This collection of eight intertwining stories will be of interest to select students. While they often transcend race, each story is about Indian, mainly Bengali, siblings and couples living in contemporary America. While the stories are grounded in the experiences of first and second generation Indian people in America, they do transcend cultural identity and explore broad ranging issues: marriage and relationships, remarriage of parents, infidelity and family rifts, alcoholism, cancer and death. Not all stories may be of interest or appropriate for high school students; the characters are usually in their thirties or early forties evaluating theirs or their parents' lives. "Only Goodness" and the final three intertwining stories of Part ll are the most compelling for grades 11 or 12. Select stories invite ties to student experiences, others are less accessible. They can be discussed and analyzed in groups and lend themselves to personal responses in written or oral form. Critical thinking and strong communication skills are required to appreciate the themes Lahiri explores.

Suggested Uses:
The collection may appeal to a select few who may form a Literature circle or read for independent programs; likely, they will have personal ties or experiences which create empathetic reading. The story, "Only Goodness," is about alcoholism and may be appropriate for use with a strong class. The book is adult in its presentation, so Lahiri includes a significant title, an epigraph and divides the collection into two distinct parts. These features create opportunity for sophisticated students to analyze and respond critically to the overriding themes and recurring imagery.

Social Consideration:
While not all the stories are appropriate for general high school use, each social consideration is integral to plot, characterization and theme. "Nobody's Business" and "A Choice of Accommodation" have explicit sexual content; teachers may find these stories inappropriate for students.