Indian by Choice

* Bibliographic information
DasGupta, A. Indian by Choice. New Dehli: Wisdom Tree, 2009. ISBN: 9788183281362. Art by Neelabh


* Plot Summary
Mandy is a second generation Indian who was born in America and hates the thought of visiting his family in India. When his parents are no longer able to make it to a family wedding in India, Mandy is forced to go in their place. As soon as he arrives at his family’s house in India he writes to his parents complaining about everything, to the tiniest detail. After the wedding and the party, and everyone calling him Mandeep; everyone says Mandy is not a name, Mandy meets his distant cousin, Simitra. Simitra takes him to explore Delhi and other parts of India and they grow to be great friends. Through their tours, Mandy starts to realize India is not as bad as he had initially thought; although he still prefers America. When he leaves to go back to Chicago he says he will keep in touch and he means it because he has grown very close to everyone he met on his trip. This is a story of self-discovery and learning to be comfortable with where you came from.


* Critical Evaluation
A great story about identity and figuring out who you want to be. I do not claim to know a lot about Indian culture so it was nice to learn more about those who live here versus those who live in India. I also liked that they interspersed Hindu into the dialogue and had explanations for the words at the bottom; it made it feel more authentic. Mandy is such a stubborn character but his family never got bothered by it, they just continued to educate him on their country and why they love it. It made for a lovely family story. The illustrations were amazing too, some of the places they visited in the book looked real because they used photographic images. The entire novel looked to realistic; it give the reader the feeling that they are right there in Delhi. Although Mandy’s opinion of India did not change drastically, it was nice to see him claim his heritage at the end when he finally says “I’m Mandeep”.


* Reader’s Annotation
Mandy is reluctant to travel to India for a family wedding. While he is there he learns about his family’s culture and home which makes him rethink his own identity.


* Information about the author
DasGupta has a wife and an adult daughter. In addition to writing, he enjoys cooking, photography and chess. He says he is an Indian by birth and by choice.


* Genre
Teen/Adult Fiction; Graphic Novel, Family/Identity Issues


* Curriculum Ties, if any
Indian Culture and History:
This graphic novel could aid in teaching students about Indian culture and history. It has great references to important attractions and events.


* Booktalking Ideas
1) At the end of the book, Mandy and Simitra said their goodbyes and she shed a tear. Do you think they will develop a new kind of relationship in the future?
2) Discuss Mandy’s maturity throughout the book. Do you think he is really ready to embrace India and his culture, or do you think he will go back to his old ways?
3) How do you feel about arranged marriages versus what Mandy calls “love marriages”?


* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 11 and Up / 16 and Up


* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A


* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I liked the title of the book, it sounded so confident and full of self knowing so I picked it at the library and read it. I have a friend who is very much like Mandy which made me want to read it even more. I have always found Indian culture quite interesting but unfortunately I know little about it. There are probably a lot of second generation teens born in America who feel the way Mandy does and never give their culture a chance. This would be a great story for them; it might make them rethink their stance on the subject.