Monday, March 26, 2012

Come, have Chai For I have News to share

For the longest time I have wanted to sit cozy and gossip over a cup of chai. Legs drawn together, feet tucked under, sitting close, a cup of warmth in my hand, speaking in hushed tones.javascript:void(0) About what ? I have no clue. I have friends with whom I talk mostly over the phone. We discuss everything from Romney to the Jupiter and Venus in the night sky. The sad part is none of them have the time or inclination to spend time over hot cups of tea. Now if we are talking dinner that is another story.

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So my wish remains unfulfilled. Largely. Except for a couple of folks. But even with them it never happens like it did for my Mother. Every afternoon Ma would change into a crisp cotton saree for summer or a rustling silk for the winters.She would dab some of the Mysore sandal talc on her nose, tie up her long black hair in a plait and then put a kettle of water to boil. Some days a neighborhood aunt would drop by. On others Ma would go over. They would share stories over those cups of hot chai which I was not privy to. "Ja porashuno korte bos (go, get along with your studies)" was what they said if I lingered longer.

Naturally I nurtured a secret hope of such evenings, maybe even grander ones, once I was in charge.It is yet to happen. So when this thing--- that I have been desperate to tell you all along--- happened I wanted to sit right besides you, feet tucked under my pajamas,a cup of tea in hand.

And no it is not what you are thinking. No. Not at all. Okay, what are you thinking anyway ?

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But I am eternally grateful to you for what happened. For your kind words, for your belief in me, for reading me, for telling me that you liked what I wrote. This wouldn't have been possible without you.

For like you, a very nice editor from Harper Collins (India) read my blog. And last year around summer she sent me a polite mail asking if I would be interested in writing a book. First I gulped and then decided it was one of those spams like the Nigerian government promising to transfer billions to my account. Turned out it wasn't. This was really, truly, a real life editor from Harper. She wanted me to write a book based on my blog, a food narrative along with my recipes. I was so struck by the wondrous nature of the whole thing that I of course said "Yes". Only a month later I realized what I had done but by then the contract was signed. The deal was sealed. And I was going to write a book. THE BOOK. The Bong Mom's Cookbook.

So I have been writing a book. It has been nine months. Given that number I now treat it like a third child in my womb. I have been putting my everything into it. My love, my emotions, my thoughts, my life. In fact I am so attached to it that I am having separation anxiety and am yet to hand over the manuscript. Every day when my girls are finally in bed, the dishwasher is humming a Dadra, the crickets outside have given up chirping, I sit on the black poang, open up MS Word and pour my heart into it. I am also dead scared (very unlike a third time new Mother is wont to be) and that is the reason I had kept it in my heart though my mind itched to share it with you long back.

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But now I need your support, your trust in me, your wishes and your blessings. Send me all your good vibes so that I can do my best. Please, pretty please.Else my toes are going to curl up cold and the gestation stage might get longer than that of an elephant.

The Book: The Bong Mom's Cookbook
The Publisher: Harper Collins India
What is it about : More of a Food narrative than a cookbook per se. In short mine, yours and everyone else's life in food with recipes thrown in. More details as I write the book.
When: Will let you know as the thing happens

Now that you guys are in the loop trust me you are going to hear of my third baby as much as you do about Big Sis and Li'l Sis. And then don't come back and tell me that irritates the heck out of you.

There's an whole army of talented bloggers whom I owe big time for this whole blog thing. Almost all of them are on my reader you see on the left.

Thanks Miri, Mandira, Manisha, Indo of Daily Musings, Sra, Vani, Nupur of One Hot Stove, Mallika, Happy Cook, Cham, Sig, Sailu, Anita, Linda, Jaya of DesiSoccerMom, Supriya, Jaya of Spice and Curry, Soma, Pree, Sharmila, Eve's Lungs and Kalyan for being there and sharing your food.  And Cynthia I owe you big time for helping me through the jargon of the contract language.Then there are those who do not blog anymore but had set up the path like Indira of Mahanadi, Inji, Asha, Mallu Girl, Sunita and Vee. I think half of my book is going to be just Acknowledgments.

154 comments:

  1. Congratulations! And just how cool is that!!

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  2. OMG Sujatha it is you of Blogpourri. How I love your blog. Is it back again ? Will go and check

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  3. All the very best of luck to you and I'm eager to see what the book is like. So hand over that manuscript fast, lady!

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  4. Woah! Congratulations and I wish you the best! This is awesome, I can't wait for your book to be out Sandeepa!!

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  5. AWESOME!!! congrats you sure are an inspiration

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    1. You ARE with amount of stuff you do girl.

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  6. Sent you e-mail. Check, please! :D And you're so sweet! Thank you! Toddling my way back.

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  7. Congratulations Sandeepa, this is so great ! I love the way you write and all the little bits about your girls ! Amazing ! All the very best !!

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  8. Great news. Congratulations and best luck

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  9. Long time reader, delurking to tell you I love your blog. I am Tamil but a closet Bong when it comes to food. I have come to your blog so many times over the past 3-4 years - you have a way with words (the food is brilliant, but that you probably already know)!
    Congratulations on the book deal - I am going to be looking out for it to hit the stands soon.

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    1. Thanks so much. Yes, yes send me good wishes so that I can finish it soon :)

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  10. Fantastic! Now get on with that the first draft.

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    1. TC, I am at Draft 22 and yet am not satisfied to send the first draft :(

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  11. Congratulations Sandeepa! I have throughly enjoyed your
    take on life & cooking for quite a while & have been a silent reader . But this is great news!! Wishing you all the best& hope to buy your book soon .

    Rupa

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  12. you are so cute!- *takes cup of tea* and sits next to you..so exciting!! sending you lots of positive vibes!..oh and congratulations..:)

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  13. Congratulations!!!
    And lotsa good good wishes your way. I can imagine what the book would have in store. :-)

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  14. Wahaoo! How truly awesome is that! I am regular reader of your blo even though I don't comment too often. You have always been one of my most favourite bloggers and I am genuinely truly so happy for you. Really looking forward to the book. Break a leg!

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  15. Congrats! You laid a wonderful foundation for your cookbook in your blog. Your honesty and sincerity shine through. I'm humbled that you think I deserve a mention. I'm proud of you! And I can't wait to pre-order and then start cooking from your book. I hope it will be available in the US. So excited for you, and for all of us! Yay!

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    1. Oh and next time I'm in NJ, we'll sit and chat over many cups of tea. I promise!

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    2. Looking forward to that :)

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  16. khub khub khub bhalo khobor Bong Mom. ebar theke bolte parbo, amar ekjon sotyi lekhoker songe alap achhe. boita berolei kine poRe phelbo, kotha dichchhi.

    amar anek shubhokamona roilo. khub khub khushi hoyechhi.

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    1. Thanks Kuntala. Tumi ki jano tomar ta berono koto dorkari. Bangla bhashay ar ki boi porbo bhebe paina, tomar moton lekhai porte chai.

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  17. Awesome news ! Congratss dear and now waiting to read the draft :)

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  18. cant tell how proud i am for you. just called hubby in the office to share the news. loads of love and good wishes to you Sandeepa. you deserve this and many more.

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    1. Awww thank you Sayantani. Tomar business ki start korle ?

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  19. Congrats Bong mom! You do write beautifully. Am looking forward to reading your book :)

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  20. Sandeepa,
    You all deserve this and may be even more in life..may be it's just the beginning..Your blog and your writing has always fascinated me, you can weave beautiful stories with even boring words and I feel so elated when you mentioned me right up there..Congratulations!..sending you loads of warm hugs and smiles

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    1. Thanks for those warm wishes Jaya, need it now and will need it more later :)

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  21. This is such great news Sandeepa. A dream come true for every food blogger out there. We are all so proud of you and sending loads of hugs and wishes your way. Can't wait to pre-order the book :D

    Hugs,
    Siri

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    1. Is there pre-order in India ? Will keep you in loop, still not done

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  22. Congratulations! This is fantastic. Can't wait to get my hands on the book. I am not sure how but glad to have helped somehow. Will be there to cheer with you for definitely. Best Wishes!

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    1. Oh you guys did help but keeping the community alive. How boring would it be to blog if no one commented, enriched or discussed

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  23. I am so happy Sandeepa! I love your stories and I love the recipes in your posts! I wish you all the success with your new book and hope there are many more to follow! Hugs!

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  24. Wow Sandeepadi! Tumi shotti boi likhcho? That is so unimaginably amazing. Taratari lekha shesh kore pathiye dao. Amra shobai wait korchi kotodine berobo tomar boi... Wish you all the best and sending lots of good wishes and inspiration your way. Tomar post-er prothom dikta pore ektu bhoy peye gechilam, bhablam tum blogging chere debe bole bhabcho! Can't tell you how pleased I am to know it is quite the opposite.

    Best wishes,
    Sutapa :)

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  25. Just read in the fb and I am so happy for you, i have no idea why i am so happy , it is your book but i feel like it is happening to me (well ppl will think that if they see my happy smile all over my face which is there right now)
    I am for sure going to preorder when they announce it :-)
    Good luck and we won't mind reading if you talk about your thirrd child lile you talk about lil and big sis .

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  26. Sign me up for a pre order please, THis is awesome! Looking forward to the book! Congratulations!

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  27. wow! congratulations! Your recipes are great. As a newly wed clueless-in-the-kitchen bong, this blog is happiness for me! all the very best!

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  28. Congratulations, you so deserve it with your wonderful style of writing !

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  29. so cool and super :) looking forward to more cozy gossip sessions. Hugs and am so proud of you.

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  30. What about US? Your silent admirers ;)

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    1. You, you better have some dudh wali chai with me. None of your insipid Darjeeling tea :-D

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    2. And u forgot to mention how many cups of chaa & jhalmuri I have had with u, even if it was not ur dudh chaa!
      OK one day, I will have ur dudh chaa. promise :)
      Don't forget to prepare some snacks to gulp the tea!!

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    3. Errr...Well actually we can take this offline but I have had more chaa and muri with your Mom than with you :)

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  31. Congratulations and a big tight hug to you!!!!! Well deserved and I am so looking forward to sitting with a mug of chai and reading YOUR book!

    Very very honored to be part of your list, and you know you are an inspiration to me, right?

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  32. Congratulations Sandeepa! Good luck with the book and looking forward to reading it very soon.

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  33. Congratulations, looking forward to reading it very soon as I look forward to read your blog

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  34. I am so, so proud of you and of course VERY happy for you! And choked up for being included in your list. That is so sweet, San. All the best and looking forward to updates about your third baby and the release of your book. It is going to be a delightful read, I'm sure!

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  35. sandeepa, how did i come in so late into this milestone of a cha session! CONGRATULATIONS! i'm so happy for you. reading your blog always makes me smile, and now the book will too. i'll be sure to read my copy with a cup of cha :)

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    1. Pia, now that you are in, you will always be a cutting chai partner :)

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  36. Yay! Congratulations Bong Mom..delurking here to say that I love your blog and I wish you the very best.

    My father was born and brought up on Cal so I am half Bong anyway..I pass on some of the recipes to him and watch as his face lights up :)

    -Nitya

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  37. Congratulations Bong Mom. I have to say that I dont comment often but have always admired the honesty with which you write and weave stories and food so well together. Good luck!

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  38. So happy for you, Sandeepa. My eyes just got a little misty too on this great feat. I cant wait to read your book and probably buy copies of it for my family too. Thank you for being an inspiration, BongMommy.

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    1. "buy copies for family" -- now that gives me some concrete hope :) Only Nomi gets Mashi's free copy.

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  39. Such wonderful news Sandeepa and I am very touched by your acknowledgement. You know we have a publicher in coomon and HC India organised my book launch there? Here's to a wonderful and successful writing career xx

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    1. Thanks Mallika so much. You are always an inspiration.

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  40. Thanks everyone for your warm wishes. Gives me much strength.

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  41. Awesome news! Congratulations!! very well deserved, you are seriously the best foodie blog writer I know of!

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  42. oooops... luks lyk i'm late wid my wishes!!! but i was soooo happy to read ur news, that i came bak here after commenting on facebook :-D
    first of all, many congrats sandeepa!!m sure ur new book will fill us all wid the same warmth dat ur blog does!!
    many many many positive vibes from me :-)... looking forward to d release of the book.

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  43. Finally I could see the comment form!
    Harper Collins ... no less! Awesome Sandeepa! Khub khub bhalo lagche ... congrats!!!
    Ar tumi amake o tomar list e rekhecho! Ki bhalo je laglo dekhe ki bolbo!
    Waiting for further news on your book. Egiye jaao! Onek onek shubhokamona ar bhalobasha roilo. :-)

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  44. Yes, finally I see it too...but so proud of you Sandeepa and can't think of a better person they could've chosen...I am really looking forward to your book...so waiting for the 'good news'...the launch

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  45. Congrats and looking forward to hold a copy of Bongmom cook book soon!

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  46. Sandeepa,

    Congratulations, I cannot wait to see a tangible version of your blog. Hope the book wil be available in the US.

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  47. Sandy, that's one great news!..congrats and I can't wait to see it in print!

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  48. Wow Sandeepa Awesome News !!!!! Congrats !!! I am a regular reader of your blog and you are an awesome writer :). I do need a signed copy of your book when it comes out :). Good Luck

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  49. Thats a great news....Keep going and good luck to you!

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  50. This is so cool! so many times I read your blog and kept thinking, this girl should write a book! and see hard work on blogging is paying back!
    I will love to have your blog in a hard bound memoir format having anecdotes of a working bong mom of today! keep going girlie! We all are with you!

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  51. Congratulation BongMom! I can't wait to read your food stories.

    Mamatha

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  52. Congratulations! I enjoy your blog and look forward to your book. Very exciting! :O)

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  53. Orey I love your cooking - for the fact that you cook like my long lost mother - you bring me that much closer to her with your familiar touches to your food and for the fact that you are one of the most loveable , warmest persons I know . Wishing you loads of success with this venture :)

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  54. Congratulations on the book deal. Well deserved.

    - A longtime lurker

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  55. I have been a lurker and a silent admirer of your writing and food for a long time. You deserve all the accolades. So go ahead enjoy your moment in the sun with a cup of chai!!

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  56. Dear Sandeepa - Congratulations!!!

    This is awesome news! I look forward to the book and will enjoy sitting with a mug of Adrak-Elaichi chai. :)
    Your writing is one of its kind and I have learnt about Bong cuisine from your blog than from any other Bong I know.

    Good luck and here's wishing you great success with your third baby! Enjoy these moments...

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  57. Congratulations! I have been a silent reader of your blog. Every time I see something posted on this blog I know I am in for a great read. And I am really not making this up but while reading through your blog, the thought that you could really write a book has come to my mind several times! So happy to know it is happening! :)

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  58. Congratulation! Look forward to read your book!!

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  59. Super duper like and congrats ..u truly are a inspiration..all the very best ...i
    A religious lurker

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  60. Wow!My first comment on your page and that too a congratulatory one! This couldn't have been better. i have been a silent reader of tour blog since 2006 and literally learnt cooking following your blog. All I can say is Congrats! and good luck and hope your book is as successful (and more) as your blog is! Consider 2 copies of your book already sold! And I also have a infant food blog going on. Just started a month ago. If you have time, I'll be honored if I have your esteemed mouse-click on my blog! Congrats and All the Best again.

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  61. Congtatulations Sandeepa. You are very familiar at home since I cook from your blog regularly and my boys now ask if its a Bong mum recipe when I cook something new. So when I told them you are writng a book even they were pleased. So from all of us here at home wish you the very best of success with your book. I have no doubts it will be a ripper.

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  62. Wow, Congrats Sandeepa- Truly looking forward ur narrative food journey and you have all the talent and they have chosen the right person... Waiting for the big day of ur book launch :)

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  63. I am so excited!!!
    It is always so lovely to read your blog, and the best part is that now my nieces in Mumbai and Kolkata also read it, and often excitedly share posts about how perfect your stories (and recipes) are! Now that I am living in Victoria, BC (Canada), it makes the world feel a little cozier. I know we will all be so pleased to cheer you on, and to buy your book as soon as it is available!

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  64. Hearty Congratulations.I have been a silent reader of your blog.I enjoy reading your wonderful posts.

    Shalini

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  65. Sending warm, fuzzy thoughts your way! Wishing you a smash hit!

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  66. This old Irishman wishes you success. I will be in line for your book when it is ready.

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  67. Congratulations! You can do it! Your blog is entertaining, therefore if you write the book the way you blog, it will be great! I will be thinking positive thoughts and beaming positive energy to you.

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  68. congratulations! how great is this news? very very happy and looking forward to picking a copy off the shelves when its out.

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  69. Thats awesome ! I have never commented on your posts although I die to read them whenever you post something new. I'm more than happy to see you publishing a book. What an achievement !

    I'm amazed to see that you compare it as your 3rd child. How dedicated you must be. Wishing you a great success !

    :-)

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  70. Wow - this is just awesome! Congratulations - the editor from Harper has made a smart choice - no doubts about that! Look forward to the book..you rock! :)

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  71. Long time reader here, Sandeepa. I am so happy for you. Congratulations! This is going to be first food memoir I will be buying. Love your writing so very much!~Richa

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  72. Congrats Sandeepa, I am sure that u r writing an excellent book. Plz finish fast, and let us know. I m going to be one of the first buyers. Waiting eagerly....

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  73. I can't wait to read your book! This is amazing news, congrats :)

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  74. That was great! congrats. hoping to read your book, I'm very interested.

    nuvali laguna

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  75. CONGRATS!!!!
    This is really good news!!!
    Keep it up!

    cheers,
    d

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  76. Hi,

    I am so so much happy to hear this… Although, every time I speak to my mom over phone, I ask for her tips for some dish that I am going to cook, but I also look at here for the same.... You made me really interested in cooking, but I like your stories even more than your recipes. Looking forward to read the book.
    Congrats.

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  77. Hi Sandeep

    and congratulations!!!! Harper has made a right choice. Really excite :)!!!

    Cheers
    ~SP

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  78. What wonderful news! many congratulations :-)

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  79. This is such a great news! Congratulations and I am sure this will be a super duper hit!

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  80. De-lurking here to wish you heartiest congratulations! Came upon your blog some time ago while searching the Internet for some simple Bengali recipes, and now check it regularly if not for the recipes, then for the stories :) This is one cookbook that I'll love to have in my kitchen, looking forward to that!

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  81. Dear Sandeepa_di,
    Many many many congratulations!!! Your posts are always such a treat to read with a simple but very gripping style of writing. Its so good to know they will now be released in a new avatar!
    I have been following your blog religiously for about a year and a half now, although haven't really left a lot of comments before. But after this post could not really hold myself back ... Bola jaena, hoeto boi-ta Chetan Bhagat er thekeo beshi hit kore gelo :) tokhon atleast bolte to parbo je onaar blog e amaar o comments aache!
    Till then awaiting 'The Cook Book' eagerly,

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  82. Congratulations to you. You have a great writing style and thus this opportunity is very well deserved. Wish you all the best and a huge success for your book

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  83. Congrats! I can't wait to read your book.

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  84. Congrats! Will get this soon :)

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  85. My heartiest congratulations Bong Mom. When I saw your recent post I knew I could not stay a lurker anymore - I had to speak out. I have frequented your blog many times, mentioned about it to family and friends, but never left a comment before. This is a well deserved honor - your love of life inspires me.

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  86. Congratulations Sandeepaji,
    Now it is proved that goodwork pays off. Your writing is so soul touching that one can be immersed within for hours. Atleast it happened with me after i read your blogs first time . So best of luck and looking forward for a lovely treat through your book.

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  87. Hi Sandeepa,
    Congratulations!!!I just love the way you write...so natural...seems like you are conversing with us in person!!!And all the very best for your 3rd baby...Do keep us all posted when it gets published!!!Will surely grab a copy!!!

    Love,
    Debjani.

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  88. I've been reading your blog for the past 3 years, ever since I moved to the US from India. I've never commented, but feel like this is an opportune moment to convey my admiration and support for you. Congratulations on the book deal - it is well-deserved. As a grad student in the US with no cooking skills and a very bheto bangali husband, I would have been at a complete loss without this blog, which has taught me *all* the Bengali cooking I know. The bhaja moong dal and dhonepata maachh I learnt here are regulars in my house when we're entertaining guests. The rosogolla'r payesh has fooled our friends into believing I'm an amazing cook. Thank you for being such an archive for the new Bengali cook who doesn't have access to traditional knowledge about the cuisine. I'm cheering for you from the sidelines!

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  89. That is amazing!!!! I have been reading your blog for ages now. As an American married to an Indian (Bengali who grew up in Mumbai), your recipes have helped teach me to cook!

    Congrats!!! I can't wait to buy your book!

    Shari

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  90. Wish you all the best Sandeepa di!!

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  91. I really wanted to thank all of you individually. I had no clue so many of you really liked what I wrote. The stats did show numbers but I was never sure who they were or whether they really liked it here. This gives me courage and all of you a huge thanks for taking time to drop by :-D

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  92. This comes with my very best wishes for your book venture! I visit your blog regularly and have enjoyed reading and trying out your recipes! Thanks a lot! - Preeti

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  93. you truely deserve it and i send all my heartfelt goodwishes to you and your family

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  94. Sandeepa, I am so happy that it is finally happening..it is sooo overdue...spoke about your blog and recipes to many friends and also secretly hoped that I might bump onto you during the pujos at Kallol/GSCA/etc ( I am a PA resident)..anyways..all the best with your book and who knows we may one day see a movie coming out of it!!..:)

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  95. I dropped a post in FB but cudnn't stop myself commenting here again...I owe you soooo much because you have been an enormous inspiration for me to start cooking...I cannot thank you enough for that...and now here you are coming up with a book-deal which is so well deserved. Ebar tomai boi-er pata-i dekhte pabo! You were a star for me and going to become the brightest for everybody! best wishes...tartari pathiye dao if you still havent pleeease!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  96. Hey Sandeepa,
    I have been a silent reader of your blog for long. CONGRATULATIONS!! Love your writing and will be one of the first to buy your book. Looking forward to the publication!

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  97. Hello Sandeepa,
    Although we havent interacted, I have known about you and I want to congratulate you for this great news! All the very best!

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  98. Very very good news. So happy for you. I am definitely going to buy and cherish this book. I read your blog on google reader and so dont often show up in comments. However I dearly love your recipes and your writing. Waiting for the book eagerly.

    Hugs,

    Iniya

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  99. I am so very happy for you and just reading this post is a clear indication of how outstanding this book will be. I can't wait to curl up with a cup of Chai and read your book to my heart's content!

    I am happy to be there for you in anyway so please continue to count on me. Really over-the-moon with happiness for you. This is great news. This is excellent news.

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  100. All the best. very good news.Eagerly waiting for your cookbook.

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  101. Congrats, I am surprised it did not happen earlier for I had thought of the same thing, ie this blog should be a book (I am no publisher, only someone who reads this blog all the time, sometimes for recipes and sometimes just to see what's new)..you write about our collective childhood, specially the bengali ones, spent peacefully taking a nap after a patla-macher-jhol-bhaat lunch after school, curtains drawn and the fan humming, till it is a good time bikel-ey to go out and play with girls called tumpa, tuli, mimi..seriously congrats! look forward to the book..

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  102. Hi Sandeepa...I know I am having a delayed reaction. Sorry....buy Hey, I am so happy for you...Want to give you a big hug for all you have written to brighten up my day, and showing a way to look forward in search of soul. Take care and pls anyplace you feel me and my decades of slogging can come of any help for your project...pls feel free to connect. My best wishes as always...Arundhati

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  103. All the best. Always thought that you should write a book, like the way you write.

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  104. Hi BM Sandeepa,

    Many Congratulations! your mixture of stories & cooking is awsome, and surely you made bengali cuisine more popular in last few years, especially among working families !!!

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  105. Oh Sandeepa...we are all so proud of you :)...I always knew that some day this blog will become bigger than what it is already! No matter where I am or how busy I am I always come back to your blog every week, not only for the fabulous recipes, but also for the words, the experiences, the emotions and laughter. I love you blog and I'm sure the book's going to be as fab as your blog, if not better!

    Best of luck with the 3rd baby :)

    Love
    Sohini

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  106. Amazing San!! Fantastic news indeed! I so want to get my hands on your book now! All my best wishes for your 3rd baby :)) And you certainly are one of those bloggers who has continued blogging all along!

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  107. Your recipes are awesome, we are here :)
    We have been here all along, see?
    Your blog rocks!
    Looking very forward to your book!

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  108. oh my god sudeepa is it your name? sorry, i am a huge fan of your blog. so crazy about the way you write that i dont even know your name proper!!!!! just like the way you write so just know that ya. I stay in singapore, m a mom, a bong married to a non bong. but absolutely identify with what u write. the last time i visited your blog, believe u me, i told myself, very soon this girl is going to write a book!!!! i had told that to myself! can you believe that....arre forget book, i seriously thought some smart bollywood director will pick up your blog and think about making a movie...yes trust me i thought about it. you know why u deserve all this...because when u write, you truly do. you are pure, honest with your craft and cooking, and the reader can see that. you have a prolific sense of humour. which i think is crucial to be a writer. and most times after i have read your blog, your stories stay with me. i think about those stories, i think about how ur life maybe. just as a recommendation watch julie and julia (u must have watched it m sure *ing merly streep, about blogging and cooking) ....cheers and kudos to you!!!!

    Rupali Desai (singapore)

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  109. Wow,..I am so happy for you,..:) congrats

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  110. Congrats Sandeepa, now your header can say, "A Bong, a mom,& a cook who writes books"

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  111. on my bloghopping tour i thought i would visit you first Sandeepa and what am i reading here!?!? Omg, I am so happy to hear this news. Can't wait to read your book.
    Way to go girl !

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  112. Hey thanks a bunch to all you lovely people. Your support really makes me so very happy. I am touched.

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  113. What a brilliant bit of news. Waiting eagerly now.

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  114. Hi,

    I have always been a passive lurker, but had to come out of my comfort zone as a reader to congratulate you. I always thought of your writing as something so intutive and "why-did-I not-think-of-that" kind that it ought to come as a gift. You writing is creative yet familiar, almost like you know how to hack everyday life and turn it into something else. Your narration deserves to be heard by a wider audience. Congratulations!

    Best,
    sd

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  115. Congrats.
    Looking forward to read your book.

    Vineela

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  116. Absolutely delightful news!!!!! Congratulations. Looking forward to seeing you third baby soon. God bless.

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  117. Huge congratulations! This is both super-exciting and well-deserved!

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  118. Congratulations Sandeepa...U deserve all the success..good luck!

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  119. Congratulations! I will be sure to buy the first edition when the book is out.
    When I read your posts, I find so much resemblance in our lives. working mom, 2 kids, juggling home and work duties, blah blah. So it feels nice to know someone else is out there who is just like me. except that I don't cook as much as you..although I want to. Im a lil lazier at that!
    -Lak

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  120. Comment korte ONEK deri hoye gelo! But a HUMONGO congrats Sandeepa. I always thought you should write one and here it is. Can't wait for it to be out. xoxo

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  121. Congrats Sandeepa !!! Can't wait to get hold of the book.

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  122. Wow, great news! Congratulations Bong Mom! Look forward to the book!

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  123. Some women do everything to bring a smile on the faces of their family members ... you are someone who brings smile to everyone around you ... whoever reads your blog gets addicted and keeps coming back ... not only for the recipes but the stories, nostalgia and ofcourse the warmth and love ... God bless you with more happiness, laughter and success ... Love Lipika

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