As I read the Mango Season by Amulya Malladi (thanks to a strong recommendation from my cousin), I realized there are some things that are just a part of you and I have to say it  - Mango pickle is one of them. The book took me back to my childhood summers and Avakkai (Salted, spicy mango pieces) had a prominent place in them. 

We had the luxury of mangoes in our backyard so I didnt identify as much with the book where the author spends her time in Monda market getting the mangoes. Come May and the mango trees behind our sprawling suburban home would be filled with raw mangoes. I remember how we protected these precious mangoes from the stone throwing little boys, who obviously had nothing better to do on hot summer days.

Then began the long process where we had someone pick all the mangoes, carefully chose the ones we would use, set aside some for the family friends, bought all the ingredients and then I watched as my mom carefully mixed them all in the right proportions. She would keep checking for days later to ensure that it was all good and then one fine day - it would be ready!  That night at dinner, we would all be treated to the first serving of Avakkai, mango pickle. I miss the process now but still get the end-product once or twice a year.

Surprisingly, I also related to a lot in the book -

• The crazed search for panipuri or the sugarcane juice and the new appreciation for the simple foods.
• The questioning thoughts in our mind as I, who have been raised in India, now go back and see India through a different point of view now that I have been here in the US for so long  (I need to think about this one a little more)
• The discomfort of a career woman with the traditional expectations of your role in the family.
• Strong, family ties that never wane

When I finished the book, I gave it 5 stars for what I think a good book in my opinion should be able to do - put a smile on your face.