In this episode, we read the book The Wedding People.

The Wedding People is a dazzling, deeply moving. Set over the course of a single weekend at a luxurious New England inn, this story invites us into the heart of a destination wedding—where not everything is as picture-perfect as it seems.

At the center is Phoebe Stone, a woman at her lowest point who checks into the inn with no intention of making it to Monday. But when a twist of fate pulls her into the chaos of someone else’s wedding, what unfolds is funny, messy, heartfelt—and entirely life-altering.

From controlling brides and grieving grooms to teenage wisdom and coconut-scented absurdities, The Wedding People is both a sharp satire of wedding culture and a tender exploration of grief, connection, and what it really means to choose life.

This is The Wedding People, and it’s not just about saying “I do”—it’s about asking, what if life gives you another chance to begin again?

In this episode we read the book A Bend in the Ganges by Manohar Malgonkar.

It is a powerful novel set against the backdrop of India’s turbulent fight for independence from British rule. First published in 1964, the book explores the years from the 1930s to the partition of India in 1947—a period defined by political upheaval, civil disobedience, and violence.

Through the lives of its three central characters—Gian Talwar, a devout Gandhian; Debi Dayal, a revolutionary who believes in armed resistance; and Shafi Usman, his Muslim friend and comrade—the novel confronts the ideological divides that shaped India’s destiny. Their personal journeys mirror the nation’s moral and political dilemmas as they navigate the tragic irony of seeking freedom through violence and sacrifice.

If you haven’t read it yet, consider it a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the moral conflicts that shaped South Asian history.

“Mother Pious Lady: Making Sense of Everyday India” by Santosh Desai is a collection of essays that delve into the quirks and nuances of Indian middle-class life. Through a blend of humor and keen observation, Desai explores the everyday experiences, traditions, and cultural shifts that shape the identity of urban India.

In this episode, we dive into Chapter 4 of Santosh Desai’s Mother Pious Lady, a collection of sharp, humorous, and touching reflections on middle-class India. This chapter peels back the layers of familiar routines, traditions, and social quirks, inviting us to look closer at the unspoken rules and hidden meanings in our daily lives.

Join us as we unpack Desai’s insights, laugh at his witty observations, and reflect on how his words resonate with our own experiences. Whether you grew up in India or are curious about its social fabric, this episode offers a thoughtful and entertaining journey into the details that make Indian middle-class life so unique.

So grab your chai, settle in, and let’s explore the ordinary moments that shape who we are.