W3 Book Club - behind the beautiful forevers

by Teri E. Popp, Tastemaker in Residence

"Behind the Beautiful Forevers" by Katherine Boo

Pulitzer Prize winning writer Katherine Boo crafts a book based on real life in Annawadi, a slum formerly located in Mumbai, India in "Behind the Beautiful Forevers."  While it reads like a novel, this story is true.  In an effort to learn more about Indian culture and its sub-culture, W3 Book Club recently read this breathtaking, and often times heartbreaking, tale of lifetime in the lower caste system of Mumbai.

In keeping with the theme, our host served the following food catered by Bukhara Indian Bistro located in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Menu

Drink:  Mango Lassis, Elephant India Pale Ale, Chateau Tour Leognan Pensacola-Leognan

Appetizers:  Vegetable Samosas, Onion Pakora, Paneer Pakora, Alu Tikki 

Salad:  Mixed Green, Ranch Dressing, Cucumber Rasta

Main Course:  Beef Vindaloo, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Curry, Mixed Seafood Birayani

Accompaniments:  Naan, Mango Chutney, Pickles

Dessert:  Kheer, Deinhard Riesling

The food served enhanced our conversation as we discussed Ms. Boo's book.  Hailed as a "landmark work of narrative nonfiction," this story shares tales of life, death and hope in a Mumbai slum.  For more information regarding Ms. Boo and a detailed discussion guide for this  book, please visit her web page at Behind the Beautiful Flowers.