Title: Serving Crazy with Curry Author: Amulya Malladi type of book: Fiction call number: Fic

Summary:
Devi has plenty of reasons to be stressed out -- she just lost another job in Silicon Valley which is more proof she'll never get her life together. On top of that, she has pressure from her Indian mother to marry and be a traditional Indian wife, and she can't compare to her successful father and sister. She can't even kill herself without failing . . . no, her mother has a key to Devi's apartment (so she can snoop) and arrives just in time. Forced to "recover" at her parents' home, Devi refuses to speak. Instead, she starts cooking nonstop - a fusion of Indian cuisine with unexpected twists - just like this book!

I would recommend this book!

Why?
Memorable characters, good story . . . plus recipes! Just like a kitchen, it's easier to make a mess of things than to get it cleaned up. Be aware that strong language and sexual situations might turn off some readers. It's not completely warm-and-fuzzy, more a dark comedy.

Other suggested reading:
If you like this, I recommend Chitra Divakaruni's Sister of my Heart and The Vine of Desire. For a lighter take on the culture clash, try For Matrimonial Purposes by Kavita Daswani which I would even recommend for older teens.

Employee Initials: SB Review Date: January 2006

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