What's Happening?
NPR's Book of the Day podcast recently featured 'Pick a Color,' the debut novel by poet and author Souvankham Thammavongsa. The novel unfolds over a single day in a nail salon managed by Ning, where all employees wear nametags with the name 'Susan.' The story explores themes of identity and community within the salon setting. Thammavongsa, known for her poetry and short stories, discusses the protagonist Ning's background as a prizefighter and her observations as a salon customer. The novel delves into the distinction between knowledge and intelligence, offering a unique narrative perspective.
Why It's Important?
The novel 'Pick a Color' provides a fresh literary exploration of everyday life in a nail salon, a setting not commonly depicted in mainstream literature. By focusing on the experiences of salon workers, Thammavongsa sheds light on the dynamics of immigrant communities and the complexities of identity. This debut novel could resonate with readers interested in diverse narratives and contribute to broader discussions about representation in literature. The book's focus on personal and cultural identity may appeal to readers seeking stories that reflect their own experiences or offer new insights into different cultural settings.
