Don’t be fooled by the title – Men like us by Bindu Bansinath the book is about women. Namely, the women of Willow Road, a suburban South Asian enclave in New Jersey where Anita Sharma and her teenage daughter Leila soon live.
When a family friend, Matthew Pillai, is found dead, the close-knit neighborhood is thrown into a gossipy investigation. The novel tells the story of the Sharmas’ dysfunctional marriage, Anita’s struggle to find a home in America, and how Matthew suspiciously approaches Laila on the pretext of encouraging her acting dreams.
It’s a fascinating portrait of society with a side of murder mystery. Or as author Gary Steingart put it, “the most promising debut I’ve read in decades.” We asked Bansinat some questions. Here’s what she had to say…
Q: One thing everyone should watch?
Occupation: Sons of Ecstasya twisted and strangely beautiful doc about two rival kingpins facing off in the Arizona party scene in the 1990s. One is a British stockbroker and the other is the prodigal son of a mobster in witness protection.
Q: What’s a corner of the internet you’ve discovered recently?
Occupation: GirlDinnerDiaries subredditwhere strangers post photos of food and express complaints big and small – like how they’re “so sick” advertising everywhere” (picture of wonton soup) or what their ex-friend is like possibly pregnant by their ex-husband (yoghurt parfait). This is a fragile, messy and very old Internet.
Q: What is the one recipe that everyone should make?
Occupation: These Great Crinkled Chocolate Chip Cookies double with the recommended chocolate.
Q: What’s one thing you can’t stop listening to?
Occupation: Mickey Nothing happens to me, with “I will change for you” repeatedly.
Q: What’s one thing you can’t leave home without?
Occupation: I’m nothing without a big bottle of Aquaphor.
Q: What is your favorite indulgence?
Occupation: Spoilers. I’m not ashamed (though I should be) to say that I pause an episode of TV to read first. Egg conclusion.
Q: What’s one thing that made you 10% happier?
Occupation: Roach Motels.
Q: What is your most valuable asset?
Occupation: my Wanky ring from Raj Jewels in (Iselin, New Jersey).
Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only eat one thing, what would it be?
Occupation: Masala dosa with chopped red onion.
Question: What should be read for every person?
Occupation: Lydia Chukovskaya Sofia Petrovna, because something can happen to anyone.
Meanwhile, on the internet…
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Washington edition just added 8 week old puppy to their list — and honestly, he might be the best thing to happen to baseball.
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Thought you had a bad week? Just be thankful you’re not the person behind KFC’s X account never live in this post (impressive still alive)..
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There are nine “adult cheat codes” that seem to make life easier. Number three just verified our Amazon order history.
