Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Anybody else?

So, is anybody else going a little bonkers waiting for news from the CARA conference?  Or is it just me?

I don't think our case will be magically green-lighted (I wish!), but I am hoping that some confusion about the new process will be cleared up for orphanage staff and adoption agencies.  I am praying that March and April will reflect that by bringing some progress for the many families who are waiting for state level clearance and NOC.

In the meantime, I have been trying out a new author, Tarquin Hall. He has a series of mysteries (three, so far) featuring an investigator named Vish Puri.  I'm reading The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken, a title that jumped off the "New Fiction" shelves for me, because it's the alternative name of one of my favorite Indian dishes, Chicken Makhani.  :o)

I am about one-third of the way through the book so far, and it's a well-written, well-plotted mystery novel set in Delhi (where the author lives).  The plot revolves around the death of a man whose son is a famous cricket player, and reaches into organized crime and the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan.  Amidst these serious elements, the book has a refreshing sense of humor that is gentle and witty.

The books contain wonderful descriptions of everyday life in Delhi, which is a treat for a waiting mama.  The author also includes observations about the rising middle class and those left in poverty, and injects a longing for social justice into his main character. 

So, if you're going batty like I am while you wait . . . I recommend this book!  For a taste of Indian culture, a plot that will distract you from thinking about NOCs, and a good dose of wry humor, The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken is a great choice. 

Of course, I don't know how it ends yet . . .

14 comments:

Unknown said...

I agree with you. In fact that is how I came across your blog. I was searching Google for any tidbit of information on the conference. We are an Iowa family in the process of adoption. We did a lot of praying before and during the conferences, as I am sure you did too. We are anxious to find out what went on. Blessings while you wait!

Jason and Kelley said...

Thanks...we're in the bonkers category waiting for NOC too. So thank you...wonderful recommendation!

Sarah said...

Well, we're not even adopting from India anymore, but I am going CRAZY for any kind of news!

The Fraley Family said...

MEEEE! I am going CRAZY!! I know that the director of our agency went to India for the conference and I hope that GREAT things are happening!

Cristy said...

That conference is constantly on my mind! Praying, praying, praying. My son two days ago said, "you sure are praying for a lot of people you don't know." Yes, I am. I would love to hear some good news soon.

Colista said...

I'm with you! :) I would love to hear an update too. Been waiting and waiting with anticipation.

Jessica said...

Me, me!

I'm just ready for all of your families to get good news soon! I wouldn't mind a little news on our end either :-)

Thanks for the book suggestion! I love a good mystery, and mixing in some Indian culture sounds like my kind of read. I guess I need to finish my last two required readings for our service plan first...sigh.

Let's all go get some butter chicken to feel better :-)

Auburn said...

Going batty over here!!!!!
And thanks for the book recommendation, will definitely pick it up!

Karen said...

Ha! Of course I'm going batty too! But I'm heartened to see all these other India families pop up in your comments section. Is this the official meeting place for the India Adoption Going Bonkers Association?

Karen

Peter and Nancy said...

Hi Karen! Yes -- this is the new official location of the IAGBA! :o)
Nancy

No Greater Love said...

I am with you...I am waiting for March and April to come, because I feel like that is when things will start moving again!!!! And I am so happy for the book recommendation. You know I love to read. I'm hopping on our library website right now!

Miche said...

Oh, I'm right there with you, going crazy for some news. Hopefully soon! Also, just wondering, do you have a resource, cookbook, or site that the butter chicken recipe you mentioned is located? I want to try some new meals, but I'm having a hard time finding things I think the kids can handle (and they truely do eat everything, it is mostly the heat level I'm worried about) Thanks!!!

Candice said...

Waiting and wondering about the news from India too. Praying we hear some GOOD news soon! In the mean time, I am always up for a good book recommendation! Thanks!

Candice

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the author and have read two other of the Vish Puri series. I didn't know he had another one out, so I'll look that one up. As someone who lived in New Delhi for two years I found the books right on track and so funny. A great way to "revisit" my old home. On another note, I'd like to adopt from India, do you recommend your agency?