Beastmomma

I did not complete this challenge last year, so I am determined to do it this year!  The details and my commitment level are below. 

From Swapna's site, here are some basics:

There are two ways for a book to qualify for the South Asian Challenge

(1) A book must be by a South Asian author.  For these purposes, South Asia includes the following countries: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives. 

2) A book must be about South Asia.  In this case, it can be set in a South Asian country or be about South Asians living abroad.  It can also be a biography or memoir of a South Asian, or of a non-South Asian traveling or working in South Asia.  In this case, the authordoes not need to be South Asian, as long as the subject matter focuses on the region, peoples, or cultures in some way.

Any type book qualifies, as long as it meets one of the two guidelines above - a cookbook, short story or essay collection, travel guide - I’m not picky!

What dates does the challenge run?

January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013

What are the levels?

I can choose how many books I want to read. I am hoping to match my number last year, so I will pick three. 

The books I read for the challenge are below: 

• The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresan: The author is Indian and the book takes place in India. I finished the book on April 10, 2013. You can find my review here. 
• Oleander Girl by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni: The author is South Asian and the book takes place in India. I finished the book on April 17, 2013. You can find my review here. 
• Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda: The author is South Asian and part of the book takes place in India.  I finished the book on May 10, 2013. You can find my review here.
• Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh: The author is South Asian and most of the book takes place in India. I finished the book on August 23, 2013. My review is here. 
• Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling: The author is South Asian. I finished the book on September 28, 2013. You can find my review here. 
• The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri The author is South Asian and part of the book takes place in India. I finished the book on November 7, 2013. You can find my review here.