Name: The Hindi-Bindi Club
ISBN: 9780553384529

Monica Pradhan

A novel of a young Indian doctor's search for herself and a 'new world' identity.

The Hindi-Bindi Club

Aisha Iyengar

Recommended to me by my mom. 
As an Indian-American girl, this book hit home BIG time. My parents were born in India and I, in Suburban Illinois. This book was about 3 families, specifically the 3 mothers and their daughters. With the 3 families portrayed, and with each having different dynamics, it was nice to see how each daughter got along with her parents. It made me grateful for the relationship I have always shared with my parents. I don't know many Indian-American girls who share a good relationship with both her parents so I feel truly blessed to be able to say that both my mom and dad are my best friends.  

Even though this book is about 20 years old, each disagreement or "generation gap" moment was so true to today. Each mother had her own story and so did each daughter. What I liked most about this book is how everyone put their differences aside and came together in the end. So many moments where I could remember having a similar conversation with my mom; "Respect your elders." "That's how things are in our culture." and my all-time favorite:

"Sweetheart, for the love of God please let me teach you how to cook." Although we both know I can barely boil water without burning something. 

And each of these conversations had me saying "But why?" "It shouldn't be like that anymore" 

This book made me realize that as 20 year olds today, it's so easy for us to tell our parents to just change their ways of thinking after it has been passed down by their parents and by their parents. All of whom have lived in India all their lives. 
But now we can all share a little and learn from each other.

I believe this book is a must read for all Indian-American daughters and Indian mothers. It's relatable, emotional, and an overall feel-good book. 

The Hindi-Bindi Club

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