Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

“Lahiri has a way of writing the five senses in such a tangible and visceral way. It’s been a long time since I read this (at least 10 years) but I remember feeling a unique embodiment with her stories.”

“This won a Pulitzer for good reason”

“Maybe not that niche but this book is my genesis so it must be included on the list. Reading it in 11th grade solidified that my creative practice must include family histories told through the point of view of women. Especially in South Asian families where family narratives are so often dictated by men and their legacies. Every single story in this collection makes me consistently tear up.”