An amusing, anecdote-filled account of arriving in America from Mumbai in the early 1990s. The author interrupts himself with tangents along the way, as he relates his arrival in New York, move to Florida, and eventual residence in California. He relies on his growing network of friends and relatives as he navigates a new job in a new country. It's both corny and charming. ( )

I'm giving it a 3-star to remain neutral. I have tried to read the book several times but for some reason, I cannot read it. ( )

The first book I read by Aithal was 'India was One', which is absolutely charming. Shortly afterwards, I learnt he is an Indian living in America. The question did vaguely cross my mind, 'I wonder how/why he finds himself in the US'. Well, now, from this very engaging and interesting account, I do!

Fortunate to be in the path of opportunity, he didn't really have to overcome extreme adversity whilst building his new life in the US; it all worked out comparatively hassle-free for him. It was, yes, a big, big leap, a massive change of culture and very distressing to leave his nearest and dearest for a while, but a job, a (modest) income, some good friends and relatives were all instrumental in making his transition that bit easier.

It's a very enjoyable 'memoir', learning how Aithal gradually fitted into his new way of life with his wife and family, and how he gradually adapted to the very different customs, family dynamics, food and way of life in the US.

It's an easy read…Aithal engages the reader as if he or she is sitting right there beside him having a bit of a chitchat! Pop it on to your ereader…you won't regret it. ( )

I love this book a true master piece ( )

I have conflicting feelings about this book. On the one hand, I'm a recent Indian immigrant myself and a lot of the stories here are relatable either by first-hand experience or stories heard from others in the community. It feels wonderful to be seen and to read an immigrant story that I can see myself in.

On the other hand, I also had reflected back to me a host of assumptions many Indians (including myself) make before we arrive in the US -- ideas about gendered roles in cooking, commentary on a co-worker's body, etc. I suspect that the generation difference between the author's and mine also plays into some of this thinking. Regardless, these were unpleasant detours along the mostly enjoyable narrative of the book.

While many FOBs (common diaspora lingo for Fresh off the Boat, aka brand-new immigrants) can probably see their triumphs and joys reflected back to them, I suspect those of us who came here as students in the more recent decades have had significantly different experiences. The universal themes of Indian grocery stores, the importance of community that can relate to our unique experiences, and the struggles of navigating sub-par healthcare and transit systems are probably abiding though.

I suspect this would be a quick, fun read for Indian immigrants (or really, any immigrants) but I also sense an opportunity for people who have grown up in the US and are curious to learn about the nitty-gritty of the Indian immigrant experience. Your friends, coworkers or partners are probably immigrants and the task of uprooting yourself to start all over in a new-to-you society is not an easy one. ( )