If You See Me, Don't Say Hi

“These stories have a sharp eye for the complexities of modern life, but Neel Patel writes with the wisdom and compassion of an old soul.” —Celeste Ng, #1 New York Times–bestselling author

A New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice

An NPR Best Book of the Year

A Best Book of the Summer—Vanity Fair, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Real Simple, Book Riot, The Millions

In eleven sharp, surprising stories, Neel Patel gives voice to our most deeply held stereotypes and then slowly undermines them. His characters, almost all of who are first-generation Indian Americans, subvert our expectations that they will sit quietly by. We meet two brothers caught in an elaborate web of envy and loathing; a young gay man who becomes involved with an older man whose secret he could never guess; three women who almost gleefully throw off the pleasant agreeability society asks of them; and, in the final pair of linked stories, a young couple struggling against the devastating force of community gossip.

If You See Me, Don’t Say Hi examines the collisions of old world and new world, small town and big city, traditional beliefs (like arranged marriage) and modern rituals (like Facebook stalking). Ranging across the country, Patel’s stories—empathetic, provocative, twisting, and wryly funny—introduce a bold new literary voice, one that feels more timely than ever.

“Patel turns his lens on Indian-Americans, addressing with depth and care subjects that are often overlooked or made into caricature: helicopter parents, conflicts between spouses, sibling rivalry, racism, sexual orientation, and identity.” —Vanity Fair

“Surprising, funny . . . Brave . . . A reminder that messiness makes the human experience beautiful.” —NPR