Flying Lessons & Other Stories

We Need Diverse Books is a U.S.-based non-profit organization which was created to celebrate and promote the diversity of the literary offerings for the younger generation. In keeping with that focus, the organization has put together a collection of short fiction that is as diverse as the 10 authors whose writings are featured. Here is Soman Chainani with the title story.

The next day, I ask to go back to the beach.

Nani seems to have anticipated this, because my swim trunks have been steam-cleaned and she’s already made her own plans for the day, which include a manicure at the Pink Peony and lunch with old friends at La Tetereria.

Before we depart, she stuffs my backpack with a bag of dried mango, two bottles of Pellegrino, and her La Roche-Posay sunscreen – though when I try to slip in a book I bought at the shop yesterday, she sighs so defeatedly that I give up and  leave it behind.