Asian Booklist: April 2025
Discover new books by British-Asian authors
Update from Kia
On the value of “fly-by praise”
Hello,
One of my favourite anecdotes comes from investor Anjula Acharia. About 15 years ago, she was mentoring a young entrepreneur who had an idea for a company. The entrepreneur was nervous about going all in and Anjula made what she thought was a throwaway remark. As I remember it, she said that the idea was strong, but that she was unlikely to invest in someone who kept their full-time job, the logic being why would I believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself?
Shortly thereafter, the young entrepreneur quit her day job to focus on her idea. That entrepreneur was Payal Kadakia and her idea was ClassPass, the billion-dollar fitness company.
I was reminded of that story by a recent podcast. In it, the journalist Jon Ronson recalls: “I started writing for the college magazine, McGarroll. My lecturer said, You're the only person who writes for McGarroll who knows how to write. I've never forgotten that. It was the first real moment of affirmation that I ever had.” Ronson went on to become a New York Times bestselling author and have his work turned into a movie starring George Clooney.
These moments of “fly-by praise” or support can clearly have a major impact. They may be shared in passing, but can end up changing someone’s life. I can recall three such moments in my own life – one from my primary school teacher, one from a secondary school teacher and one from a literary agent (who rejected me but did so graciously). All three helped me become an author.
In March, I visited my niece’s school to give a talk about being an author, the aim being to inspire one or two of the pupils to pursue a career in writing. These efforts work to an extent I’m sure, but I think fly-by praise given to a specific person at a specific moment can have a stronger impact.
I’m going to try to give more fly-by praise this year. It works best when offered authentically, of course, but there have been many moments when I’ve thought something complimentary about someone but not told them for whatever reason (the subject was changed, we were interrupted, I didn’t know them that well and so on). I don’t think anyone will ever make a billion dollars off my fly-by praise, but maybe it will lend them succour on a long and difficult journey, like that agent did for me. Sometimes, that’s all we need to keep going.
Until next time.
Kia x
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Books out this month
10 April 2025
The Midnight King
“This is a work of fiction. This is not a confession.” Lucas Cole is a bestselling writer. He is also a father, a widower, and a beloved celebrity in his small town. He is an unassuming man – tall, thin and quietly friendly. Lucas Cole is also a serial killer. Nathan Cole has known the truth about his father since he was 10 years old. Too terrified to go to the police, he ran away from home as soon as he was able, carrying the guilt of leaving his sister behind. […]
17 April 2025
Both Not Half
For over twenty-five years, actor Jassa Ahluwalia described himself as “half Indian, half English”. His fluent Punjabi always prompted bewilderment, medical staff questioned the legitimacy of his name, and the world of casting taught him he wasn't “the right kind of mixed-race”. Feeling caught between two worlds, it wasn't long before Jassa embarked on a call to action: we need to change how we think and talk about mixed identity. […]
17 April 2025
Vengeance
For two years, Jia Khan has been running her late father’s organised crime business in the north of England. So far, her authority has remained unchallenged, but now things are beginning to unravel. When she finds her father’s notebook recounting his arrival from Pakistan in the 1970s, it awakes an old family feud that could have devastating repercussions for Jia. […]
24 April 2025
The Girl at the Front of the Class
From Onjali Q. Rauf, the bestselling and award-winning author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, comes a moving picture book that helps young children understand and empathise with the refugee crisis, and shows the power that friendship, kindness and generosity can have. […]
Books out last month
8 March 2025
That Which May Destroy You
The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Miriam Hassan stands in the defendant’s dock at Birmingham Crown Court charged with the cold-blooded murder of her well-known, rich, charismatic husband, Zaf, to which she pleads not guilty. However, nothing is straightforward. There is conflicting witness testimony. The couple argued on the day in question, and Miriam was overheard threatening him. […]
13 March 2025
The Doctor’s Kitchen: Healthy High Protein
As a GP working in the NHS, Dr Rupy Aujla knows that the simple act of eating well every day is one of the most powerful forms of medicine. Cook from this book and you’ll just know the food you’re eating is helping you maintain protein for bone strength and longevity, support gut health to help you think clearly and sleep better, and lower inflammation to eliminate stress. […]
27 March 2025
Her Two Lives
Rita Marsh has two lives. By day she cares for the elderly, and by night she hunts down men who prey on young girls. But now a suspect is dead, and the police are on her tail. When an old school friend shows up with her own dark story to tell, Rita can't help herself being drawn to danger – and her two worlds start to collide. […]
Books out last year
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