2 States by Chetan Bhagat

The concept of a "mixed marriage" in the western world usually refers to a marriage between partners of different ethnic backgrounds or races. However, among most Indian-Americans, a mixed marriage can also easily refer to Indian couples from different parts of India itself (with differing regional languages), or different religions (Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Muslim, etc.), or different castes, or all of the above. Chetan Bhagat, an IITD/IIMA graduate and bestselling author, based his latest book, "2 States," on his own experience of attending college, meeting a girl from a different Indian region than his own, and of their ensuing relationship, family troubles and resulting "mixed marriage." Bhagat's previous books have inspired movies, with the most recent one being the movie "3 Idiots," based on his book, "Five Point Someone" that draws upon his IIT/IIM experiences.

In "2 States," Bhagat's style is direct, straight to the point, and one in which he takes numerous liberties with stereotyping North and South Indians (both areas now representing his own family) making for a hilariously good read. Anyone having read Bhagat's previous bestselling books such as, "One Night @ a Call Center, or "Five Point Someone", knows that the author speaks to a contemporary Indian audience and does not hold back in his often blunt, yet honest, writing style. The college crowd, recently graduated, and those young-at-heart can relate to many of the issues, some of them controversial, that Bhagat raises in his stories. Bhagat is not afraid to speak out and write about social issues he sees happening among the new 'upwardly mobile' young adults of today's India. Issues such as rebelling against religious upbringing, drug use, relationships prior to marriage, pressures of school, family, and society on today's youth have caused controversies and will spark many interesting conversations.

The story, "2 States," is about a boy, named Krish, who meets and falls in love with a girl, Ananya, in his Economics class in MBA school. The details of their lives at college and the sometimes shocking but outrageous anecdotes of college life, are mixed in with sensitivities of ancient customs, cultural norms and the timeless angst felt by young adults finding their way in the world. Bhagat's characters, especially the descriptions of Krish's parents and of his relationship with each, are developed well enough to get the reader to understand the nuances of the story. The relationships are not always simple, and we see Krish struggle with the complications in his life, especially as he wants to start a life of his own. Bhagat is keenly aware of the issues that divide Krish and Ananya's respective families. Both sides hold stereotypical views about each other without first getting to know one another. Bhagat points out the differences and opinions in a funny and direct approach. Some of the blunt, one line, comments make the reader laugh out loud.

Bhagat succeeds in presenting the points of view from both sides of the drama. Krish's character has qualities of rebelliousness mixed with a hunger for parental approval, which make his character all the more believable. Ananya is portrayed as a strong, intelligent, modern woman who knows how to get what she wants, yet has vulnerable aspects as well. Bhagat spares us from a typical melodramatic story by making it young and fresh with current issues faced by today's youth, and by throwing in humor as much as possible.

Many Indian authors whose books I have recently read have been women. Bhagat brings a relevant, young, male voice to the mix. Bhagat's "2 States" was a quick read that was fun, enjoyable, and something to read without a serious attitude.

Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul by Deepak Chopra

Many people make New Year's Resolutions to help motivate them into making positive changes in their lives. Sometimes all that is needed is a changed point-of-view to see a situation in a different light. Other times a breakthrough is needed in order to get out of a negative thought pattern and move forward. Bestselling author and motivational speaker Deepak Chopra's books often challenge the reader to experience breakthroughs in thinking in order to improve quality of life. His latest book is no different in this regard. Dr. Chopra presents the concept that the human physical body is a constantly changing collection of cells, and that only by adding the element of our awareness, energy, or soul do we truly exist. Dr. Chopra has received numerous accolades as a motivational, spiritual speaker, but sometimes deciphering his message from his books can prove to be difficult, and sometimes confusing.

In his latest book, Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul, Dr. Chopra tries to simplify his message. The first section of the book tries to get the reader to accept a different way of viewing the physical body and the physical world itself. He suggests that the real purpose of the human body is to join the visible and invisible realms by expressing intelligence, creativity, truth, love, and beauty. By the visible realm he means the physical world, and by invisible realm he refers to that energy or higher power, or the concept of our soul that we cannot physically see or touch.

One fascinating idea that Dr. Chopra presents is that our genes respond to our fears, relationships, habits, and environment. He shows that recent research is being done to show how positive lifestyle changes have been shown to alter genes associated with heart disease, inflammation, and even cancer. Practices such as Hatha Yoga, meditation, and social support of friends and family have already been seen as good preventative steps to take for good health. Now, Dr. Chopra shows that adopting these measures may stop or even reverse serious illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol, on a genetic level.

Dr. Chopra presents a new view for our physical world around us as well. He contends that a major complaint of most people of the modern world is a lack of time when that is really not the true problem. He suggests the real problem is that chaos and unpredictability throw your timing or rhythm off, and cause stress, disorder, confusion, accidents, sickness, and chaos in your life. The simple solution he suggests is to "make time your ally" by keeping regular hours, avoiding drastic changes in diet and activity, reducing distractions, and basically simplifying your life using his many suggestions. Each suggestion is very simply stated but could be difficult to implement, and therein lies the challenge. For example, he suggests that we should not multitask, but rather pay attention to one thing at a time, and focus on the moment. We are told to "put our house and finances in order, avoid high-risk situations, stay within your comfort zone, and become emotionally resilient." Each one of those tasks can be a huge challenge but ultimately will lead to a less-hurried, more peaceful flow of energy in your life. Eventually, the goal is to "live your life as if you have all the time in the world."

The second half of the book is the actual 'self-help' section that includes many practical ideas for a more fulfilling life. Dr. Chopra illustrates many of his points through people's life stories. The major idea to 'resurrect' the soul seems to be to lead a life that is more in harmony with the world around you so that you are more at peace, and ultimately more happy. Some of the suggestions include getting out of bad habits, letting go of the notion of being 'right' all the time, being merciful, available, and generous so that your soul will evolve through you.

The book wraps up by presenting the ten steps to wholeness that connect your mind, body, and soul. The ideas are presented with great insight and encourage the reader to commit to a deeper awareness, focus on relationships instead of consumption, and to embrace every day as a new world. Many of Dr. Chopra's books are meant to give advice on how to have a more peaceful and rewarding life. In this book his ideas are presented in a simple format, with plenty of anecdotes for illustrating the points, and surely will make this book another bestseller.

Easy Rice Kheer

Using Asian sweet rice for making kheer was a great discovery for me. Since I have a lot of unused 'sweet rice' (or sticky rice/glutinous rice) left over from a previous Thai recipe, I decided to find other uses for it. As it turns out, glutinous rice is perfect for making Indian Kheer. We make kheer in my family the traditional North Indian way: boil plain rice in heavy milk and add sugar. By using the glutinous rice I didn't have to use full-fat whole milk or add cream for thickness as the glutinous rice makes a perfect consistency kheer. Here's my recipe:

Easy Rice Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)

1/2 cup uncooked sweet rice (glutinous rice, found in Asian food section)
7 cups low fat milk (1%)
1 1/4 cup sugar (or more/less according to taste)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup sliced almonds or pistachios (toasted gently without oil, on a small pan)
seeds from 3 green cardamoms (crushed)
1/4 tsp saffron threads

Wash and drain rice.
Place rice in a large pot with milk, bring carefully to a boil, lower heat and simmer gently for 40-45 minutes. Watch carefully, stirring often so milk does not stick to bottom of pan or burn.
Add sugar, cardamoms, raisins, and most of almonds (saving 1/2 Tbs. for garnish).
Gently simmer until raisins are plump, and the consistency is a rich sauce (about 5-10 min.)
Pour into a glass serving dish, and while still hot add saffron threads and stir through.
Garnish with remaining toasted nuts and let it cool.
If kheer gets too thick upon cooling, you can add a bit of sweetened evaporated milk, or cream, or even milk. Some like the kheer cold from the fridge, others like to warm slightly before eating. The flavors really develop after kheer has cooled in the fridge overnight.
Enjoy!

NurtureShock by Po Bronson & Ashley Merryman

Could praising your child, and telling him he's smart, actually hurt his self-esteem in a challenging situation instead of giving him confidence? According to the new book NurtureShock, the answer is yes, if you offer the wrong kind of praise. In their new book, Bronson and Merryman have composed a collection of mind-opening and thought-provoking ideas regarding child rearing, and presented psychological studies behind the new discoveries, that are sure to grab your attention.


The authors present evidence to support the idea that over-praised kids could actually turn out to struggle with self-image when faced with difficult problems, and are more likely to consider cheating their way to maintain their 'smart' label. Another interesting study regarding praise showed how mothers in Illinois interacted with their kids after a failure and how they starkly contrasted with the way mothers in Hong Kong dealt with the same situation. The remarkable difference in the two sets of kids' performance after the interaction with their mothers was striking. The book offers advice on how and what to praise if you want a positive impact on your child.


The book provides research evidence on many other topics such as: how a difference of only one hour less sleep in a teenager can increase cases of depression, car accidents, obesity, and negatively impact their SAT scores. Other eye-opening ideas explored by the authors included: sibling rivalry, teaching kids about color and race, self-control, and how to play with others. All topics and research studies were very intriguing and make the reader think twice about inadvertently affecting children in a negative way without knowing it.


The authors show research suggesting that testing for 'gifted' programs in kindergarten selects the wrong kids in 73% of the cases. Intelligence tests have always sparked controversy, especially when it comes to testing children. According to research, testing kids at such an early age in order to grant them admission to elite schools, or into limited enrollment 'gifted and talented' programs, seems to be based on unreliable testing. The authors show that IQ testing in third grade or middle school produces a more accurate prediction regarding success in high school or beyond. It was a very interesting chapter and reflection on our current school programs and processes.


Another chapter dealt with research regarding babies and very young children who were exposed to 'educational' videos and TV shows in hopes of increasing their intelligence. The parental motivation to do so seemed harmless enough. The videos, backed by educational experts, claimed to enhance the child's experience, and therefore intellectual development, by including music, international languages, and colorful images. However, as indicated by the research conducted, reality seemed to contradict the claims of increase in language development, and in fact showed evidence of delaying development instead! The ideas behind this finding are fascinating, and full of surprising factual data.


One of the most compelling headlines in the book claimed that a teenager who argues with his parents is actually showing a sign of respect. Any parent of a teenager will surely want to read the studies behind this assertion! The topics challenge the obvious and traditional way of thinking. Parents generally try to do their best to navigate child rearing with what they know at the time. This book presents startling evidence to challenge many standard beliefs in our society. The topics presented and the supporting research studies are difficult to ignore, making this bestseller a very worthwhile read.

Moong Dal Halwa Recipe

Even though Diwali is technically over, I am still enjoying the sweets and treats from the festivities. A few weeks prior to Diwali, out of the blue, someone emailed me asking me for my recipe that I had shared years ago for a halwa dish that she had used on Diwali.

Yes, the recipe is that good, that someone would approach me years later for it. The halwa tastes great when warmed with a cup of tea for dessert, or just simply to make the feeling of Diwali last a little longer. I decided to make some moong dal halwa this year.
Here's the recipe and Happy Diwali!

Moong Dal Halwa

1 cup Moong dal soaked for 5-6 hours
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 cups water
1/2 tsp saffron
3/4 cup mawa/khoya (optional)
3/4 cup butter or ghee
5 green cardamom pods (crushed)
1-2 tablespoons almonds (toasted, slivered or sliced) for garnish

Grind dal coarsly in food processor.
Make 1-thread syrup with sugar and water.
Soak saffron in milk.
Heat butter in non-stick pan and fry dal on low heat
until it is a deep rich golden brown.
Add sugar syrup and saffron milk.
Mix well and cook until it is dropping consistency.
Add crumbled mawa and cook until it melts.
Garnish with almonds and ground cardamom.
Enjoy!


Did you try my recipe? Give me your opinion!

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

Lisa See is an author that can portray the sights, smells, and sounds of a story with such compelling detail that the reader is pulled instantly into the scenes she paints with her words. Her latest novel, Shanghai Girls, follows the story of two sisters from China whose lives take them on a journey from an upper-class, comfortable life prior to the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937 China, to interrogations at the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco, then to living in Chinatown in the Hollywood area.

See writes the historical novel through the eyes of Pearl, the college-educated, multilingual older sister. The story describes Chinese cultural values and customs from Pearl's perspective as the daughter of a seemingly wealthy businessman, and later as an immigrant to America. In Shanghai, the sisters live in a household complete with servants, a cook, a gardener, and a father with a tragic problem. The belief in Chinese astrology, herbal medicines, honoring ancestors, living as an extended family, and respecting the elders in the house were some of the cultural details that See utilized to show Chinese family life throughout the entire story, regardless of the continent on which Pearl lived. Pearl's world shatters when the Japanese attack Shanghai and she witnesses the atrocities of war first-hand. The brutality of war, its aftermath, and the events leading to their escape portray the depth of Pearl's pain in unforgettable detail, yet is without melodrama.

Throughout the story the relationship between the sisters and their lives after marriage in an extended family with their in-laws, is interesting to read and will be familiar to those from Eastern cultures, such as Indian, as both cultures share many similarities. The circumstances that lead them to America and the 'secrets' that the sisters share will keep the reader engaged until the end of the story. The sibling rivalry with concurrent intense loyalty and love that the sisters have towards each other is very moving, and adds layers to the depth of the story.

See focuses on the feelings and experiences of both of the sisters, and other Chinese immigrants, legal and illegal, that try to adjust into a very different America that existed prior to World War II, and immediately after. The sacrifices that were made by Pearl and others to survive in America by adapting and trying to find their place in society, while still not being able to deny the pull of wanting to return someday to settle in China, even after spending decades in another country are feelings to which many immigrants can relate. See uses historical events unfolding in China and America after World War II to illustrate the conflicts between the views of the first and second generation immigrants. These universal feelings of generational discord, rebellion, and the development of social causes will be familiar to many readers. Pearl and her family lived in an America that feared communism, and everyone was suspicious of anyone with Asian features because it was difficult to distinguish between Chinese allies and Japanese enemies. See details the unrest and fear in the Chinese community during the time that Japanese internment camps were set up and arsonists set fires to Chinese shops.

Within the historical events taking place, the story of Pearl, her sister May, and their extended family is a very absorbing read. Readers and fans of See's previous novel, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, will not be disappointed. See delivered another beautifully written, epic story that begs to be continued in a sequel.

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

Does the belief in a higher power fit into our modern world of technology, emails, and DNA mapping? Spirituality is a personal issue, rarely discussed among friends and co-workers, and a subject we are warned to avoid in order to keep the peace in mixed company. How ironic, that we avoid discussions regarding religion to keep the peace. Given all the controversy in the world today, I suppose we are afraid to approach this subject with those outside of our own religion, or to assume that a person has a spiritual belief at all


Mich Albom's Have a Little Faith story does not preach a particular way of life, he simply describes his own journey, from being raised in a traditional Jewish congregation, walking away to a very successful writing career, marrying outside his religion (a Christian Arab), and then coming back to reconnect with the rabbi he has known from childhood. The story itself is an easy to read true story of his renewed relationship with his rabbi and a new relationship with an African American pastor, with the events unfolding during the current chaotic economic conditions. It is a book that encourages looking at ourselves all as children of the world, and highlights the commonality of world religions, rather than the differences.


The book has Albom's bestseller style and wit. I really enjoyed all of Albom's previous books, especially the fictional bestseller For One More Day. Albom's touching true story of his professor's battle with Lou Gehrig's disease in Tuesdays With Morrie was also a very gripping account of his own spiritual journey. Albom's books never preach one way and I did not believe that Have a Little Faith would be any different. It was a beautiful story, tenderly written, about Albom's discovery that while he, "thought he was being asked a favor, instead was being given one."


Albom is asked by his rabbi to deliver his eulogy, and Albom is stunned, however he accepts. The story starts with Albom's journey into learning more personal details about his rabbi, whom he's only known as a 'Man of God', a go-between to the higher power, and has somewhat been intimidated by his importance. Albom simultaneously describes a story of another clergy from New York, one with a very different past life and present in a crumbling church in Detroit. There are many moments in the book that make the reader pause, and reflect on the enormity of a simple sentence.


Albom has the gift of writing truly inspirational and moving words, in an easy to read real-life account, that does not feel like a typical spiritual read. For example, what is the purpose, especially in our modern world, for ancient religious rituals? Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and most other major religions all partake in rituals. Do these rituals make sense? Albom gets a simple, yet profoundly meaningful, answer from his rabbi that will speak to all of us. Also, is it easier not to believe in a higher power at all? Albom's writing does not claim to have the answer, yet describes one account of someone dealing with loss and not having faith to help them through their pain. Another gem of advice is the answer Albom receives when he asks his rabbi the secret to happiness. Again, a simple answer is given: be satisfied, be grateful. Wonderfully simple, yet many of us spend a lifetime without ever being satisfied or grateful.


The choice is ours, we can choose to live our lives the way we want. We may follow the path we were shown as children, or one that we discovered ourselves as adults, or are yet trying to find in our future. Albom's book affirms that whatever path we do choose, a little faith can't hurt. This was another quick read, and spiritually uplifting book by one of my favorite authors.