5 books to read about NJ's Desi community

It’s mid-August, and I hope this newsletter finds you somewhere in rest. Whether that’s a beach, or your living room couch, these hot days are made for relaxing—and reading!

The books below are a mix of fiction and nonfiction reads that offer new perspectives on New Jersey’s South Asian community. Check them out, and let us know what you think.

You Can’t Be Serious by Kal Penn

Before he was known as Kal Penn, he was Kalpen Suresh Modi, the son of Hindu Indian immigrants from Gujarat, living in New Jersey. His family, like many others, came to the US in pursuit of the American Dream, passing down stories of how his grandparents had marched with Gandhi during the Indian independence movement. They fully expected him to follow the traditional path and take the advice of aunties to become a doctor. But Kal had other plans.

What his family didn’t expect was that he would end up sliding off an oiled-up naked woman in the raunchy Ryan Reynolds movie “Van Wilder.” Yet, Kal Penn is much more than that. He’s a cultural phenomenon who brought us cult classics like “Harold and Kumar.” He later paused his acting career to serve as an aide in President Barack Obama’s administration.

His book, You Can’t Be Serious, is a collection of life stories, blending humor with reflection, and it all starts in New Jersey—where Kal talks about experiencing racism and discrimination growing up. 

Edison, a Novel by Pallavi Sharma Dixit

Edison, a Novel is a vibrant and humorous love letter to the Indian American community in Edison. The novel follows Prem Kumar, the youngest son of a powerful industrialist from New Delhi, who dreams of becoming a filmmaker rather than joining the family business or marrying the heiress his father has chosen. He runs away to America, but instead of shooting films, he finds himself working at an Exxon gas station in Edison.

Despite his unexpected detour, Prem discovers joy and purpose in the enclave. His life takes a turn when he meets the ambitious Leena Engineer and her father, a grocery store owner, who challenge his laid-back approach and push him on a journey of self-discovery. Surrounded by an eccentric mix of roommates, aunties, and both glamorous and absurd film stars, Prem embraces his role as an unlikely hero while witnessing the transformation of Edison into a “Little India.”

Suburban Sahibs by S. Mitra Kalita

This nonfiction book by journalist S. Mitra Kalita follows the immigration journey of three Indian families — the Kotharis, Patels, and Sahibs — as it explains how Desi immigrants redefined New Jersey. These families, in pursuit of the American dream, settle in quiet suburban neighborhoods instead of the big city. Here, they face the challenge of navigating the often unwelcoming attitudes of long-time residents while striving to preserve their cultural identity. 

The personal stories not only highlight the evolving face of America’s suburbs but serve as a good understanding of the Indian immigration boom to the US in the last few decades. The book highlights how immigrants have both upheld their traditions and adapted to suburban life, eventually becoming the "sahibs" of their communities. It is a tale of transformation, from uncertainty to economic success, and a community’s desire for social and political recognition.

Love Match by Priyanka Taslim

This young adult novel takes place in Paterson and offers a vivid look into the thriving Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities there. Publishers Weekly describes Love Match by Priyanka Taslim as “Jane Austen meets Bengali cinema.” The story centers on Zahra Khan, the Princess of Paterson, who comes from Bangladeshi royalty but faces the practicalities of life in Paterson. Balancing long hours at Chai Ho and saving for college writing courses, Zahra’s mother, Amma, is set on finding her a "good match."

Harun Emon is that perfect boy in Amma’s eyes. He is a wealthy, stunning, but an emotionally distant man. Despite Amma’s matchmaking efforts, Zahra quickly realizes that Harun isn’t right for her, especially compared to Nayim Aktar, the new dishwasher at the tea shop, who understands her in a way no one else does. When Zahra discovers that Harun is just as uninterested in the match, they decide to subtly ruin their parents’ plans. Zahra finds herself navigating two relationships, a fake one with Harun to keep Amma satisfied while developing genuine feelings for Nayim.

The book is a raw look into juggling Desi traditions and personal desires.

In Lady Liberty’s Shadow: The Politics of Race and Immigration in New Jersey by Robyn Magalit Rodriguez

This nonfiction book is an important read to understand the immigration paradox in New Jersey. On one hand, the Garden State is known as a historic gateway for immigrants. On the other, it has been a testing ground for some of the most restrictive anti-immigrant policies in the U.S. The book digs into the fears white Americans harbor about immigrants, their children, and other marginalized groups, including Black and Latino communities. These fears fuel nativist attitudes, xenophobia, and the push for anti-immigrant policies. It also offers some history and perspective on the South Asian community.

Through detailed examples, the book reveals how these strict policies have impacted immigrant groups in suburban communities. Rodriguez argues that the American Dream in suburban areas is built on a racially segregated social order, intended primarily for white residents. Though focused on New Jersey, the book’s insights offer valuable perspectives on the broader national immigration debate.

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