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rkiladitis's review against another edition
3.0
Two best friends, Paris and Naira, reunite after a few years' estrangement, at a friend's wedding. Paris is married to a man she's wildly in love with, but the one thing he wants is the one thing she can't bear to give him: a child. She's willing to consider a surrogate, but she's thinking more along the lines of "substitute mother". Naira, a widow before age 30 to a husband whose scandal and suicide left her in dire straits, is willing to be Paris' surrogate.
While very readable, the characters here kept me from really loving the book. Paris is self-absorbed to the point of mania, and Naira is consumed with her own victimhood. We receive a lot of information but very little depth in the characters' backstories; there seems to be a lot of money being thrown around, everyone's fairly miserable, subplots are left hanging, and yet, the story feels rushed to its conclusion, tied up in a little red bow. This one was a bit of a letdown.
While very readable, the characters here kept me from really loving the book. Paris is self-absorbed to the point of mania, and Naira is consumed with her own victimhood. We receive a lot of information but very little depth in the characters' backstories; there seems to be a lot of money being thrown around, everyone's fairly miserable, subplots are left hanging, and yet, the story feels rushed to its conclusion, tied up in a little red bow. This one was a bit of a letdown.
aurigae's review against another edition
4.0
In college, Paris and Naira were best friends. At thirty, Paris is a successful attorney in a passionate marriage, while Naira is a widowed businesswoman. Naira's life is in shambles while Paris's is perfect - except that her husband, Neal, wants children and Paris very much does not. When Naira moves to New York in search of a fresh start, Paris asks her to serve as a gestational surrogate and co-parent, and the three friends begin to form a new kind of family.
The characters' journey toward parenthood is strongly informed by their cultural backgrounds. Neal is Scottish and Indian, Naira is Indian, and Paris is Indian-American. Each of their family's values and circumstances influence their responses to the surrogacy, and the characters must navigate their own need for familial acceptance.
I was initially interested in this book because the Paris and Naira's unconventional approach to motherhood, combined with their intense friendship, promised a thought-provoking and powerful read. However, the author (and her characters) managed to avoid any truly serious conflicts associated with motherhood or friendship. Instead, the story focused on the characters' families and careers. Despite that, I really enjoyed this book. The story was compelling and unique, and interesting in different ways than I expected.
The characters' journey toward parenthood is strongly informed by their cultural backgrounds. Neal is Scottish and Indian, Naira is Indian, and Paris is Indian-American. Each of their family's values and circumstances influence their responses to the surrogacy, and the characters must navigate their own need for familial acceptance.
I was initially interested in this book because the Paris and Naira's unconventional approach to motherhood, combined with their intense friendship, promised a thought-provoking and powerful read. However, the author (and her characters) managed to avoid any truly serious conflicts associated with motherhood or friendship. Instead, the story focused on the characters' families and careers. Despite that, I really enjoyed this book. The story was compelling and unique, and interesting in different ways than I expected.
bookapotamus's review against another edition
4.0
Fact about me… I don’t have kids. I have been on the receiving end of SO many rude comments from people: “You better get on it!” “You aren’t getting any younger!” “Don’t you know that’s what women are PUT HERE for?!” It’s funny how those are the things thrown out first - before even asking why, or knowing the whole story. I commend people who make the decision to just not have kids. Simply because they don’t want to! There is NOTHING that says every woman HAS to have kids… and to be honest.. I have known a few that definitely should NOT have had them.
OK rant over. I related so much to Paris - she’s got everything she wants but doesn’t want kids. I’m definitely not disgusted of them as she is though! And they don’t cry when I’m around or run away from me - in fact.. I might come to your house and spend the most time with your kids and puppies over you and the adults! I tend to attract them both like magnets. I would throw myself in front of a bus for my nieces and nephew…. but Paris.. um no. Like not at all. She loathes children. OK thats fine. Her choice.
Naira, her BFF is the opposite. Adores them. So why not ask her to be her surrogate? Why not ask her to be involved and help raise the child too - because Paris needs to do this one thing for her husband - one thing to keep him happy. What could possibly go wrong!?!
I loved this relationship - these two best friends could not be more different and sometimes that’s the best way that friends can work. It’s a controversial arrangement for sure and it made for a fantastic read about love, friendship, desires, conformity, and above all, creating your own path and sticking to what you believe in. A great read.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours, @AuthorFalguni and @graydonhouse for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful story.
OK rant over. I related so much to Paris - she’s got everything she wants but doesn’t want kids. I’m definitely not disgusted of them as she is though! And they don’t cry when I’m around or run away from me - in fact.. I might come to your house and spend the most time with your kids and puppies over you and the adults! I tend to attract them both like magnets. I would throw myself in front of a bus for my nieces and nephew…. but Paris.. um no. Like not at all. She loathes children. OK thats fine. Her choice.
Naira, her BFF is the opposite. Adores them. So why not ask her to be her surrogate? Why not ask her to be involved and help raise the child too - because Paris needs to do this one thing for her husband - one thing to keep him happy. What could possibly go wrong!?!
I loved this relationship - these two best friends could not be more different and sometimes that’s the best way that friends can work. It’s a controversial arrangement for sure and it made for a fantastic read about love, friendship, desires, conformity, and above all, creating your own path and sticking to what you believe in. A great read.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours, @AuthorFalguni and @graydonhouse for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful story.
mommamel11's review against another edition
2.0
This book is not what I expected :Set against the backdrop of wealthy New York society and featuring an Indian American cast, Kothari once again brings her wry, insightful voice to a complicated and emotionally complex situation, creating an unconventional family that you can’t help but root for. This memorable novel that questions the very definition of family is full of wit and warmth, and with its issue-driven themes, commercial hooks and compelling ‘what would you do’ questions, it’s perfect for book clubs. Perfect for fans of Emily Giffin, Amy Hatvany and Marisa de los Santos.
I liked the idea of the Indian-American cast but that was not accurate: the husband was Scottish; the best friend was from India.
When it takes me more than two weeks to read a book because I keep finding books I prefer, I know I’m in trouble. I did not thinkthe main character, Paris, was likable. I could not stand how her Scottish-Indian husband’s dialog was spelled out---very distracting. The best character was her best friend Naira.
I didn’t think the surrogacy situation was believable. If Paris didn’t like children to the point that she didn’t want to birth her own, who did she think was going to raise them.
I gave this book 2 stars because it isn’t badly written and I think there are readers who will like this but I am not one.
I liked the idea of the Indian-American cast but that was not accurate: the husband was Scottish; the best friend was from India.
When it takes me more than two weeks to read a book because I keep finding books I prefer, I know I’m in trouble. I did not thinkthe main character, Paris, was likable. I could not stand how her Scottish-Indian husband’s dialog was spelled out---very distracting. The best character was her best friend Naira.
I didn’t think the surrogacy situation was believable. If Paris didn’t like children to the point that she didn’t want to birth her own, who did she think was going to raise them.
I gave this book 2 stars because it isn’t badly written and I think there are readers who will like this but I am not one.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
The Object of Your Affections by Falguni Kothari is an insightful novel of friendship, healing and new beginnings.
Paris Kahn Fraser is happily married to Neal Singh Fraser but due to her complicated childhood, she does not want children. However, knowing how important family is to Neal, she comes up with what she believes is the perfect compromise: pregnancy through a surrogate. They have narrowed their list of surrogates down to two women, but Paris is unable to choose which one she would like to use. But when she reconnects with her estranged friend, Naria Dalmia, Paris decides Naira is the perfect surrogate. But Naira is dealing with her own set of problems and she has a very conservative family who will not approve of acting as a surrogate. With changes in her immediate future, will Naira agree to carry a baby for her friend? And if she does, what effect with the surrogacy have on her friendship with Paris and Paris's marriage?
Paris is an assistant district attorney who is very career oriented. Until meeting Neal, she never entertained the idea of marriage, but her love for him took her completely by surprise. Their marriage is quite passionate and Neal's frequent travel allows her to concentrate on her job. She also enjoys being on her own but she is growing a bit concerned about the uptick in his time away from home. Although surrogacy is a little unconventional, Neal agrees to her plan. But how will react to her sudden decision to ask Naira to carry their baby?
Paris's once close college friendship has never quite recovered from Naira's inability to attend her wedding. Unbeknownst to Paris, Naira's life in Mumbia was imploding at that time due to her husband 's arrest. Before his case was cleared up, he died which left Naira with a crushing amount of debt to repay. Eager to finally escape her brother-in-law's ruthless attempts to extort money from her, Naira uses a college friend's wedding to move to America. She wants to fix her strained friendship with Paris, but she is also hoping her best friend will help her restart the career she was forced to abandon. The two women quickly work through their issues but Naira is not certain she can agree to her friend's request.
Paris's surrogacy plan has no shortage of flaws but she refuses to abandon her idea. If her idea comes to fruition, how will her and Neal's families react to their unconventional path to parenthood? And is Paris fully prepared for the major changes a baby will have on her marriage, her unresolved past and her career aspirations? If Naira agrees to surrogacy, what impact will it have on her plans for her future? And what how will it affect her relationship with her family?
The Object of Your Affections is a charming novel with a fantastic cast of characters and an engaging storyline. Paris can be a little annoying, but she is a very likable character. Naira's inability to stand up for herself is frustrating yet understandable due to her background. Neal is a delightful rogue although a flaw or two would make him more realistic. Falguni Kothari brings this unpredictable but compelling novel to heartwarming and imminently satisfying conclusion. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this fascinating novel to fans of the genre.
The Object of Your Affections by Falguni Kothari is an insightful novel of friendship, healing and new beginnings.
Paris Kahn Fraser is happily married to Neal Singh Fraser but due to her complicated childhood, she does not want children. However, knowing how important family is to Neal, she comes up with what she believes is the perfect compromise: pregnancy through a surrogate. They have narrowed their list of surrogates down to two women, but Paris is unable to choose which one she would like to use. But when she reconnects with her estranged friend, Naria Dalmia, Paris decides Naira is the perfect surrogate. But Naira is dealing with her own set of problems and she has a very conservative family who will not approve of acting as a surrogate. With changes in her immediate future, will Naira agree to carry a baby for her friend? And if she does, what effect with the surrogacy have on her friendship with Paris and Paris's marriage?
Paris is an assistant district attorney who is very career oriented. Until meeting Neal, she never entertained the idea of marriage, but her love for him took her completely by surprise. Their marriage is quite passionate and Neal's frequent travel allows her to concentrate on her job. She also enjoys being on her own but she is growing a bit concerned about the uptick in his time away from home. Although surrogacy is a little unconventional, Neal agrees to her plan. But how will react to her sudden decision to ask Naira to carry their baby?
Paris's once close college friendship has never quite recovered from Naira's inability to attend her wedding. Unbeknownst to Paris, Naira's life in Mumbia was imploding at that time due to her husband 's arrest. Before his case was cleared up, he died which left Naira with a crushing amount of debt to repay. Eager to finally escape her brother-in-law's ruthless attempts to extort money from her, Naira uses a college friend's wedding to move to America. She wants to fix her strained friendship with Paris, but she is also hoping her best friend will help her restart the career she was forced to abandon. The two women quickly work through their issues but Naira is not certain she can agree to her friend's request.
Paris's surrogacy plan has no shortage of flaws but she refuses to abandon her idea. If her idea comes to fruition, how will her and Neal's families react to their unconventional path to parenthood? And is Paris fully prepared for the major changes a baby will have on her marriage, her unresolved past and her career aspirations? If Naira agrees to surrogacy, what impact will it have on her plans for her future? And what how will it affect her relationship with her family?
The Object of Your Affections is a charming novel with a fantastic cast of characters and an engaging storyline. Paris can be a little annoying, but she is a very likable character. Naira's inability to stand up for herself is frustrating yet understandable due to her background. Neal is a delightful rogue although a flaw or two would make him more realistic. Falguni Kothari brings this unpredictable but compelling novel to heartwarming and imminently satisfying conclusion. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this fascinating novel to fans of the genre.
kdhanda's review against another edition
3.0
A light read on friendships between women and surrogacy. The novel is narrated from the perspective of two women, Paris, a spoilt, self absorbed, professional woman and Naira, newly widowed, escaping her family to escape her own battles. Paris wants children but does not want to go through pregnancy and she asks Naira to be her surrogate. Had the author focused on the nuanced relationship of the two friends more than the superficial fluff, like the piercing blue eyes of the men to the Scottish verbiage, the book might have been more interesting
charmedonex's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book as part of a first reads giveaway. I finished it quickly, as it's a fast read. I do agree with other reviewers: it was slow to start but ended up being a fast read. As far as the overall themes of the book: I didn't really dive deep into those because for me, it felt like a surface level read and I was content with that. The characters didn’t feel too relatable since a bit of the storyline seemed far fetched; however that being said - I still enjoyed the book otherwise I wouldn’t have finished it so quickly!
lvndrgms3's review against another edition
5.0
When I say I had such mixed feelings reading this novel that has such complex themes of friendship, loyalty and family, what I mean is that it had me re-evaluating my own beliefs on those subjects at every turn. This is a thought-provoking story where three people create a different sort of family - unconventional yet perfect for who they are.
mhinnen's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. The story was intriguing. New creative ways to define family and working out the complexity of love, friendship and parenting. I enjoyed the multi cultural integration.
Some of the details were distracting particularly the NYC references and the Scottish dialect. Also the use of ROLF and FOMO felt forced. And a blackberry in 2019?
Good beach read or for a plane ride.
Some of the details were distracting particularly the NYC references and the Scottish dialect. Also the use of ROLF and FOMO felt forced. And a blackberry in 2019?
Good beach read or for a plane ride.
asr2b's review against another edition
My take, for whatever it’s worth, this book couldn’t figure out what it wanted to be and, as a result, I didn’t like it all that much.