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.

“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.

In this episode, we read Perfection, Vincenzo Latronico.

Perfection is an incisive novel that captures the essence of millennial life in the digital age. Set in Berlin, the story follows Anna and Tom, a couple whose meticulously curated lifestyle—complete with Scandinavian furniture, artisanal goods, and an active social media presence—masks a deep-seated sense of dissatisfaction and yearning for authenticity.

Latronico’s narrative offers a sharp critique of contemporary consumer culture and the pursuit of an idealized existence. Through Anna and Tom’s experiences, the novel explores themes of identity, globalization, and the impact of digital culture on our perceptions of self and fulfillment.

Join us as we unpack the layers of Perfection, discussing its relevance to today’s society and the questions it raises about the true cost of chasing an ever-elusive ideal.

In this episode, we read the book Cotillion by Georgette Heyer. Georgette Hayer is Annapurna and Mary's one of the favorite authors and makes them feel at home.

Cotillion is a Georgette Heyer’s charming and witty Regency romance. The book has the delightful twist on romantic tropes, the lovable dandy-turned-hero Freddy Standen, and Kitty Charing’s clever plan to take control of her future.

Shubhi is reading Georgette Hayer for the first time and is new to her world and recommends that this one’s a Regency romp you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we continue to read the book "This is a story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett which is collection of her essays.

We read and discuss two essays in this episode - Essay 10 - “The Wall”, Essay 11 - “Fact vs. Fiction” and Essay 12 - "My Life in Sales"

In “The Wall,” Ann Patchett describes learning to climb a rock wall, which at first feels impossible. As she gains skill and confidence, the wall becomes a symbol for overcoming life’s bigger challenges. The essay shows that with patience, focus, and courage, we can achieve things that once seemed out of reach.

In “Fact vs. Fiction,” Ann Patchett explains the key differences between writing true stories and making up fictional ones. She shows that while nonfiction demands accuracy, fiction allows imagination and freedom. Both, however, are powerful ways to share meaning and connect with readers.

In “My Life in Sales,” Ann Patchett shares how being a writer also means becoming a salesperson for your own books. She explains that promoting your work is necessary, even if it’s uncomfortable. Mary describes this essay as palate cleanser. Shubhi and Annapurna believe all work is sales work internal or external.

Please do tune in to listen to our very interesting discussion.

In this episode, we continue to read the book "This is a story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett which is collection of her essays.

We read and discuss two essays in this episode - Essay 8 - “Tennessee” and Essay 9 - “On Responsibility”.

In “Tennessee,” Ann Patchett reflects on her strong connection to her home state, especially Nashville. She shares how the place has shaped her life, values, and writing. The essay also highlights her decision to stay rooted there by opening Parnassus Books, showing her love for her community and commitment to supporting local literature.

In “On Responsibility,” Ann Patchett reflects on caring for her aging grandmother and her sick dog. Through these experiences, she explores what it means to show up for others, even when it’s hard. The essay highlights how responsibility can be both challenging and deeply meaningful.