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One Day We'll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter

Essays

Scaachi Koul

Picador

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ISBN10: 1250121027
ISBN13: 9781250121028

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256 Pages

$17.00

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In One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter, Scaachi Koul deploys her razor-sharp humor to share all the fears, outrages, and mortifying moments of her life. She learned from an early age what made her miserable, and for Scaachi anything can be cause for despair. Whether it’s a shopping trip gone awry; overcoming her fear of flying while vacationing halfway around the world; dealing with Internet trolls, or navigating the fears and anxieties of her parents. Alongside these personal stories are pointed observations about life as a woman of color: where every aspect of her appearance is open for critique, derision, or outright scorn; where strict gender rules bind in both Western and Indian cultures, leaving little room for a woman not solely focused on marriage and children to have a career (and a life) for herself.

With a sharp eye and biting wit, incomparable rising star and cultural observer Scaachi Koul offers a hilarious, scathing, and honest look at modern life.

Reviews

Praise for One Day We'll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter

“Koul’s essays are sharp, hilarious, and insightful.”The New York Post

“Koul manages to balance uproarious comedy with poignant blows to the gut, somehow mastering the art of being both fun and affecting, outrageous and vulnerable.”Bustle

"In writing honestly about incredibly intimate moments, Koul reaches two distinct audiences: those who can’t imagine what her life is like and are given a glimpse into it, and those like her, who will likely feel relief to see themselves reflected in a piece of culture that is sharp, witty and just plain fun to read."The Toronto Star

"Deeply personal and humorous . . . In order to overcome racism, it must have a strong light shone on it to illuminate all its ugliness. Koul does this by bringing her vulnerability, honesty and, of course, wry sense of humour to the discussion. She weaves stories, which through their cultural uniqueness and specificity, become universal and applicable to all."The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

“Simultaneously uproarious and affecting, the personal essays in Buzzfeed contributor Koul’s debut explore the nuances of life as a first-generation Canadian with Indian parents, from phobias, guilt trips, and grudges to the drama of interracial dating . . . She also reflects poignantly on race, sexism, and body image issues . . . The specifics of Koul’s life are unique, but the overarching theme of inheritance is universal, particularly the vacillation between struggling against becoming one’s parents and the begrudging acceptance that their ways might not be so bad. Koul’s deft humor is a fringe benefit.”Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Unveiling the double standards that exist for her both as a woman in her family (moving in with her much-older boyfriend prompts months of anger from her father) and a woman of color in the world, Koul is funny and generous in sharing, and blissfully not in the business of cutting slack . . . Like all great essays, Koul’s will inform and entertain both those who already identify with her and those who don’t yet.”Booklist

Reviews from Goodreads