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Hindi-Bindi Guestbook

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LOVED IT…LOVED your beautiful book. I just finished and feel so sad that there aren’t more pages to read…and happy too! I plan on trying the recipes… I am German, not Indian in this life, but feel certain I was at some point. Thank you so much for the Hindi Bindi Club…. I wish I could run out and buy part two.

Most Sincerely,

Namaste,
Christi Bonello

Monica is a born story-teller. The story sounds extremely exciting. Since the date of release in India is not mentioned, I am getting my copy from UK.

I received “The Hindi-Bindi Club” as a Mother’s day gift from my husband. I loved it! I am a first generation immigrant and always wonder how my relationship is going to be with my daughters who are born in the US. Has the author thought of converting the novel into an “Ekankika” (one-act play)? I was recently a judge at the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal (North America) Ekankika Spardha (One-act play competitions) and have been looking for plays that reflect the Indian immigrant experience. Monica, if you ever think of writing a play based on your novel, would you please contact me?

I don’t think I have the vocab or the talent with words to describe how much I loved this book - housework and meals took a backseat…from the first page I was hooked . I have never hated finishing a book and saying goodbye to all the characters as much as the Hindi-Bindi Club. Thankyou thankyou thankyou Monica Pradhan for a real gem of a book - also thanks for the recipes - my husband actually made me quite a few of the Lassi while I was reading!!!!! Here’s looking forward to many many more of your books

Jenny Mortimore

i loved this book sooooooo much! i got it for my bday and i couldnt have gotten a better present!

I received the book from bookreporter.com to preview and I loved the book. I can hardly wait till your next novel is completed. I also want to try some of the recipes if I can find the ingredients.

Oh My Gooooodddd!!! You are truly sensational and I totally am in love with your book. Indelible memories with just the right amount of masala. If I have to explain, Dot not feather in my life just one more time :-)…….

Thank You. Totally awesome.

Last week, I randomly picked up the book at the store, and three days later, I couldn’t put it down! I found the book to be wonderful. Yes, similar to Amy Tan, but in a very good way. The stories progressed wonderfully, and I have to ask where on earth did you get the Chocolate-Truffle Sandesh recipe? I’m Bengali, and am definitely going to try that, and so many more of your recipes!

I only bought this book yesterday and (sadly) I’m already done! What a beautiful book! I have to be honest–your title is deceptively fun and cutesy…I bought it thinking it would be fun, superficial reading to pass some time. I was shocked by how moved I was. Thank you for characters like Kiran, Preity, and Rani–I feel like they are pieces of me, my sisters, my friends. And thank you for the illuminating insight you’ve given me about my parents…for a moment I was forced to see the world as they do…and now I UNDERSTAND! Your book was educational, inspiring, and moving beyond words. Thank you!

Dear Monica,

I love to read, but when trying to purchase books in London Heathrow, the fire alarm went off! So i couldnt buy books by familiar British authors. I got to New York, and went in to a book store…I came across your book and fascinated, I went to the cashier and paid for it. She told me your book had been sold out for days and she had just managed to put out this order! Intrigued by this strange but brilliant title, I opened the first page.

I read it with intensity, an emotional, moving, brilliant book, I could see the characters right infront of my face, like they were in my very own family. I imagined each character down to every facial feature. I was amazed that a book could do this to me at such a young age, I’m 19, I was hypnotised by your writing, the words you used, and the subtle differences in your writing as each character changed.I was hooked on to this book, reading it from cover to cover within a matter of hours.

The recipes have made my mother smile. Im planning to make a meal for her (something I have never done before) from this book, with the chocolate sandesh truffles for dessert. I am going round to all my family and friends recommending this book, as it touched my heart. I can’t relate to it yet, but I am sure glad to have some insight for the future. Thank you for writing such a beautiful novel.

Phew! Finished reading the book. and what a book it was! It’s going off the shelves REALLY fast! I am not going to get into how good the book was. Everyone is already talking about that. I do have a question, though. When, when, when are you coming out with the next one? Please hurry, can’t wait to read one more, lots more, from Monica Pradhan!

Your book was a pleasure to read. I enjoyed the characters and their stories so much. The mother-daughter relationships are particularly poignant for me because I am dealing with a mother who is slipping into some kind of confusion or dementia and has decided to be angry with me for unknown reasons and refuses to talk to me. Thank you for lifting my spirits. The recipes are great, and I will try some of them. I have done some Indian cooking before through one of my yoga teachers. I did have one memorable boo boo when I mixed up the masalas - I thought I had tea masala when I was making chai tea - but alas it was not. It was very hot and my husband was quite surprised!

I have to say I loved your book and plan to share it with my girls Pooja and Shelly. Your writing captured me and I laughed at the “OMG! That is SO true” moments where you recognize your friends and family. Thank you for sharing your wonderful insight with everyone! When will there be another book?? Take care and thank you again Monica.

Very best regards,
Kim

Hasina Mehndi & Body Art

Thank you Ms. Pradhan for sharing with us a country and a culture that is so close to your heart. I could feel your love for this country in your description of the food, language, and the local landscape of India. There are so many wonderful things I could say about your book. Many have already been said :0) Suffice it to say this will be one of the few books that I will look forward to reading again and again, learning something new about myself and the world I live in each time.

Thank you again,
Ingrid

I stayed up late last night reading this book and am so sad to be finished. My family moved to the US from the UK when I was a teenager, so there are some similarities (and many differences also.) Thank you and keep writing!

Monica -
Your book is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read ( and I’ve read hundreds!) I enjoyed it immensely. I couldn’t put it down and now I’m sorry I’ve finished it so quickly. You are truly a talented writer. Thank you for taking 4 years of your life to write this book. I for one definitely appreciate it. I hope there is another one coming soon. Best wishes.

It’s been a very long time since I read a book cover to cover. Thanks Monica. The subject is close to my heart…immigrant with two young daughters and inter-cultural marriage. Got my brain and emotions churning. At the same time, you’ve managed to write it in such a readable way. Loved it. Can’t wait till your next one…hope it’s soon.

My husband actually picked it out for me to read from the library, and now I can’t stop talking his ear off about it. And my 5 year old daughter can’t stop saying the title, ‘the hindi-bindi club’ in her very american accent. It fascinates her to no end.

Monica,
First, thank you for sharing your girls and their mothers with us! We appreciate and represent the diversity you so beautifully wrote about in The Hindi-Bindi Club. We are as different as curries can be, but share a common spice; we are all married to military men. Binding us regardless ~Ha! Thank you again for encouraging us to share our journeys with each other.

Fondly,
Katie Lee

Monica…I finished reading your beautifully spiced novel five minutes ago. I honestly can relate to all the female characters in this book but especially Kiran, Preity and Rani. It’s been incredibly long since I have picked up a book that I can relate to culturally and get excited about it! Thank you for bringing me back home and above all…making me look forward to your next novel and more enticing recipes. I just bought my sister your book and can’t wait to send it to her for her birthday. You have inspired me to start our own little book club. All the best to you! -Mina

This is one of the best books I have ever read! I read all the time - at least 1-2 books per week, usually more. Some books are OK, some rather compelling, but a little tedious, and others are just plain bad! But not The Hindi-Bindi Club. The concept of including recipes “from the characters” and mixing it up with the use of the e-mails in this book made for a novel that I simply could not put down! This is a fantastic book and I would love a “Part 2″!

Thank you Ms. Pradhan for putting so much of your time and love into this book. It is truly one of my favorites and will be a treasured volume on my bookshelves!

Hi Monica.

I just finished The Hindi Bindi Club and I must say that you covered so much of what it is to grow up in North America as a South Asian woman. I like the vision of what it could be if people could only see each other as who they are as a person instead of their colour and culture. It’s something to shoot for.

I am also an writer - as of two years ago. I’m having fun and I hope that I can also leave a legacy of what it is to live in this multi-cultural modern world.

It can be a celebration.

Loved your book. Really enjoyed it. Don’t want to repeat all of the same compliments as your other readers, but as a fellow writer, I know it’s important to tell you how impressed I was. All I can say is: More, please. More.

Thank you Monica for a wonderful read. I am the granddaughter of immigrants, thus a bit removed from the first generation experience but I have always been fascinated by how the first generation deals with the dualities of culture, country and religion. I have visited India several times, while I lived in Afghanistan and later as a Pan Am flight attendant and without a doubt it is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Can’t wait for your second effort!

Dear Monica,
I am on page 291. Bought the book the day before yesterday–and cannot put it down. I have been totally engrossed in this mother/daughter world and each individual character. It’s so culturally specific but universal at the same time…a great book. And I am amazed at your own story as a businesswoman cum writer. Brava!!

Hi Monica, when my husband picked up your book a day ago and insisted on buying it for me I was not too sure about actually reading it. Of course, once I started, I couldn’t put it down and this morning I was done…

My husband and I have just moved to the US a couple of months ago and still have a lot to discover about life in this country. I am Indian, he is French. Although I was ‘born and brought up’ in India, I could identify in part with the girls, having shared similar experiences. Having lived outside India for the last few years, I am afraid that I will also turn out to be a bit like the three mothers (!), as I am often struggling to find the right balance between preserving my own identity and embracing new cultural influences…

When I put down your book this morning, I was just disappointed not being able to read about Saroj’s trip to Lahore. I would like to think that she did go, as you gave us Zarkha’s recipe at the end…

The recipes make your book a treasure. Will look out for your next one…Thanks.

What a wonderful book. I hadn’t seen any publicity about this, I just happened to be in a reading mood and went to the bookshop and there it was on new releases.

I am 6th generation Australian… nothing exotic about our family, no cultural clashes, no worries about how to behave and what is acceptable. So I guess that’s why I love reading other people’s stories. I have visited India twice. Once as a tourist (I couldn’t wait to leave although I did appreciate, I had never been O/S before and I guess landing in Varanasi as my first 3rd world country experience was just too much) however my second trip was to experience a dear friend’s wedding.

Ever since, I have had a facination with the east meets west situation, and your book summed up my own experiences. Unknown to me, the white girl at the wedding, I didn’t realise how much I was ‘breaking’ the rules of boy/girl interaction… hanging out and talking with the boys (I was a groom’s guest) instead of the women. But also to talk to the girls and try to comprehend their lifestyle… their needs to find a husband, and the wonderful family feelings. As an outsider to this lifestyle… it was wonderful. I wish we had this and it all rings so true in your book. How I would love to have some wedding / marriage traditions other than the Groom’s family pays for the booze! (Australian thing!)

Thank You!

Thank you Ms. Pradhan for writing this book. I throughly enjoyed it. I always like to explore what other cultures are like and what they represent. This book gave me a glimpse into the hindu culture and mother-daughter relationships within the culture. Bring on Part TWO!

P.S. what does Kai Bai Punyachi tariff, lavanga nighalya bareek mean?

Just loved this book! As a writer, I wish I could write such fiction that reads like life; as someone convinced she has lived in India in a previous life, I couldn’t put the book down. Since I am an expatriate: born in Panama, have Dutch nationalty and at the moment live in the States, I can relate. Because I’m fascinated by anything Indian and have read anything that I can get my hands on about India, your book was a gift. When I lived in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, I met and made friends within the Indian community, which is mostly of Sindhi descent. Because of these friendships: I am vegetarian Mondays and Thursdays, celebrate Diwali and fast on full-moons. Lord Ganesh has a place in my home and yoga is my anti-stress secret. Indian food is my favorite, so your recipes will be put to good use! Will treasure this book and await your next one.

Just wanted to say great book! I really enjoyed it! As a first generation Indian, growing up in Canada it’s been challenging at times dealing with East and West and coming to a balance. And now that I’m getting older and hit with issues like marriage etc., it’s nice to read about others’ experiences in a nice fun way. Thanks!

Oh WOW!! What a fabulous book! Born and raised in America, I have been fascinated with Indian culture since elementary school. Yes, I think I was Indian in a former life. Growing up in the 60’s, seeing Indian women in saris were an exotic treat. As an adult, one of my closest friends is Indian, and I can’t wait to speak with her about this book! More important than the cultural aspect is the blanket of relationships Monica has woven for us. Your book is incentive to deepen relationships with the important females in my life.

Thank you for a gem of a book. Looking forward to the sequel!

My mother and I decided to have mother-daughter cross-country book reading, and we chose this book. What a wonderful read! It is all we have discussed for weeks. Thank you so much for letting us into this world. It has strengthened our relationship.

I loved your book and the appealing recipes (which I will be trying). I’ll be watching for your next novel. As a teacher, I was fortunate to visit India in summer of 2006, and while in Mumbai, our group spent a morning at Aseema. We were all very touched by their organization. Your author’s note has prompted me to support their noble efforts.

Thank you Thank you for the best story I’ve read in ages! I read your book in every spare moment I had for the last two days. I just moved from my home in Northern VA (where I lived for 20 years) and your book made me so “homesick” for my Indian friends (and their wonderful parties) that I left behind there.

Thank you for such a wonderful book! My sister (maiden name McIntosh) will be marrying an Indian immigrant soon, and she bought this book for my mother. She loved it and passed it on to me. It helped so much to see into the lives of Indian immigrant families. What a beautiful culture! My sister will be having dual Christian/Hindu wedding ceremonies as Kiran and Preity did. We all can’t wait, and now we understand a little more where his family is coming from, they having also lived through Partition and resettled in Mumbai. Thank you again for a wonderful book, I can’t wait to read your next one!

I just finished the book and left it for my mother to read. I loved the story and the recipes. The way that you were able to move through each person’s story was excellent. I hope that you will have other “Hindi-Bindi” novels with more recipes soon.

Dear Monica,
I have just finished reading your beautiful book. Thank you so much! I was moved to tears on a number of occasions (rare for me!), and really loved your characters. I am an Anglo-Saxon Australian and, typical of my generation and upbringing, knew very little of India’s culture and particularly her history. I really appreciated learning about those things from your book and the gentle manner in which they were presented to your readers. I can’t wait to try all your recipes and I look forward to your follow up publication!

I lived in South India way back in the 50’s (you can guess how old I am!) and married a Tamilian. I had a wonderful reading your book and relating to so much of it. Looking forward to your next one! I also do a lot of Indian cooking and plan to try some of your recipies. Thanks for that too!

Dear Monica, Your book was absolutely delicious to the last page!!! I’m not looking for a sequel per say, just another fortifying book filled with complex characters. Yummmm!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this multi-cultural experience! I first saw this book at the store, but didn’t buy it during my normal errand run. But then I couldn’t stop thinking about how wonderful it sounded so I rushed back the next day specifically to get it!

I was particularly drawn to Kiran’s, Uma’s, Preity’s and Rani’s stories. Years ago, in college, I had a five-year relationship with a first generation Punjabi boy. At the time, I really didn’t understand many of the stories and traditions he explained to me about Indian culture and family values. Perhaps the stress of a cross-cultural relationship was too much for us then, but I’d like to think both his family and I grew from the experience.

Now when I hang out with my Indian girl-friend and hear the much refrained “because that’s how it’s done in Indian culture,” I understand she’s not avoiding the issue or evading an explanation; it’s really a simple way to combine centuries of cultural beliefs, superstitions, parental lessons, etc. that roll into forming the complex myriad of her heritage. Thank you so much for enriching my continued cross-cultural education!

Monica,
Thank you so much for writing this beautiful story. I could not put it down from the moment I purchased it. My fiance is South Indian, and I love to read anything Indian that I can get my hands on. I can totally identify with Texas John, in that I am an American woman with the heart of an Indian woman. The trials we go through just to be together make it that much sweeter to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this! I hope you will write more!

Linda

I picked up this book expecting simply a fun, light read for vacation. What a great surprise– a complex, beautiful book with so much heart! I just finished the book, and I’m looking forward to trying the recipes, too!

Hi Monica, I was just referred to your book by DD, aka Dixon, and I was interested in reading it. Added it to my list. Will you be attending the writers conference hosted by RWA in NJ? I would love chatting with you about the concept of your book. I’m working on a few projects involving the clash of east and west, and I would love to compare notes.

Hey!! I absolutely loved your book!! I’m sure u’ve heard that a lot here..but reallyy..I lovedd this book…I was dubious when I started reading this book…’coz some of the other books that I read did not really represent India in the right way…the whole thing wasn’t there…and as an immigrant from India myself…(came here 3 yrs ago) I used to get so irritated and annoyed…but your book was just totally awesome….I actually borrowed this book from a library ((I don’t like owning books as I don’t usually read books that I’ve read before)) but now I’m going to buy the book as soon as I can!! ‘coz I loved it…and feel like I can read it as many times as I want!!!

I got the Hindi Bindi Club while randomly looking for books by Indian origin authors. I bought 5 books and they were to be gifts for our friends we were visiting in the US. We are in Singapore. My friend smiled when she started reading this book and we last spoke two days back and she was still happy about the book and we are still friends. In short, I now have to buy a copy for myself and feel happy. Will look forward to your next book. Thanks for writing a good one.

Namaste! Your book is THE ONE I’ve been waiting for! As an American enthralled with all things Indian since childhood, I can’t thank you enough for writing this. Your insights, the recipes, help with pronunciation…not to mention SUCH a wonderful read…what a gem! For years I’ve been attempting to learn Hindi, to cook traditional Indian dishes & to master the art of mehndi…(I MUST have been Bengali, Punjabi or Gujarati in a previous life!)…and you have renewed my enthusiasm. Tell me, is it wrong for me to wear a sari or a bindi? Congrats on a job well done! Eagerly awaiting your next release…

Fondly,
Amy

Dearest Monica,
I love your book. It is incredible and you write so beautifully. I was born in Calcutta and adopted when I was 3 months old. I grew up in the US. I have made only one trip back to India so far and cannot wait to return. I loved reading and learning more about Indian culture and even more so, Indian women. Thank you for inviting me in.

God Bless you,
Reshma

Monica, I am almost done reading your beautiful book…..I am sad to finish it. There are so many parts I could relate to as I was reading…. You capture so well the feelings and experiences in our culture. There is so much wisdom in your words. Please write another great book soon and just keep on writing….

I loved this book. My first love is reading. My second love is reading cookbooks. This was the perfect book. I couldn’t put the book down so I stayed up most of the night reading it. I can’t wait to start cooking. You are a blessing to all of us. Keep writing!!!

Hi, I just came back from India and I was nostalgic, so I decided to buy a book. I went to the library and my eyes met your book. I bought your book today hoping to find some fresh air…The cover of your book called me, it was like a little voice saying, come on read me I’m sure you will smile after that. I did not start to read it yet but as soon as I do I will leave my impression.

Best regards,
Lili

I just got this book for my 18th birthday from a friend. I think it was the perfect time to get it too. It’s great and I absolutely loved it.

My friends and I are avid readers, and you can rest assured they’ll all be hearing about your book! I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed it, recipes and all. Your very different characters and their complex relationships are beautifully drawn, compelling.

Thanks also for bringing to my attention the Room to Read charity - what a worthy cause! I hope to sponsor a reading room in the near future.

Best regards,
Shelley

Just started your book and I love it already…can’t wait to finish…when I saw it at Target/USA I knew I had to buy it…2 years ago I became friends with an Indian who has taught me how to cook “Indian” and about the customs and culture of India…I don’t believe in reincarnation, but if I did I’d believe I’d been an Indian in a former life. I am enchanted and enthralled by all things Indian.

My mom and I are best friends, so when I saw your book, and read that it was about that special bond, I just had to have it! I had no idea what a gem it truly was!!!!

I found myself relating to all the women, but more so Rani. I suffer from clinical depression also, so I know how debilitating it can be. I know she was only a fictional character but it was reassuring to know that I’m not alone in my suffering and to see this illness brought to light in such a positive way, removing a lot of the stigma attached to it. I loved your book for so many reasons and was sad to finish it. However I couldn’t wait to pass it on to my mom and see if she loved it as much as I did!

I can’t wait to try the amazing recipes! Thanks again for this amazing book! Can’t wait to see what you come out with in the future!

I was totally enthralled by your novel! In the publishing world of “mass appeal” and formulaic works, yours was a breath of fresh air. I was once involved with an Indian Muslim man and his family story was fascinating. Because of his story, I had always wondered about the history surrounding the great Indian immigration of the 60’s. Your blending of fiction and fact has further encouraged me to read more on this historical subject. I am very much looking forward to your next book! Thanks for writing such a beautiful and original work!

I just finished the book. I wish there was a sequel or a movie. I want to hear, read, see more of Meenal, Uma, Saroj, Kiran, Preity, and Rani. I loved all the characters. Thank you for sharing this beautiful book with us. I’ve been lucky enough to visit India a few times and this book brought back so many of the sights, sounds and scents (good and bad) for me. The one thing that always struck me about India is how powerful and feminine the women are. How do they do it? Can you share that secret?

Your book took me through many an early (5 a.m.) morning at the gym, on the treadmill; I only allowed myself to read it there, thus changing my treadmill time from something dreaded to something anticipated! Thank you for letting me share your world with you these past couple of weeks. I very much look forward to hearing more from you.

P.J. Hamel

P.S. I’m a cookbook author - your recipes are awesome! Very well-written and enticing.

I soooo enjoyed your book - The relationship between mothers and daughters is the same the world over, yours however was enriched by the culture and the food. I want my daughter to read it - and everyone else I talk books with. Thank you for a wonderful read.

It was such a beautiful book. I have just finished it and feel so full of emotion at the sheer beauty of your writing. It’s been 15 years since I left India for England and reading your book makes me yearn to go home!

I had just finished reading “The Namesake” and “The Kite Runner” and was looking for another book by an SE Asian author at a local bookstore when I came upon your book, “The Hindi-Bindi Club.” The humor in the name caught my eye. Once I started reading, I could hardly put it down. Along with the fascinating fictional story, I learned a great deal about Indian culture and history.

My husband is sales manager and V.P. for a couple of start-up companies here in Oregon which are run by a wonderful young Indian woman. Her father owns the main company in Pune. I was finally able to go with my husband to India this last February and loved it! We visited coffee plantations near Bangalore and flew up to Pune, and I met so many wonderful people. I wish I had read this book before going. Now I want to learn more about Indian history, and I plan to try some of your recipes, especially since they are drawn from the food of three Indian states.

I’m delighted to learn that you are working on another book and will look forward to reading it.

Congratulations on a successful launch! Your book struck a chord with me, both as the wife of an Indian, and as a new novelist.

What a fabulous book — It is my dream to be the very first ‘Bollywood’ British girl!! Growing up in Bahrain and moving to Florida at 19 changed all paths of life for me — I loved this book the moment I picked it up in Target in West Palm Beach! When will the next book be out ??

I will now go home and hand this book on to my mum — a true treasure! X

Hi Monica, I loved loved this book. I could relate in so many ways. I was born here in the U.S. to parents born in India. The marriage topic is one I try and avoid with them…as I am of “marrying age.” Either way it was a great read….looking forward to a second…hopefully!!

Thanks,
Rona

Dear Monica, I’m still reading The Hindi-Bindi Club, and I LOVE IT! I’ve never read a book about women from India before. Now, that’s all I want to read about (after I finish Hindi-Bindi Club!!). I plan on cooking some of the fabulous recipes - thank you for the recipes, it makes the book even more special - and reading about the culture and customs and spirituality of India. Thank you so much for introducing a whole new world (or country, rather) to me. I can’t wait to be a part of it. Please keep writing! Sincerely, Carol

I am reading your book at the moment and found it to be thoughtful, funny, smart and really captures the spirit of young and older Asian women who have lived in or are born into a western society.

Monica, I am American born of Italian heritage, was married to a North Indian Man for almost 10 years. We divorced acrimoniously in 2002. He filed for divorce 26 days before our tenth anniversary. I don’t miss him, nor do I miss the misconceptions of some of his family about Americans… “Maggie is a good girl, not like the other Americans.” I could go on and on, and that is why I loved when you wrote about the Sikh joke. I can remember my ex-husband or his sister trying to translate for me, and I never really got the jokes — possibly it was lost in translation or just not funny. I do realize that his family are all first generation and with time comes acceptance. I was the only American in the entire extended family. What I do miss is the women that I got to know and love. It was nice to read you book and for once since the divorce remember all the happy times. I have a son who is nine and does not acknowledge his desi heritage in any way, and I hope this will change. Thank you for such a nice way to remember. Fondly, Margaret

A wonderful read, I never wanted to put it aside for work or sleep. I have only one question, why did you have four of your six mother/daughter characters marry anglo/euro/white men? It feels a bit sad, a little like rejection, that not one of these daughters found love with an Indian.

Monica, I finished reading your book this morning and loved it! I happened to come across it at the library and of course the title caught my eye. The recipes were a bonus and I have already tried a few with success I am told. I am a thirty something first generation Indian-American born to parents who moved to the US from India in the 70’s. My parents decided to move us back to India in the 90’s when I was 13. I did my high school there and then came back for college and have lived here (the States) since then. While in India, and then when I came here for college I “dated” my then “boyfriend” now husband. I married an Indian man, and I’m wondering why none of the girls (Preity, Kiran or Rani) ended up marrying an Indian guy (not necessarily from India, but even one “born” and “brought up” here. Just a thought. I am looking forward to your next book! Thanks!

It has been a while since I last read a book, but when I saw The Hindi-Bindi Club in the store, I had to buy it. With a one-year-old and twin seven-year-old boys at home on summer break, I can’t believe how fast I read it. I LOVED IT!!! Couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to try the recipes. Congratulations on a job well done.

Just finished your book. Liked it and loved your presentation of thoughts. We migrated to this country in 70’s and can relate to most of the incidents. I liked the insight to the children’s thoughts which, read as a third person, can help to understand our own children. My daughter will be coming home from college soon for a week, and I will definitely ask her to read your book. I will definitely recommend this book to all my friends, and I bet we are going to have lot of discussions on this. Good luck for your next creation.

I loved this book! I laughed, I cried, I got really hungry! It’s really an awesome read. I have been singing its praises to all my book loving friends. I have never really known anything about the Partition of India. Your book has made me want to read not only about this, but also the Koran. The book I read was from the library, but this is definitely a book that I will purchase and cherish in my own library. Can’t wait for the next one!

I could not put down this book! I read it in a day, and I LOVED it!! It was funny, brilliant, warm and covered so many topics that we can all relate to. I wanted to know more about all the characters, and I really hope there will be a sequel! Thank you, Ms. Pradhan!! Bravo!!

I absolutely loved this book. For me the characters came to life in my mind before there was even a real description of them. I enjoyed learning about the culture, and craved Indian food every time I picked it up. Mothers and daughters across the board truly do experience the same ups and downs in their relationships; no matter where they come from or what their beliefs are. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more books by this enlightening author.

I truly enjoyed your book–I will highly recommend it to everyone I know…it was so interesting I found myself re-reading the chapters…one of the best books I have read by far, and I am an avid reader. Thank you!

I can’t tell you how much I love it…. I am an immigrant to Australia and I relate so much to this book. I cried when I was reading it at several places. I am so like Meenal in so many ways…emotional and have a husband like Yash, tough but sensitive and practical. I have bought a few copies and have gifted to some of my other immigrant friends in the country.

There is so much I want to say about this book, it made me cry, not at the end but from the start! I could relate to so much of it, and I also learnt a great deal, about my heritage, about myself. Thank you Monica for this gem, I wish I had read it ten years ago, I wish someone had said to me then that “Just because people don’t love you the way you want, doesn’t mean they don’t love you the best they can.” I have learnt this for myself over the years, but my life would have been a lot easier if I had known it back then!!!!! THANK YOU!

Thank you. What a beautiful story of three mothers and their daughters and the various cultures that intertwine them all. And the food element is such a part of culture… thank you so much for including the wonderful recipes that I cannot wait to try. I used to love the movies Eat, Drink, Man, Woman and Tortilla Soup with their themes of food and parent-child relationships, but this book takes up so many notches. I am not Indian or from a recent immigrant family, but being a daughter trying to establish her own identity, I understand the bond of love and challenge between daughter and mother. I miss my mom more than ever now and try to call more often! Like another reader said, I have never been so sad to say good-bye to the characters, but my heart felt good with such a passionate ending.

PS: I have never left a comment for any other book, but I had this urge to say something, thank Monica for this experience. I was so grateful when I saw Monica’s letter at the end and the invitation to the web site.

I bought the book a few days back and can’t put it down. I am really enjoying it and don’t want to finish it too fast. Whatever I’ve read so far is just amazing. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a book this immensely!! Great job Monica….when is the next novel coming out…?

I bought this book, before boarding my trip to England. I was not able to put the book down, on the plane, upon arrival, in between lazy days at my relatives’ homes, and on my flight back. I cannot tell you how wonderfully poetic and emotional this book was. To read about all the women and their individual and collective stories seamlessly woven into one fantastic novel! Eagerly awaiting more from you, and as many have commented, it was sweet sorrow to not have these characters be a part of my life as this novel will stay with me.

When I first looked at your book, I thought it would be another book that I would fly through and forget, but now that I’ve finished, it’s a book that I will never forget. I found myself nodding, laughing, agreeing and relating to it on so many levels. (Thank you)

Your book had all the right ingredients, making it perfect: humor, masala, masti, recipes, culture, love, friendship, relationships, family, jealousy, struggle, understanding, believable characters, and tons of history. (Thank you)

I happened upon this website by accident, but I am so happy I did! I have not read this book yet, but based on the reviews I’m going to buy it tomorrow. As a white woman married to an Indian man, I love to read anything involving Indian people, food and culture. His family is very traditional and I am so grateful that they accept me as one of them. I just know I will love the book and thank you for writing it and including recipes!

I just finished your book today. It took me three days, I devoured it like sambar with idli (I have forgiven you not having any south indian recipes in the book…. it can’t be ALL things to ALL people). I am a NRA…. non resident american who has been living in India for the past two years learning bharatanatyam. (shooting for my arangetram in early ‘09.) I visited family for two and a half months in the spring…during which time I studied dance with an NRI in Atlanta. I feel like I know every character in this book. I already mailed it off to Subathra in Atlanta (six hundred rupees!?? that’s outrageous), I think she will enjoy it a great deal also. Alongside LADIES COUPE by Anita Nair it’s my favorite book this year. Best wishes.

I have always been an avid reader, but have not read much for pleasure in the past few years while I was in graduate school. This was the first book I read just for fun since graduation! Loved it! The title caught my eye because my husband and I have several Indian friends who have so graciously allowed us a little peek inside their culture. The book made me laugh, because so many of the things that Kiran, Rani, and Preity said I have heard coming from the mouths of our American-born Indian friends. One of our most fascinating experiences was attending the 4-day Hindu wedding of one of these friends. Another friend is currently “dating” a girl he met on an Indian matchmaking website! Everything in the book reminded me how lucky my husband and I are to have been exposed to this culture!!

Loved your book, it gives an insight to Indian culture and the way things change. Can’t wait for your next book.

I loved the book from the word go… Read it in one sitting. Started Friday evening after dinner, finished 3:40am… It was me…in there at times, or my friends, just a perfect picture of us … girls who want the best of the both worlds. Well my daughter is only 12, so I am heading for the Kiran/Rani stage soon. I will be promoting the book to all my friends here … down under in New Zealand and definitely waiting for your next book. Thank you Monica.

Wow, what a fantastic book. I am SO enjoying reading it…. I’m nearing the end now, and I have slowed down because I don’t want to get to the end I’m REALLY looking forward to your next book !!!

The Sabnis family are well and happy and fortunately Charda recommended this wonderful novel to me thru Madhavi. I DEVOURED it. Monica, I was destroyed to finish it and only consoled to believe that there will be another. Thank you for taking me into a new world through your eyes and soul.

Monica, your book was wonderful! I picked it up in a bookstore in an airport and I read it on an 18-hour plane ride to India. The younger characters in your book (Rani, Preity & Kiran) lead lives very similar to my own, and I saw many similarities between us. At first I thought your book might be chick-flick kind of literature, but I found that it was incredibly deep. I loved the funny yet serious tone of the novel. Great Job!

Dear Monica,

Your book hit so close to home for me on so many levels, I can’t even begin to tell you. However, the part about cilantro was priceless. If I had a nickel for every time my mom asked me to pick up an ingredient or vegetable from the supermarket, her speaking to me in Punjabi, me speaking back in English and using hand gestures, *sigh*. If I could only tell you about the time she left me a 10 minute voicemail message asking me to pick up corn meal, describing the color of the box, what other products it would be beside, which aisle in Safeway it would be in, etc, etc. Sadly, I lost my mom a couple of years ago, but your book gave me the chance to channel some very happy memories, for that, I am forever grateful, thank you.

Just finished your book and I loved it. I am married to a man from Mumbai and your book has given me many insights into his family — even after 19 years of marriage. Will be trying your recipes and sharing the book with my family. Thanks!

I just finished reading your book and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I can’t wait to try the recipes out. I’m currently learning Hindi and found this book very enlightening as to the Indian culture. Great job!

What a great book! I randomly picked it up at a bookstore a few weeks back & read the entire thing in 2 days! Being a UK-born desi, I could definitely relate to the experiences of Rani, Preity & Kiran. I could also see many of my mother’s qualities in their mothers… A fabulous read! Looking forward to the next one already!

Loved every minute of the book, sleep was secondary! My husband loves the recipes, he’s always been the Indian cook. Does it the hard way, grinds, chops minces etc. etc.

Wow! I loved the flavor of your book and the terrific recipes. Thank you. When is the movie coming!!

An excellent book, I have recommended it to all my friends and family, please give us more!

What an excellent book! I truly enjoyed reading “The Hindi-Bindi Club” because I too am the daughter of parents who immigrated to America from India. I picked the book up at the library and when I brought it home, my mom caught sight of the title and decided that she had to read it too. Ms. Pradhan, you’ve told it exactly how it is down to the pronunciation of words (ime-jet-ly Haha), the expressions and jokes said at home (Arre baba) and the descriptions of all the tasty dishes (I love kheer!). Wow, I can totally connect with this book and all your colorful characters. Thank you so much! I look forward to reading your next work of literature. Take care, Simone

Got this book out of the library but will be out for a copy for myself today!!!! Can’t wait for the next one and the next and the next …. wonderful

I bought your book to take with me on a holiday to France. It was a great success! I kept on reading, while enjoying the sun. I hope the book wil be translated into Dutch, my native language, so I can read it with my bookclub. Also, I feel I learned a lot about Indian culture and the partition. Looking forward to your second novel!

WHAT A BOOK (hummed along to the tune of the popular 90’s salt n pepper song- Watta Man, watta man, watta a mighty good man )

This year brought with it a resolution to read more books by Indian authors amongst our friend circle in a town 90 miles east of Chicago (cold weather lends itself to tons of great “curl up in bed with a good book days”). Keeping with that spirit, one of my closest friends here gifted me 2 books for my birthday. One was the highly acclaimed & awarded - The Inheritance of Loss and the other was The Hindi-Bindi Club. The cover with a bare sari clad navel prompted me to read your book first (it didn’t hurt that I have a similar sari and nostalgia won out). Am I glad I made that choice? It took me a weekend to finish it and that too only because I had a houseful of guests and a housewarming party to host. I kept sneaking off to my room to read it and stayed up / got up at all hours to finish it.

The book is fresh, unpretentious with a soul larger than the number of pages it lasts. I am the new crop of Hindi-Bindi Club holders and can identify with so many of the stories you told. You did with warmth and humor, choosing not to make it a sob fest. The inter-mingling of Indian sub-cultures you showcased also struck a chord as I am a Sikh girl, married to a Bong and raised in Bombay. The places, people & dishes you describe all spoke to me.

I, too like the author, am a working professional (with double masters) who loves the art of writing but is still building up the courage to let all her creative juices out. Monica, you my friend, just may have done the trick. I plan to kick off a book club in my area and plan to have The Hindi-Bindi Club be the first ever book we talk about !

Thank you for the experience and keep on writing …

Thank you so much for this wonderful book. I enjoyed the story and the characters so much. I also learned more about the partition which I did not know so much about. Reading the story made me crave Indian food, and I am so glad your recipes were included. But I mostly appreciate that your story was interesting and fun and light with just a bit of seriousness mixed in. I have a very low tolerance for tragedy and violence in a story, so I was a little nervous b/c other books about Indian culture have been very good stories, but with too many casual and not-so-casual references to violent acts. I appreciate and thank you for keeping your book a fun and enjoyable read, just touching on some serious topics without too much detail or graphic description. I look forward to reading your next book!

I also have the same wonderful compliments of all the readers, a truly magical journey and I thank you for taking us all there with you. My one wish is that it will not be another four years before we can come on our next journey with you, wherever that will be. I fell in love with India doing the hippy trail back in the late 70’s. I went back in 2005 and although it was a much different India that greeted me, I was still just in awe of the whole county. Your descriptions of their cities brought back the most wonderful memories. Please don’t keep us waiting too long Monica.

I absolutely loved this book, I have always had a facination with India which I share with my best friend, we have been planning for years to visit India for my 40th. The recipes are fantastic, can’t wait to start cooking. Reading this book has given me a lovely escapism needed at moment due to my own family issues. Looking forward to your next book???

Fabulous! Made me laugh, cry, reminisce……everything a great book should be and more! My bro gave me the book on a long journey back to London from a family-reunion in Kerala. I am a Malayali, born in Germany, brought up in the Middle-East, and trained (medic–surprise, surprise;) in the UK. It’s been a long while in my nomadic life since I’ve felt this home-sick. Thanks for reaffirming the joys and sorrows of family life. Have already recommended it to my ’sorority sisters’ and can’t wait for another installment. All the best!

Hi Monica, I enjoy reading books, especially on these lines. Your book is amazing and it keeps the reader craving for more. I simply just loved each and every page, and honestly was reading it so slowly as I didn’t want it to end. One can really relate to each daughter or mother in it. The sentiments and feelings are same irrelevant of the fact which religion one belongs to. I’m 29 yrs old, married, and all throughout this wonderful journey I kept remembering my mom. In short pls write more books like this one. Looking forward to more novels from your end. Cheers!

Your book was simply profound. It reminded me of my relationship with my mother (who passed on 2 years ago). It reminded me how cherished the mother-daughter relation is. Thank you for bringing “wonder in life” back.

I just finished reading your book. I loved it. I was refreshing to read something I could relate to. At times I felt this book was about me and my mother. Thanks for the great read.

I bought this book for the recipes, but now I’m halfway through and in love! I’m a Buddhist, and have been interested in Hinduism because of its relationship to Buddhism. I’m learning tons. I am also interested in all of the history this book gives us. With all of the learning going on- this is a great story too. I hope we’ll hear lots more from you.

great book. please write another one. best wishes

I just finished your book…I enjoyed it very much. Being the daughter of parents who came here from India and married to an “American,” I could relate to so much in the book. Some things were ditto to my own thoughts. Thanks for a wonderful book.

I absolutely loved this book. I got it from my best friend, she gave it to me after I was always telling her that I felt that my mother’s strict Mexican-rooted thoughts and beliefs were driving me crazy! I found it so amazing how I could relate with so many things that these women struggled with their mothers. Thank you for this wonderful book!

This was by far one of the most enlightening, entertaining, and brain-boggling books I’ve read till date…and I’ve read many! H-BC is definitely in my top 5 favourite books because it’s simply outstanding. The way you brought out the POVs of the old heads compared to their American-Indian children is astounding and very realistic. Something a person can relate to. I’m at a loss of how to explain my appreciation of this outstanding novel. I absolutely love love love this book! Also, I’ve been searching high and low for some good Indian recipes, now I have a good place to start! Thank you so much for this enlightening passage to and from the opposite lands and for showing that how could there possibly be two “ends” of the world, when Earth is a round thing?! We are all one and the same in the End.

Your book was a joy to read. As a fairly dominant mother, I’m trying really hard not to be a brick wall with my grown-up children. I’m off to southern India in a couple of weeks (and having my 60th birthday there), and your book has fueled my excitement even more than before. Can’t wait to get on the plane.

Lynda, New Zealand

Incredible. I am 1/8th Hindu Indian, and haven’t had any exposure (other than Indian restaurants, the curry my mother made, and some bits and pieces here and there) to anything Indian. Fascinating! I am going to rush out and learn more about my heritage! Loved, loved, loved it! I want more! Can’t wait for your next book!

I loved your book! Thank you ! I have been very inspired by the recipes. Will invite friends over for Indian food next weekend. Janecke from Oslo, Norway.

Thank you for this fantastic book. I am neither Indian or American but having travelled in India (1989) - I hold any Indian-related stories close to my heart. I am also a Home Economics teacher, and dare I say love Indian food - so I had so many joys all at the one time reading your book. My friend Sha read your book at the same time, and she has already left you a note, telling you of our plans to travel to India to celebrate her 40th birthday. Thank you for putting so much joy in my head and heart with your facinating story telling. I look forward to part 2 - I hope there will be one! Lynda

What a beautiful, fascinating book! It was so good I read it in a day! I agree with other comments: I wish I could run out and buy the sequel! I especially loved your descriptions of Indian culture, traditions and ceremonies. (As an aside, I also work in finance, and I can relate to your desire to get out! After reading this book, I’m very glad you escaped! :)) Anyway, thank you for a wonderful, informative read, which will now be one of my lifelong favorites!

Hi Monica, I really enjoyed the book. It was unputdownable. I guess it will bring a sense of deja vu for all Indians wherever in the world they have migrated to.

A truly fantastic read! Realistic characters, thought-provoking, and so humane. Really enjoyed the book, particularly the deeply sensitive relationships between the mothers and daughters. When is the next book coming out?

Thanks for providing the opportunity to enter a world unknown. I believed these characters were real and felt privileged to have the inside glimpse of Indian-American life. A well-crafted book that I honestly struggled to put down.

Karen, Nova Scotia

Loving this book, what a wonderful writer! I saw it (& got it) from the library, but I’m going to buy it - it’s a keeper. Also want my daughter to read it AND we’ll both want to make lots of the recipes! I think I’ll get copies for my Mom & sisters for Christmas! Thanks for a wonderful experience!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I picked it up for a book club and didn’t know what to expect. My family has been in America for generations so I take for granted some things that the women struggled with in the book. However, the mother-daughter struggles seem to be apparent in all cultures. After reading the book (which I was sad to finish) I feel I learned a lot about India, immigrants, women, spices, and myself! I can’t wait to try one of the recipes!

I absolutely LOVED this book. I was raised by a single mom who did the best she could under very difficult circumstances. Unfortunately I didn’t see it until I had children of my own. This book nurtured those feeling of appreciation and sacrifice that she put worth in raising both my brother and I. Thank-you from the bottom of my heart. I am buying this book for all my friends for Christmas. Thank-you once again.

What a fantastic read. I couldn’t put this book down. I even read the “acknowledgments” and “about the author” sections, which I never do, as I was hungry for more. This book is rich with Indian culture and history and the vividness and beauty that is India. Please write more. I will wait patiently on the edge of my seat………

Jenn, Saskatchewan

As a full time student, reading for pleasure time is almost non existant, so it took me a lot longer to read this than it normally would. But am I sad? Does that bother me? NO!! Why, because I got to make the goodness last longer! HOORAY!! Thanks for putting this into the universe, Monica. It will certainly be sending something equally as wonderful back to you.

Daun

I accidentally came across this book, and what a pleasant accident it was. I am so touched by the thorough details of both the experiences of the first generation immigrants and then the experiences of the second generation. My only regret is that I don’t have a daughter to share these experiences with. Maybe in the next book the views of boys growing up here could be included. Already looking forward to the next book and of course more recipes.

Dear Monica,

My wife bought this book for herself, and I ended up reading it first. Beautiful and moving are two words that I would use to describe it. I grew up with my grandparents telling us how they moved from Lahore to Delhi during the partition - and your descriptions are apt and reflect what we were told. As an expat Indian living in New Zealand, I can relate to the musings and the oft-felt emotions that pluck at your heartstrings when a sight, sound, feeling, description or smell takes you back to India. My favourite character here was Saroj, and I understand the ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ persona she embodies. Your descriptions of places in India is evocative and profound. Thanks once again for a brilliant read!

PS - Page 345 talks about Meenal in Chandini Chauk (which is in Delhi) but I thought she was in Mumbai - it this intentional or am I wrong?

Hi Monica,

I picked up The Hindi-Bindi Club by chance in the local library (in Newcastle, Australia) yesterday and had to let you know how much I am enjoying reading it. It is touching, funny, informative, and an altogether fabulous read. I am rationing myself and trying not to read it too fast so the end doesn’t come too soon.

What an incredible book…I couldn’t put it down! I am a second generation Indian and find novels inspired by the Indian Diaspora both exciting & thought-provoking. I am looking forward to another novel by the author.

I loved this book! So much that I actually cried over the last pages…It touched me so deeply, that I didn’t want it to end.

I picked up my copy at the ultra-ritz Amarvilas in Agra last week. Thought it would be a silly take off on “Joy Luck Club,” but was I ever wrong!

I had an Indian exchange student a few summers ago, have been to India three times, and one of my daughters (who’s half Japanese, half Caucasian) spent a semester there.

Thanks so much for helping me to understand so much more about the Indian and Indian-American cultures. I can’t wait to try some of the recipes!

I saw your book on a bookshelf a few days after Eid and decided that it was the perfect gift for myself with the money my Mum gave me as an Eid gift. It didn’t even take me a day to finish the book as I was glued from the time I opened the cover. I have to say that I loved it to bits and my experience included many of those ‘giggling to myself’ moments where my husband looks at me and smiles. Thank you for an excellent read. I have already recommended it to my friends.

Just started reading it this morning…it’s now 3:36 PM, and I’m 1/2 through. Love it…I’ve already teared up at several points. Thank you for writing this book!

When I first saw the title at the Library where I volunteer, I thought it might be one of those books on “Indian culture” seeking to ‘educate.’ Pleasant surprise: it went deeper than that. Monica, I wish you will get invited to the Writers Week held here in Adelaide, Australia, every summer. I would love to meet you. Being a first generation migrant I share the H-BC mums’ concerns. When I visit India next May, I’m going armed with copies for the gals in my family. A GOOD READ. Definitely!!

I loved the book and thoroughly enjoyed the phone coversation with you at our Book Club meeting today! I loved the flow of language and the content of the book! Can’t wait to recommend this book to our mother-daughter book club when my daughter grows up. Looking forward to the next book!

Your book was a wonderful journey and one I’m sad has ended. It was like visiting home with every page and tasting a bit of spice with every word. Thank you for such a wonderful interlude for my days. Peace!

What a wonderful book! I picked this book up by chance, and I couldn’t put it down. Like a few others have mentioned, I teared up several times, but that is of course because I could definitely relate to situations and characters in the book. I would love to see a part 2 or 3 or more to this series. It was so amazing to me to find a character that was so like me, that character being Texas John. Granted I am a woman and I am from Canada not Texas, lol, but like John I am not a born Indian however I’ve been told I am more Indian then a lot of Indians :). Monica you have done such an amazing job teaching about Indian ways, beliefs, relationships and customs in this book and on top of it all you were able to explain Hinduism to Western readers. Definitely one of my favourite books and I will keep my eyes out for part 2 (with my fingers crossed). Thank you again.

I am based in Sydney, Australia, and married to a Bengali for 13 yrs (greek cypriot background) with loads of Indian friends and family, and I was given the book as an early Xmas present from my wonderful friend Venita. I read it in two days whilst on a business trip…could not put it down. Characters are all very relatable, and the story is told so well you want it to go on forever! Venita also bought it for another friend Sunaina who is half way through, and we are waiting for Venita to read it as well so we can talk Hindi-Bindi non stop! Please hurry with new book Monica, and if anyone has any recommendations of other great reads with Indian flavour like this, please let us know.

Loved the book!!! I couldn’t put it down…I can’t wait until my mom reads it…she is soo like Meenal Auntie!!

Thank You Monica,
I wish there was a part two…

Sincerely,
Neena

Like the lady who has previously posted before me, I am in Australia and married to a Sindi man whom I adore so much! Like in your book we too have so many parallels in our lives that it’s hard to explain why this happens (he and I both married twice before ‘meeting’ each other. I have often been told that this alone should be put into book form too??!!!). I love this book, and I love my daughter for finding it for me. She tells me it ‘just jumped out’ at her, and it is the second she has found for me with recipes included. Keep up the good work and good for you for fulling so many underprivileged with the gift of expanding their knowledge. Like my grandmother says, it’s a sad day you stop learning, knowledge is the only thing you take with you when you go. Keeping an eye out for your next book and your research books/material.

Please write another!

Monica,

I’m 17 years old- first generation American born Indian (half Punjabi, half Bengali- unusual mix, no?).

There could not have been a better time for me to read your book, which was- amazing, to say the least. I feel like I can relate to every single one of those families just by judging on my own family and our (their?) Indian friends.

At 17- I’m definitely going through a rough patch with my mother, and of course being the rebellious Indian daughter that I am, I’m not going to be a doctor, engineer, etc. And with my passion for the arts and my plans for MY future, my parents and I are having trouble connecting.

Basically, what I’m trying to say, through this rough time your book makes me feel like I’m not the only first generation American born Indian facing these challenging obstacles.

I’m waiting impatiently for your next work.

Love,
Jayshree

The most beautifully written book for all NRI moms and daughters. I can’t believe there are so many of us with similar histories, memories, obstacles and victories. Thank you for vocalizing the most defying secrets and most cherished memories. I am buying a copy for my sister, my two nieces and my two daughters who will definitely need it in the future. Loved the recipes too. Can’t wait to read more of your books.

Thanks again

-Nisha Sharma
Austin, Texas

I really enjoyed reading the book and loved the recipes. I never wanted to put it down.

Thank you for this wonderful book. I expected something light and humorous and was wonderfully surprised to find it that, and so much more. Touching, warm, and honest. I hated it to end. You have such insight into the human soul. Another unexpected gift from the book was the history lesson. I know so little about the history of India (thanks to your book, I now know a little more). And, I will try to increase my knowledge in the future. I am going to order copies of the book for my daughter, granddaughter, and my best friend. I may even try some of the wonderful recipes even though I have “retired” from cooking. They are so tempting. Looking forward to your next book, please let it be soon. Again, thank you for providing several hours of pure pleasure during the past week.

It was too short!!!! loved the personalities and could relate between the mothers/daughters…..recipes added a nice touch. Loved the description of India visit. Monica this should be turned into a movie - WELL DONE.

I loved the book. However, I had a little difficulty trying to remember and keep different characters their names and their stories straight. Did anyone feel this way?

Born Nepali, married to a Caucasion, and living and raising children in America, I was able to relate to this book. When I saw the last name ‘Pradhan,’ I thought the author must be a Nepali.

Thank you. Keep writing.
Chandrakala

I am an Irish American living in San Francisco, California, and purchased your book to take with me on a trip to Pune, India, where I married my Pune born and raised husband in a traditional Indian wedding ceremony on Nov 25th, 2007. This was my third trip to India, however my job in Silicon Valley left me crushed for time to research what I was getting into with my wedding ceremony, and my all-too-cryptic fiance was light on details, I believe for fear of scaring me off. ; -) I have never even attended an Indian wedding before, so my only knowledge was gleamed from Monsoon Wedding and a limited intro to Bollywood, as you can guess I was in for a real experience. Not to mention I was joined on my journey by my family who were experiencing India for the first time.

I can’t tell how much your book not only inspired me, but it also helped me to bridge the gap between my American and his Indian family, which were all meeting for the first time. Due to time constraints, it took me most of the two weeks to read the book over the course of the trip, and it was amazing to see how the events seemed to link with where I was physically at, San Fran to Mumbai to Pune. I used the Kipling quote in your book at my toast at the mehndi celebration, and I can’t tell you how much the East to West quote applied at that very moment. I placed my first ever bindi, worn that night, next to the Kipling quote in your book and plan to share the book with my child (God willing) when the time is right.

Much to my surprise, I finished the book the night before my wedding in Pune, and I can’t tell you how much more meaningful the somewhat overwhelming ceremony was to me due to your book. The chanting especially took on an entire new meaning for me.

Thank you for your writing as it truly helped me not only have a better understanding of my husband and his cultural, but also to have a glimpse inside some of the challenges and growth to come for our newly formed multi-cultural family.

Regards,
Colleen Kapase (Formerly Lenihan)

Really enjoyed the book and learnt so much about India and Partition. The recipes at the end of every chapter were inspirational and ensure I never give my book away!! Here’s to the next one.

The Hindi Bindi Club had me awww’d and wow’d! What an incredible book!! This is definitely something every East Indian female raised or born in the West can appreciate. The traditions, the mothers, the Western lifestyle vs. Eastern lifestyle & the food. I couldn’t put it down. I loved it!!

Dear Monica,

Thank you so much for your wonderful book. I loved it, loved the characters, loved the way you connect their different life stories and destinies with each other, loved the recipes at the end of each chapter (although I did not find the time to test-cook one of them, as I just finished the book, but I certainly will…!). I grow more and more fond of Indian culture and lifestyle, especially since a psychic friend of mine has “seen” me as an Indian woman in a former life — so, I´m kind of curious, and I want to learn more about India, the people, the customs, the cultural heritage… But also apart from this, I do hope to get another novel of you soon, and I´m sure I will like it as much as “The Hindi-Bindi Club.”

Thank you and all the best,
Dorothée
(Munich, Germany)

Just finished your novel about my new daughter-in-law. Could hardly believe the similarities, especially the wedding preparations and the hesitations/build-ups to a mixed marriage. Our new daughter is from Delhi, and our background is Canadian/Austrian - not quite Texas, but close. I was gifted the book from my middle daughter, and will strongly suggest that every member of our family, and our now-extended family, take the opportunity to read it. Thank you for sharing with us.

Dear Monica,

Thanks for writing such a wonderful book. I picked this up whilst visiting Mumbai for a Hindu wedding and spent my few relaxing days there reading this brilliant novel.

I laughed out loud on many occasions whilst recognising some of the endearing stereotypical ‘Indian’ traits that I adore in my friends and in their families too.

Looking forward to your next book!

Emma

LOVED It! I lovved this book! I myself am an Indian born in the U.S. to immigrant parents, and I felt like I could relate to all of the daughters in the book. How wonderfully written this book is! I also learned A LOT about Indian traditions in this book and had a very nice discussion about it with my mom afterwards, who of course said she could relate to how the mothers in the book feel

Thank you for the Hindi Bindi Club. As an Anglo Australian married to an Indian immigrant husband, and of course marrying “the family,” I read as much Indian literature as I can. I enjoyed your zest for life that permeates the characters and events. Hope truly does spring eternal.

Hi Monica,

Your book sounds extremely interesting; therefore I decided to buy it as a gift (the Dutch translation, that is) for my sister’s birthday. I myself will read it as soon as I can as well, and will let you know how I and my sister experienced reading your book! In the meanwhile, good luck with your next novel.

Kind regards,

Anwar Kasi
(Amsterdam, the Netherlands)

Obviously, read the last page first. It is indeed good to know about how you are helping kids to have access to books. It is my dream too to make available good books to kids everywhere in India. I have just started reading your book. Well…the cover looks good

More later.
Rgds,
Sree

I loved this book! Like Rani, I am half Indian, the product of an immigrant father and American mother. So many parts of this book were so familiar to me. Can’t wait to read the next one!

Such an endearing book! I laughed out loud and cried. I’m a Korean-American, born to immigrant parents and the experiences that Kiran, Rani, and Preity go through are so universal to all 1st generation Asian-Americans. I grew up in the Potomac, MD, area so it was a pleasant surprise when the book took place there. Coming up on my 30th bday and still unmarried and childless, I totally connected with Kiran when it comes to thinking, maybe my parents are right? Maybe I should just have them find my husband to be. =)

This SHOULD be a movie!

Our east central Wisconsin bookclub chose Hindi Bindi Club to discuss. One member called to see if we could have an author talk, and last night after a shared meal of eight of Monica’s delicious recipes, we got the highly anticipated phone call. Monica is as enjoyable to listen to as it was to read her book. Talking and laughing with Monica was special to each of us. Thank you Monica for sharing your thoughts and giving us a beautiful book.

I saw the book at Waterstones while trying to decide what book to purchase as a xmas gift for myself. I decided against it first and then came back a day or two later and took… I’ll never regret it.

Emotions are high and vocab is low to describe your beautiful book. I live in the UK with my husband and child. I always worry how life will turn out between me and my little Radha who’s only 1 year at the moment. Now I know what to expect and do…

I am going to try the recipes that goes without saying …(being Indian cannot help it…haha)

I kept discussing the book with my husband… and he wasn’t bored!!! (very often asks me to change the topic ;)) we both enjoyed the book very much. Thank you is a word too less to express our feelings.

Thanx again
Angela and Anupam Jindal (UK)

I read your book over my Christmas vacation and I loved it (both the book and my vacation). Looking forward to your next one.

What a wonderful book! I just finished it last night, and have al