The Namesake

The Namesake (Jhumpa Lahiri, 2004) 

How I stumbled upon it: My friend Meg recommended it early last year and she has never steered me wrong!

What it's about: An Indian family's transition from Calcutta to Cambridge and the struggle they have raising a son as a first generation American while trying to adjust to a life away from their family, friends, and traditions.  Their son Gogol, (named after the Russian writer) changes his name to Nikhil and struggles throughout the book to find and master his identity as an Indian, son, American and individual.

What I thought: It was so good! Following Nikhil/Gogol through his life was like reading an interesting and intricate family history.  I learned a lot more about Indian culture, and Lahiri's prose makes you want to call out of work just so that you can finish the book.  It's heartbreaking and uncomfortable at times, but unexpectedly funny at others.  I would highly recommend!

You can get it here.