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Some People
Win a free print copy of this book!
12 days and 13:31:08
50 copies available
U.S. only
Malti Patel is absolutely fine. Concussed and bruised, maybe, but fine. Certainly fine enough to not need her daughter's soon-to-be-ex-husband, Nathan Whitlock, playing nurse in her home while she recuperates. And yet her doctor insists on in-home supervision for seven days, and with her daughter, Kavya, studying in India, Nathan proves too much of a do-gooder to let Malti rehabilitate alone.
They want nothing to do with one another. But over the course of the week, as Malti grapples with the shadows of her past and Nathan ponders the wreckage of his marriage, they learn that they are the two people who know Kavya best - and the ones who have hurt her so deeply that she's left them both entirely.
Rich with emotional depth, Some People paints a nuanced portrait of love, forgiveness and our timeless quest for understanding and acceptance.
They want nothing to do with one another. But over the course of the week, as Malti grapples with the shadows of her past and Nathan ponders the wreckage of his marriage, they learn that they are the two people who know Kavya best - and the ones who have hurt her so deeply that she's left them both entirely.
Rich with emotional depth, Some People paints a nuanced portrait of love, forgiveness and our timeless quest for understanding and acceptance.
Audible Audio
First published July 7, 2026
About the author
Parini Shroff
3 books812 followersParini Shroff received her MFA from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied under Elizabeth McCracken, Alexander Chee, and Cristina García. She is a practicing attorney and currently lives in the Bay Area. The Bandit Queens is her debut novel.
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July 22, 2026
" . . . when she'd ask, I'd say 'next year.'" . . . "Then I ran out of years."
Shroff's first book, The Bandit Queens, made my best of 2023 list, so I was really looking forward to reading this one. And . . . it did not disappoint!
I truly loved this fun book about two enemies dealing with forced togetherness. With her snappy dialogue, and wonderful characters, Shroff's second book earns a place on this year's "Best of" list, and puts her on my list of favorite authors.
I can't wait for her next book.
Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley
Shroff's first book, The Bandit Queens, made my best of 2023 list, so I was really looking forward to reading this one. And . . . it did not disappoint!
I truly loved this fun book about two enemies dealing with forced togetherness. With her snappy dialogue, and wonderful characters, Shroff's second book earns a place on this year's "Best of" list, and puts her on my list of favorite authors.
I can't wait for her next book.
Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley
July 8, 2026
I really enjoyed Parini Shroff’s debut novel, The Bandit Queens, so I was excited to receive an early copy of Some People. While it’s a very different story, it still has the same warmth and wit and is very much a feel-good story.
Nathan, whose marriage to Malti’s daughter Kevya is falling apart while she’s away in India for graduate school, ends up staying with his soon-to-be ex-mother-in-law after Malti suffers a concussion and needs someone with her during her recovery. They don’t see eye to eye on many topics but it’s interesting to see their evolving relationship. We don’t hear much from Kevya herself but she is a central presence.
I really liked Nathan’s character—both strong and vulnerable. He’s genuinely trying to understand how his marriage unraveled, and his reflections on love, marriage, and divorce felt honest and insightful. Malti is equally compelling. Through her stories, we learn why she left India, raised Kevya in California, and built a new life despite the prejudice and hardships she faced as an immigrant and single mother. She’s fiercely independent, slow to trust, and determined not to be seen as someone who needs looking after. And it seems Nathan is more concerned for her health than she is.
Shroff does a wonderful job bringing together two people separated by age, culture, and perspective, allowing them to gradually open up to one another. Their conversations are awkward, funny, and unexpectedly moving, and through their growing relationship they each come to better understand each other. Their interactions felt authentic, with humor woven in at just the right moments to balance the emotional weight. It’s a moving story about family, resilience, guilt, forgiveness and the unexpected connections that can quietly change us.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for an advance ebook for review.
Nathan, whose marriage to Malti’s daughter Kevya is falling apart while she’s away in India for graduate school, ends up staying with his soon-to-be ex-mother-in-law after Malti suffers a concussion and needs someone with her during her recovery. They don’t see eye to eye on many topics but it’s interesting to see their evolving relationship. We don’t hear much from Kevya herself but she is a central presence.
I really liked Nathan’s character—both strong and vulnerable. He’s genuinely trying to understand how his marriage unraveled, and his reflections on love, marriage, and divorce felt honest and insightful. Malti is equally compelling. Through her stories, we learn why she left India, raised Kevya in California, and built a new life despite the prejudice and hardships she faced as an immigrant and single mother. She’s fiercely independent, slow to trust, and determined not to be seen as someone who needs looking after. And it seems Nathan is more concerned for her health than she is.
Shroff does a wonderful job bringing together two people separated by age, culture, and perspective, allowing them to gradually open up to one another. Their conversations are awkward, funny, and unexpectedly moving, and through their growing relationship they each come to better understand each other. Their interactions felt authentic, with humor woven in at just the right moments to balance the emotional weight. It’s a moving story about family, resilience, guilt, forgiveness and the unexpected connections that can quietly change us.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for an advance ebook for review.
July 15, 2026
SOME PEOPLE is, now, easily one of my favourite reads of 2026! *..*
I thought I was gonna read a more dramatic and serious story, maybe a little heartfelt. But this book gave me everything I wanted, or that I did not know I wanted, in the right timing.
The relationship between Malti (the soon-to-be ex mother-in-law) and Nathan (the soon-to-be ex son-in-law) was too much FUN! The dynamic between these two was flawless and hilarious, most of the time. Actually, it reads a lot like a complicated, yet loving, relationship and bond between a mother and her own son. And the cat jokes were on point! I am not, personally, a cat person, but the cats in this book were so enjoyable that I wanted them to be more present.
The highlight of this story, in my opinion, lies in the very distinctive personalities and backgrounds of the 2 main characters: a typical American white man + an old Indian woman. So much fun!
My only 'complaint' would be that I found this book to be too short! I wanted more of Malti! She is now easily one of my top favourite characters that I read this year.
I haven't read yet this author's previous novel, so obviously I cannot compare that book with this one, but I'll take my chances and say that if you have read The Bandit Queens and enjoyed, consider picking this one up. And even if you haven't read that book, give this one a chance if you're into the tropes and the premise of this book. Or if you simply need to read something light and funny, just to have a good time.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine, for this eARC.
I thought I was gonna read a more dramatic and serious story, maybe a little heartfelt. But this book gave me everything I wanted, or that I did not know I wanted, in the right timing.
The relationship between Malti (the soon-to-be ex mother-in-law) and Nathan (the soon-to-be ex son-in-law) was too much FUN! The dynamic between these two was flawless and hilarious, most of the time. Actually, it reads a lot like a complicated, yet loving, relationship and bond between a mother and her own son. And the cat jokes were on point! I am not, personally, a cat person, but the cats in this book were so enjoyable that I wanted them to be more present.
The highlight of this story, in my opinion, lies in the very distinctive personalities and backgrounds of the 2 main characters: a typical American white man + an old Indian woman. So much fun!
My only 'complaint' would be that I found this book to be too short! I wanted more of Malti! She is now easily one of my top favourite characters that I read this year.
I haven't read yet this author's previous novel, so obviously I cannot compare that book with this one, but I'll take my chances and say that if you have read The Bandit Queens and enjoyed, consider picking this one up. And even if you haven't read that book, give this one a chance if you're into the tropes and the premise of this book. Or if you simply need to read something light and funny, just to have a good time.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine, for this eARC.
July 29, 2026
“When you grow up happy, you assume it’s a natural state rather than a gift.”
Some novels sweep you along with breathtaking plots. Others quietly settle into your heart because the characters feel so astonishingly real. Some People is firmly in the second category, and I absolutely adored it.
Nathan is in his early forties and on the verge of finalizing his divorce when his soon-to-be ex-mother-in-law, Malti Patel, is injured. With Malti’s daughter, Kavya, away in India, Nathan becomes the only person available to care for her while she recovers. What follows unfolds over just eight days, as doctor’s orders require that Malti not be left alone.
On paper, very little happens.
Nathan and Malti argue. They reminisce. They offer each other plenty of unsolicited advice. They blame other people for the disappointments in their own lives. Slowly, almost despite themselves, they begin to understand—and eventually care deeply for—one another.
The brilliance of this novel lies in its restraint.
Kavya is largely absent from the narrative, yet she becomes one of its most vivid characters because we only know her through the two people who love her in completely different ways. Watching Nathan and Malti each reveal pieces of her—and, in the process, reveal themselves—is masterful character work.
Parini Schroff writes with remarkable insight about family, aging, immigration, race, class, gender, and the complicated expectations we place on the people we love most. None of those themes ever feel heavy-handed. They simply emerge through conversation, memory, and the small moments that make relationships so believable.
It’s also surprisingly funny. One of my favorite lines:
“This is a terrible idea. The people behind Fyre Festival would look at this and think, ‘Wow, that’s a bad idea.’”
That humor balances the novel’s quieter, more reflective moments beautifully.
If you enjoy literary fiction centered on relationships rather than plot, heartwarming character studies, generational conflict, immigrant family stories, or delightfully cranky-but-feisty older women, I cannot recommend this highly enough. (I’m beginning to think every book I’ve loved in 2026 has featured a feisty old lady, and I’m completely okay with that.)
This was one of my favorite books of 2026. It reminded me why I love reading. And when I reached the final page, I simply wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Nathan and Malti.
Comparable reads: The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo and The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston.
August 5, 2026
Wow. There's A LOT to unpack here. What a great book, so deep at times yet also lighthearted and hilariously ridiculous! I laughed, I cried, I went deep into thought. I wish a particular someone in my life could read this and hear and understand ME. I highlighted so many passages, seeing my thoughts and feelings written out by someone else's hand, much more succinct and poetic than I ever could - what it means to be a child of an immigrant who struggled to provide. There's the age old adage, "I'd give you the shirt off my back" but what if instead of the shirt, I just wanted a hug?
A theme that comes to a lot is "you can't outrun your childhood" What a heavy thought, think back to when you were a kid, good or bad, that lives with you, threaded throughout the rest of your life, light stitches or thick and heavy - it's there.
A few of my favorites:
"Guilt, with its wider net, proved more broad than love"
" As a parent, you never knew which of your stray decisions, instincts, tempers, indulgences would imprint. What would be forever associated with you despite all the other things you said and did."
"Malti removed the looming equation of what will people think? What she was left with was a kid who didn't feel loved."
A theme that comes to a lot is "you can't outrun your childhood" What a heavy thought, think back to when you were a kid, good or bad, that lives with you, threaded throughout the rest of your life, light stitches or thick and heavy - it's there.
A few of my favorites:
"Guilt, with its wider net, proved more broad than love"
" As a parent, you never knew which of your stray decisions, instincts, tempers, indulgences would imprint. What would be forever associated with you despite all the other things you said and did."
"Malti removed the looming equation of what will people think? What she was left with was a kid who didn't feel loved."
July 18, 2026
This was an unexpected book for my summer but I’m glad I read it. The gist of it is in the publishers summary so I won’t repeat it. What I liked about this book are the following:
1. Took place in Silicon Valley and I always like books happening near me lol.
2. The audiobook was very well done, with a distinct voice for each malti and nathan that felt true to their character
3. The way that both Malti (desi mother in law) and Nathan (Caucasian dude) both let go of some of their previously held beliefs to grow as people, both with simple things like food or home remedies but also bigger things like trust and introspection
4. The ending
5. The books pacing. It was just right; neither too fast nor too slow. None of the book had the feeling of it “dragging”
6. I laughed out loud numerous times.
1. Took place in Silicon Valley and I always like books happening near me lol.
2. The audiobook was very well done, with a distinct voice for each malti and nathan that felt true to their character
3. The way that both Malti (desi mother in law) and Nathan (Caucasian dude) both let go of some of their previously held beliefs to grow as people, both with simple things like food or home remedies but also bigger things like trust and introspection
4. The ending
5. The books pacing. It was just right; neither too fast nor too slow. None of the book had the feeling of it “dragging”
6. I laughed out loud numerous times.
July 15, 2026
This was fantastic! I think reading this would make anyone a better companion and human. Initially it started a little slow and I thought the conversations were initially too ham-handed on the PC-front (even though I agreed). But i think it’s a good depiction of conversations that happen in mixed-race couples/families. Sometimes smoother, sometimes off-the-wall combative but overall believable and one of the first books I’ve seen showing it in this way.
Malti and Nathan are perfect foils but somehow you see a little bit of yourself in each of them and Kavya. I loved them all!
Malti and Nathan are perfect foils but somehow you see a little bit of yourself in each of them and Kavya. I loved them all!
July 7, 2026
I wish I had a physical copy of SOME PEOPLE, just so I could hug it.
We see lots of mother-daughter stories, but this is the first time I’ve read a story from the perspectives of a mother-in-law and almost-ex son-in-law. What I loved, more specifically than everything:
➛Beautifully written
➛Powerful statement about relationships, the way we perceive people, and the way our assumptions can prevent us from seeing the truth
➛Thoughtful look at cultural and generational differences, and what they can mean in any relationship
This was a fun, deep, emotional read, and I loved every word.
*Thanks to Ballantine Books for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley.*
We see lots of mother-daughter stories, but this is the first time I’ve read a story from the perspectives of a mother-in-law and almost-ex son-in-law. What I loved, more specifically than everything:
➛Beautifully written
➛Powerful statement about relationships, the way we perceive people, and the way our assumptions can prevent us from seeing the truth
➛Thoughtful look at cultural and generational differences, and what they can mean in any relationship
This was a fun, deep, emotional read, and I loved every word.
*Thanks to Ballantine Books for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley.*
July 28, 2026
This book is essentially a three-person character study and one of the characters is off-stage for the entirety of the story. It takes place over the course of just over a week and tells the story of Malti, an elderly Indian woman and Nathan, her soon-to-be former son-in-law. The third character is Kavya, Malti's daughter and Nathan's soon-to-be-ex who is studying in India. When Malti is injured, Nathan becomes her de facto nurse, and when he moves in to care for her, they find out just how much they really don't know about one another despite being tied together by Kavya, the love of both of their lives.
Malti resents Nathan for the dissolution of his marriage and Nathan blames a good portion of it on baggage Kavya carries from her childhood with Malti. It is a situation ripe for drama, humor, and heartbreak. Fortunately, the author is Parini Shroff, a wonderful writer who has a penchant for using obscure words and creating endearing characters, so while we get all of those, we also get time spent with people who are kind at heart and seeking understanding and forgiveness. The book is a charmer.
Malti resents Nathan for the dissolution of his marriage and Nathan blames a good portion of it on baggage Kavya carries from her childhood with Malti. It is a situation ripe for drama, humor, and heartbreak. Fortunately, the author is Parini Shroff, a wonderful writer who has a penchant for using obscure words and creating endearing characters, so while we get all of those, we also get time spent with people who are kind at heart and seeking understanding and forgiveness. The book is a charmer.
July 13, 2026
Read to 5%. Two “woke” type references by 3% and “edibles” mentioned at 5%. Not sticking around to see how many more there might be.
Plus it’s overly descriptive. Such as, do we really need to know that the takeout container is compostable? Or what brand of gaming headphones the main character uses?
Pass. 🪂
July 13, 2026
Plus it’s overly descriptive. Such as, do we really need to know that the takeout container is compostable? Or what brand of gaming headphones the main character uses?
Pass. 🪂
July 13, 2026
August 5, 2026
The banter was fantastic, the characters were deep and well written, the story was emotional. This novel is like a fable of how you need to learn to communicate better in your marriage. How people let their own stubbornness ruin their lives for years. How regret can eat away at your all your relationships with family or significant others.
Its amazing the way hindsight can change the way you felt and acted in a moment that you didn't realize was life changing when it happened.
Its amazing the way hindsight can change the way you felt and acted in a moment that you didn't realize was life changing when it happened.
July 8, 2026
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
Malti Patel goes to give someone in need some money at the doors to her pharmacy, and he accidently knocks her over. She hits her head, and when she wakes up, discovers she is surrounded by police and EMS. She tries to resist going with them to the hospital, but her head was bleeding copiously and she had a concussion, so they didn't give her a choice. When it came time to be discharged, they wouldn't just let her leave on her own - they had to contact her next of kin. Which normally wouldn't be a problem - her daughter could come get her if she wasn't in India right now for grad school. Which leaves....Nathan Whitlock, her daughter's soon-to-be-ex-husband, and the last person she wants to see. To make matters worse, the doctor insists on in-home supervision for seven days, so Nathan gives her the choice of his house or hers. Well of course she wants to go home. Surely she can somehow survive seven days of Nathan, the man divorcing her daughter for all manner of reasons: cultural misunderstanding, emotional walls, simmering hostility...most of them having to do with Kavya's baggage from her childhood. Over the course of the week Malti grapples with the shadows of her past and Nathan ponders the wreckage of his marriage. They each discover how the other person's misunderstanding of a situation can change everything, that moat of their dislike for each other comes from miscommunication & they really don't , mind each other after all, they learn that they are the two people who know Kavya best, & the ones who have hurt her so deeply that she's left them both. This book had so many funny parts that kept me laughing. I adored Malti - she was a feisty little spitfire, but she sure was fun! I think Nathan had to be on the spectrum because of his communication patterns., & his bluntness was definitely off-putting if you didn't know better. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow closer day by day, learning more about each other, and understanding each other better. Each day I was hoping that when his wife came home from grad school, that she would call off the divorce & they could start fresh. I highly recommend this one!
Malti Patel goes to give someone in need some money at the doors to her pharmacy, and he accidently knocks her over. She hits her head, and when she wakes up, discovers she is surrounded by police and EMS. She tries to resist going with them to the hospital, but her head was bleeding copiously and she had a concussion, so they didn't give her a choice. When it came time to be discharged, they wouldn't just let her leave on her own - they had to contact her next of kin. Which normally wouldn't be a problem - her daughter could come get her if she wasn't in India right now for grad school. Which leaves....Nathan Whitlock, her daughter's soon-to-be-ex-husband, and the last person she wants to see. To make matters worse, the doctor insists on in-home supervision for seven days, so Nathan gives her the choice of his house or hers. Well of course she wants to go home. Surely she can somehow survive seven days of Nathan, the man divorcing her daughter for all manner of reasons: cultural misunderstanding, emotional walls, simmering hostility...most of them having to do with Kavya's baggage from her childhood. Over the course of the week Malti grapples with the shadows of her past and Nathan ponders the wreckage of his marriage. They each discover how the other person's misunderstanding of a situation can change everything, that moat of their dislike for each other comes from miscommunication & they really don't , mind each other after all, they learn that they are the two people who know Kavya best, & the ones who have hurt her so deeply that she's left them both. This book had so many funny parts that kept me laughing. I adored Malti - she was a feisty little spitfire, but she sure was fun! I think Nathan had to be on the spectrum because of his communication patterns., & his bluntness was definitely off-putting if you didn't know better. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow closer day by day, learning more about each other, and understanding each other better. Each day I was hoping that when his wife came home from grad school, that she would call off the divorce & they could start fresh. I highly recommend this one!
July 7, 2026
This is a tough review because this book is about nothing. There's no plot, no real ending, and no final conclusion on its themes. Yet, I went through a journey in these pages. My emotions jumped all over the place, but always ended on empathy for Malta and Nathan.
The story starts with Malta unable to live on her own while recovering from a concussion. Since Kavya, her daughter, is in India visiting her father, the only one who can help during her recovery is Nathan, the soon to be ex of said daughter. From that humble beginning, the narrative opens up to explore the relationship between Kavya and these two most important people in her life.
Malti feels enormous guilt over how she raised Kavya, even though she says repeatedly that motherhood is hard and she did the best she could. I relate to this experience so deeply and I didn't have to do it alone. Nathan can't understand what he did wrong in their marriage, so he has no idea how to fix it. I can understand that too. Even when most things in a relationship are great, the little cruel things add up over time if they're never addressed. Malti is traditional with the sensibility of an immigrant, while Nathan is modern with the privilege of a white man. You would think the two couldn't possibly have a common ground to stand on. Yet, they're both remarkably alike, from their uncompromising stubbornness to the way they tackle adversity. And no one with a soul could walk away without feeling deeply for both of them.
Which is why this novel is so good. Malta and Nathan should be entirely unlikeable. And yet, Shroff made them so human, it felt like you were learning something about yourself. You know when people talk about books with no plot where there's just people talking and nothing gets resolved? Usually they call that kind of an experience a"quiet book". Well, there's nothing quiet about this one. It's loud and in your face and holds no punches. Yet, just when you're ready to curl up in an existential crisis of your own, Shroff throws humor into the mix. And I don't mean, an off-colored joke to put you at ease. Every bit of humor, even the laugh out loud moments, felt completely natural to the setting and from these characters.
Even though I'm nothing like these two people, either in background or essence, I felt seen. There were clear messages about relationships and our society that were presented in such a realistic way that it made me pause at each revelation. But I didn't feel preached at or talked down to. Forget Socrates and Goethe. This is the book that should be brought into philosophy class. I'm so glad we read this for a buddy read ARC because I NEED to talk about it.
Also, I think this should be a play. It's a genius back and forth within a limited setting. I must see this on a stage.
The story starts with Malta unable to live on her own while recovering from a concussion. Since Kavya, her daughter, is in India visiting her father, the only one who can help during her recovery is Nathan, the soon to be ex of said daughter. From that humble beginning, the narrative opens up to explore the relationship between Kavya and these two most important people in her life.
Malti feels enormous guilt over how she raised Kavya, even though she says repeatedly that motherhood is hard and she did the best she could. I relate to this experience so deeply and I didn't have to do it alone. Nathan can't understand what he did wrong in their marriage, so he has no idea how to fix it. I can understand that too. Even when most things in a relationship are great, the little cruel things add up over time if they're never addressed. Malti is traditional with the sensibility of an immigrant, while Nathan is modern with the privilege of a white man. You would think the two couldn't possibly have a common ground to stand on. Yet, they're both remarkably alike, from their uncompromising stubbornness to the way they tackle adversity. And no one with a soul could walk away without feeling deeply for both of them.
Which is why this novel is so good. Malta and Nathan should be entirely unlikeable. And yet, Shroff made them so human, it felt like you were learning something about yourself. You know when people talk about books with no plot where there's just people talking and nothing gets resolved? Usually they call that kind of an experience a"quiet book". Well, there's nothing quiet about this one. It's loud and in your face and holds no punches. Yet, just when you're ready to curl up in an existential crisis of your own, Shroff throws humor into the mix. And I don't mean, an off-colored joke to put you at ease. Every bit of humor, even the laugh out loud moments, felt completely natural to the setting and from these characters.
Even though I'm nothing like these two people, either in background or essence, I felt seen. There were clear messages about relationships and our society that were presented in such a realistic way that it made me pause at each revelation. But I didn't feel preached at or talked down to. Forget Socrates and Goethe. This is the book that should be brought into philosophy class. I'm so glad we read this for a buddy read ARC because I NEED to talk about it.
Also, I think this should be a play. It's a genius back and forth within a limited setting. I must see this on a stage.
August 3, 2026
When Malti Patel sustains a head injury, her daughter Kavya's soon-to-be ex-husband, Nathan Whitlock, is called. Kavya is abroad doing graduate studies in India and the doctor insists that Malti can't be left alone for at least 7 days so she has no option but to allow Nathan and his cat to move in with her while she recovers. Over the course of the week, the pair finally get to know each other as Nathan ponders what went wrong in his marriage and Malti grapples with mistakes she made in her relationship with her daughter.
I loved Shroff's debut novel The Bandit Queens so was looking forward to this book - it's quite different but still a feel-good story that I enjoyed from start to finish.
Set in Silicon Valley over the course of little more than a week, Some People is about two people that don't particularly like or understand each other who are forced to spend time together. Both Malti and Nathan are compelling characters and there's a great dynamic between the two of them. They each had annoying traits but I loved them both and enjoyed the evolution of their relationship. With themes relating to family, understanding and forgiveness, this is a heartfelt, funny, insightful and ultimately hopeful character-driven story.
I loved Shroff's debut novel The Bandit Queens so was looking forward to this book - it's quite different but still a feel-good story that I enjoyed from start to finish.
Set in Silicon Valley over the course of little more than a week, Some People is about two people that don't particularly like or understand each other who are forced to spend time together. Both Malti and Nathan are compelling characters and there's a great dynamic between the two of them. They each had annoying traits but I loved them both and enjoyed the evolution of their relationship. With themes relating to family, understanding and forgiveness, this is a heartfelt, funny, insightful and ultimately hopeful character-driven story.
August 6, 2026
This book reallyyyy grew on me over time. It’s funny to think of like regular literary fiction being described as cozy, but like how else am I supposed to describe the thought of being able to communicate and understand my immigrant mom and have her understand me in turn?
I hope that doesn’t seem reductive. This book is funny, heartwarming, and deeply moving because it is about messy people having conversations and figuring stuff out. It’s as good as bandit queens, possibly one of my favorite novels, but like? It’s good man. It’ll make you want to call your mom.
I hope that doesn’t seem reductive. This book is funny, heartwarming, and deeply moving because it is about messy people having conversations and figuring stuff out. It’s as good as bandit queens, possibly one of my favorite novels, but like? It’s good man. It’ll make you want to call your mom.
August 7, 2026
Such a lovely book that really captured the complex feelings of being a parent, child, spouse. What a unique story about seeing the world through another’s eyes, about trying to do your best and not living up to your own standards, about misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Oh, and it’s also funny as well.
July 30, 2026
I adored Nathan and his mother in law’s banter their perfect 👌 lol. This was a very thoughtful and touching story about having empathy for each other. Bravo 👏
August 2, 2026
So disappointing. Especially because I enjoyed her first novel so much - the rich character development of her last novel and this one seems like YA fiction.
Within 52 pages the authors chooses to use the word "quotidian" 3 times ... And "umbrage" twice and then with the amount of similes.... A mother in law and a son in law don't like each other - okay the tale as old as time so where are you going to make this different ... Such boring writing.
Within 52 pages the authors chooses to use the word "quotidian" 3 times ... And "umbrage" twice and then with the amount of similes.... A mother in law and a son in law don't like each other - okay the tale as old as time so where are you going to make this different ... Such boring writing.
August 8, 2026
Like 2.25. The first half was painfully didactic, and the second half was tolerable. But none of it was worth the writing style, i.e. someone who wants to show you every SAT word they know. Kavya was insufferable for the brief moments she was part of the story.
July 15, 2026
"Some People" is author Parini Shroff's second novel and certainly follows in the footsteps of her wonderfully received debut novel ("The Bandit Queens") as an entertaining and wise novel that explores how and why people do the things they do. Hmmm... Some people. Some people? SOME PEOPLE!!
Whether it be within their immediate family or among their broader interpersonal relationships, Shroff explores the idea that personal motivations, experiences, preferences, and preconceived notions can (and often do) influence a person's choices and decisions and often have the probability of creating (even unintentionally) very real short and long-term effects within these relationships.
The characters that "people" this novel are well-developed, relatable, and highly enjoyable for the reader to come to know. Each is distinctly human, which means that while they may possess deep flaws, it does not diminish how remarkably wise they are as well.
The title was an absolutely perfect choice, as the novel showcased the title and phrase *some people* within many different types of situations, with the context of each changing the meaning of that phrase in delightful and thoughtful ways.
In this reviewer's opinion, this novel presented the beautiful concept that many people can be and truly are... the very best of people!
SOME PEOPLE!!!
My thanks to this author for her craft, to the publisher for recognizing this fresh and thoughtful novel, and to NetGalley for facilitating my opportunity to read it as a galley proof. My thoughts and opinions are my own and are respectfully offered.
This novel was published on July 7, 2026.
Whether it be within their immediate family or among their broader interpersonal relationships, Shroff explores the idea that personal motivations, experiences, preferences, and preconceived notions can (and often do) influence a person's choices and decisions and often have the probability of creating (even unintentionally) very real short and long-term effects within these relationships.
The characters that "people" this novel are well-developed, relatable, and highly enjoyable for the reader to come to know. Each is distinctly human, which means that while they may possess deep flaws, it does not diminish how remarkably wise they are as well.
The title was an absolutely perfect choice, as the novel showcased the title and phrase *some people* within many different types of situations, with the context of each changing the meaning of that phrase in delightful and thoughtful ways.
In this reviewer's opinion, this novel presented the beautiful concept that many people can be and truly are... the very best of people!
SOME PEOPLE!!!
My thanks to this author for her craft, to the publisher for recognizing this fresh and thoughtful novel, and to NetGalley for facilitating my opportunity to read it as a galley proof. My thoughts and opinions are my own and are respectfully offered.
This novel was published on July 7, 2026.
July 22, 2026
I thought this book was hilarious and had me laughing out loud. Great discussions of topics such as culture differences, age, gender.
Favorite lines:
"As a parent, you never knew which of your stray decisions, instincts, tempers, indulgences would imprint. What would forever be associated with you despite all the other things you said and did. You had absolutely no control over any of it. You could do your level best to provide and nurture and teach, and yet they could walk away bundled by only your faults." What an insightful way to view parenthood - the fear that the memories our children will carry with them are when we are at our worst.
"You see it on the news all the time!"
"What news?"
"Special Victims Unit."
"Law and Order? Malti, that's not news"
"Excuse me, it's 'ripped from the headlines."
"Parenting forced you to frack for new depths of patience you didn't know existed." You got that right.
"We can't just accumulate garbage on the off chance that it's useful one day. That's hoarding."
"You are the human equivalent of somehow both constipation and diarrhea." That's an absolutely brilliant insult.
"That was marriage, wasn't it? You didn't necessarily have all the same interests, but, like a shared drawer, you moved things within you to make space."
Favorite lines:
"As a parent, you never knew which of your stray decisions, instincts, tempers, indulgences would imprint. What would forever be associated with you despite all the other things you said and did. You had absolutely no control over any of it. You could do your level best to provide and nurture and teach, and yet they could walk away bundled by only your faults." What an insightful way to view parenthood - the fear that the memories our children will carry with them are when we are at our worst.
"You see it on the news all the time!"
"What news?"
"Special Victims Unit."
"Law and Order? Malti, that's not news"
"Excuse me, it's 'ripped from the headlines."
"Parenting forced you to frack for new depths of patience you didn't know existed." You got that right.
"We can't just accumulate garbage on the off chance that it's useful one day. That's hoarding."
"You are the human equivalent of somehow both constipation and diarrhea." That's an absolutely brilliant insult.
"That was marriage, wasn't it? You didn't necessarily have all the same interests, but, like a shared drawer, you moved things within you to make space."
July 20, 2026
4.25 stars
As a fan of Shroff's debut, Bandit Queens, Some People is not at all what I expected from her second book, but it was still wonderful.
In a way, it is exactly what it purports to be; the story of a man who must move in with his almost ex mother-in-law to care for her after an accident. But like any good book, it’s about so much more. While nothing much happens (truly), we get to know these two characters as they get to know the truth about each other through their shared love and regret about Kavya, their daughter/wife, over a period of 10 days.
This is really a book about family, relationships, and motherhood. It peels back the layers of who these characters are, how their pasts have shaped who they’ve become, and how who they’ve become affects the relationships around them in big and small ways. It’s sad, funny, heartwarming, a little weird, and very, very human.
I’ve come to realize stories that capture the real experience of being a human being in the world, with a little dark humor and heart, are some of my favorites. While I think it could have been a little shorter and packed a bigger punch at the end, I still really enjoyed Some People. It has solidified Shroff as a reliable author whose work I will look forward to.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy. Some People released 7/7/26.
As a fan of Shroff's debut, Bandit Queens, Some People is not at all what I expected from her second book, but it was still wonderful.
In a way, it is exactly what it purports to be; the story of a man who must move in with his almost ex mother-in-law to care for her after an accident. But like any good book, it’s about so much more. While nothing much happens (truly), we get to know these two characters as they get to know the truth about each other through their shared love and regret about Kavya, their daughter/wife, over a period of 10 days.
This is really a book about family, relationships, and motherhood. It peels back the layers of who these characters are, how their pasts have shaped who they’ve become, and how who they’ve become affects the relationships around them in big and small ways. It’s sad, funny, heartwarming, a little weird, and very, very human.
I’ve come to realize stories that capture the real experience of being a human being in the world, with a little dark humor and heart, are some of my favorites. While I think it could have been a little shorter and packed a bigger punch at the end, I still really enjoyed Some People. It has solidified Shroff as a reliable author whose work I will look forward to.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy. Some People released 7/7/26.
August 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC of Some People! I truly enjoyed the heck out of this book! I typically don't really say that I want a book to be made in to a show or movie because the book is almost always better, but I would love to see this on my screen one day. The dialogue felt -mostly- realistic and I laughed out loud multiple times. The cast of characters is so small but I feel like I really got to know all of them and was rooting for everyone, too. Really hammered home the idea that how people feel about what you do/say is just as important (or even more so) than how you meant for things to come across which was a nice little reminder. I would certainly recommend this to people who were fans of the humor from the Thursday Murder Club Series and The Road to Tender Hearts. I gave this 4.5 out of 5 but rounded up!
August 13, 2026
Some People is on my excellent books list for 2026. I thoroughly loved this smart, deep, crazy good read. When Malti Patel is injured, she finds she needs help at home during her recovery. But, who to call? Her only daughter, Kavya is on an extended trip to India, but Kavya's husband, Nathan is home and available. There's a problem. Nathan and Kavya are divorcing. But Nathan is Malti's only possible caregiver. So starts "Some People." Divided into 9 Days, Malti and Nathan start the adventures into discovering what they didn't know, understand or think they knew about themselves, their relationship, and Kavya. The writing, insights into relationship, family and love are astute and brilliant. The icing is the hilarious banter between Malti and Nathan that is very entertaining. This is a book not to miss. It is unforgettable.
July 14, 2026
***Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***
The deeper I got into this novel, the more I liked it. In fact, I got so immersed that I didn't even realize it when I reached the end. Granted, I was reading it on my iPad so I couldn't physically feel myself coming to the end of the book, but there was a large part of me that could have seen the book going on for another 100 pages. Then I chuckled, because it actually ended just right.
The premise of this book seems simple enough. A medical incident leaves Malti Patel in the care of her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law, Nathan, because her daughter Kavya is in grad school abroad in India and residing with her father, who was absent during her youth. Despite not being physically present in the story, both Malti and Nathan's relationships to Kavya drive there reflections and growing self-awareness as well. I loved this as a vehicle for emotional deepening and exploration of relationships. I admire Parini Shroff's ability to write people.
The deeper I got into this novel, the more I liked it. In fact, I got so immersed that I didn't even realize it when I reached the end. Granted, I was reading it on my iPad so I couldn't physically feel myself coming to the end of the book, but there was a large part of me that could have seen the book going on for another 100 pages. Then I chuckled, because it actually ended just right.
The premise of this book seems simple enough. A medical incident leaves Malti Patel in the care of her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law, Nathan, because her daughter Kavya is in grad school abroad in India and residing with her father, who was absent during her youth. Despite not being physically present in the story, both Malti and Nathan's relationships to Kavya drive there reflections and growing self-awareness as well. I loved this as a vehicle for emotional deepening and exploration of relationships. I admire Parini Shroff's ability to write people.
July 17, 2026
I'm calling it now: this will be my favorite read this year! Malti and Nathan were so flawed yet still loveable. Seeing events from their very different perspectives was eye-opening! I expected this to be a light, fluffy read - just something to pass the time by the pool. Not something that would keep me reading into the wee morning hours or even be remembered in a week or two. Boy was I wrong.! While Some People was often humorous, it was never silly. Instead, it's very "realness" was quite hough provoking. I was sad to say goodbye to the main characters at the end, but I ended my reading with a chuckle. Highly recommend!
July 17, 2026
4.5 stars. I read this via Whispersync and the narration was outstanding. 4 stars without narration/audiobook.
July 7, 2026
I’m so glad I accepted the invitation to read an advance copy of this book—I absolutely loved it. The premise is both unique and deeply engaging: a forty‑something, soon‑to‑be‑divorced white man is asked to stay with his seventy‑something Indian mother‑in‑law while she recovers from a concussion while her daughter is away in India. It’s an unexpected setup that leads to a thoughtful and heartfelt exploration of identity, family, and connection.
The author brings these characters vividly to life, and I loved watching them build a new, one‑on‑one relationship, challenging their assumptions, uncovering long‑held misunderstandings, and finding surprising common ground. Despite the emotional weight and family drama woven throughout, the story is filled with humor, including several laugh‑out‑loud moments that balance the more serious themes beautifully.
I truly hope this book gets the attention it deserves. It would make an excellent book club pick thanks to its discussable themes and memorable characters. I highly recommend it.
The author brings these characters vividly to life, and I loved watching them build a new, one‑on‑one relationship, challenging their assumptions, uncovering long‑held misunderstandings, and finding surprising common ground. Despite the emotional weight and family drama woven throughout, the story is filled with humor, including several laugh‑out‑loud moments that balance the more serious themes beautifully.
I truly hope this book gets the attention it deserves. It would make an excellent book club pick thanks to its discussable themes and memorable characters. I highly recommend it.
July 7, 2026
Some People by Parini Shroff
If you read The Bandit Queens, you are in for another treat. I smiled and laughed all the way through this five star book. The writing is so smart and the story is so good.
Seventy year old Malti Patel has had an accident. Her daughter is in India and cannot help, so the next in line on Malti’s emergency list is her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law, Nathan.
Malti and Nathan don’t see eye to eye on much, but they will need to adapt, as Malti cannot be left alone. They are both set in their ways and argumentative, so that sets the tone for the next few days as Malti heals.
Can the two call a truce? Can they each give a little? Talk through some of the difficulties and joys they’ve had with Kavya, the daughter/wife they both share?
I would be remiss not to mention Malti’s penchant for cursing and Nathan’s too once they got going. All the funnier in my opinion, but reader beware.
If you read The Bandit Queens, you are in for another treat. I smiled and laughed all the way through this five star book. The writing is so smart and the story is so good.
Seventy year old Malti Patel has had an accident. Her daughter is in India and cannot help, so the next in line on Malti’s emergency list is her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law, Nathan.
Malti and Nathan don’t see eye to eye on much, but they will need to adapt, as Malti cannot be left alone. They are both set in their ways and argumentative, so that sets the tone for the next few days as Malti heals.
Can the two call a truce? Can they each give a little? Talk through some of the difficulties and joys they’ve had with Kavya, the daughter/wife they both share?
I would be remiss not to mention Malti’s penchant for cursing and Nathan’s too once they got going. All the funnier in my opinion, but reader beware.
July 7, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine books for the advanced copy!
I’m left speechless by this book. In a good way. In the BEST way! The way that Parini wrote the characters to have flaws but still root for them and even sympathize with them was great! Nathan and Malti are the most unexpected duo but wow are they perfect. This book will be so relatable to so many people. It touches on the difficulties of single motherhood, generational trauma, people going through divorce, people who are working on their relationships with their parents, the challenges of being an immigrant, children of immigrants. The list goes on and on! She tackled tough topics, like white privileged and male privilege, with humor and grace while not diminishing the seriousness of the topics. This book made me laugh, cry, and smile ear to ear. Such great storytelling and character development!
I’m left speechless by this book. In a good way. In the BEST way! The way that Parini wrote the characters to have flaws but still root for them and even sympathize with them was great! Nathan and Malti are the most unexpected duo but wow are they perfect. This book will be so relatable to so many people. It touches on the difficulties of single motherhood, generational trauma, people going through divorce, people who are working on their relationships with their parents, the challenges of being an immigrant, children of immigrants. The list goes on and on! She tackled tough topics, like white privileged and male privilege, with humor and grace while not diminishing the seriousness of the topics. This book made me laugh, cry, and smile ear to ear. Such great storytelling and character development!
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