the second generation NRI audience.
Really had high hopes for this one, but was unfortunately disappointed on multiple fronts. The blurb made it seem like a coming-of-age/rom-com second-generation version of The Namesake or like a book version of Wedding Season. Instead, this novel is a collection of snippets that highlight the NRI struggles. I wish that the story had either kept with the fashion theme, which seemed to be a big throughline at the start of the novel but then disappears halfway through or had a more coherent structure of chapters instead of sometimes seemingly random sideline incidents becoming whole chapters. There were some lines and paragraphs that showed real promise, but overall a book that I think is more suited to the non-Indian than the second generation NRI audience.
December 10, 2024
'Not Indian Enough', a mirror image to the societal norms of the Indian society and the role of a dynamic woman that will shatter the boundaries, an Indian women is surrounded with.
Although, this is the story of Sanjana, but you may find fragments of your journey too weaved in a realistic manner.
The book is a simple yet thoughtful read penned in a wholesome manner for one to develop a better insight into the author's account of the same.
With an easy narration, the book turns to captivate one's attention. The book turned out to be one with lessons to be learnt and looked forward to for a lifetime.
Although, this is the story of Sanjana, but you may find fragments of your journey too weaved in a realistic manner.
The book is a simple yet thoughtful read penned in a wholesome manner for one to develop a better insight into the author's account of the same.
With an easy narration, the book turns to captivate one's attention. The book turned out to be one with lessons to be learnt and looked forward to for a lifetime.
December 10, 2024
A girl in an Indian Society had always been giving a rule book with terms and conditions to be followed strictly.
And finding a girl who is a rebel, drafting her own terms for survival is an epic.
Experience the power of Sanjana's individuality that made her as the right one to accomplish your long lost dreams, living without fear and taken the least concern of their opinions about you.
A phenomenal work of the author that will show gih the varying dimensions which the book covers in an intricate yet simpleton manner. To an exceptionally well engaging read!!!
And finding a girl who is a rebel, drafting her own terms for survival is an epic.
Experience the power of Sanjana's individuality that made her as the right one to accomplish your long lost dreams, living without fear and taken the least concern of their opinions about you.
A phenomenal work of the author that will show gih the varying dimensions which the book covers in an intricate yet simpleton manner. To an exceptionally well engaging read!!!
December 10, 2024
Worth a try!
Written in a practical and more of an influential manner, the book narrates the story of Sanjana and how her rebellious attitude will make her an indifferent one from the crowd.
The book shows how her vivid and extravagant character will bring the entire focus on her making things not an easy one to survive.
But yes, as we all know one's attitude drives other's altitude too.
See, how her efforts and conviction will make her an extraordinary soul in an ordinary body.
A wholesome and fulfilling reading experience I was just awestruck by.
Written in a practical and more of an influential manner, the book narrates the story of Sanjana and how her rebellious attitude will make her an indifferent one from the crowd.
The book shows how her vivid and extravagant character will bring the entire focus on her making things not an easy one to survive.
But yes, as we all know one's attitude drives other's altitude too.
See, how her efforts and conviction will make her an extraordinary soul in an ordinary body.
A wholesome and fulfilling reading experience I was just awestruck by.
December 10, 2024
Worth engaging!!!
I would recommend this read to each one who had been of the thought that the existence and role of a woman is decided in prior.
But being a living creature who breathes, thinks and decides made the book a phenomenal one.
The expression of the book and it's wholesome content made a read to remember. Sanjana's attitude drived the read with full swing.
A wholesome entertainment which I was totally engrossed in by its flawless narrative.
Definitely recommend to be read by each and everyone who love books based on practical prospect.
I would recommend this read to each one who had been of the thought that the existence and role of a woman is decided in prior.
But being a living creature who breathes, thinks and decides made the book a phenomenal one.
The expression of the book and it's wholesome content made a read to remember. Sanjana's attitude drived the read with full swing.
A wholesome entertainment which I was totally engrossed in by its flawless narrative.
Definitely recommend to be read by each and everyone who love books based on practical prospect.
October 15, 2024
This book had some real lol moments, I could totally relate. 😂 Great light reading that will definitely have you laughing with some nostalgic moments.
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