If You See Me Don't Say Hi

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 whom 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 marriages) 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 timelier than ever. Review 'Perfect bite-size morsels for the beach travel legs or quiet moments' ―Guardian'Neel Patel writes with the wisdom and compassion of an old soul' -- Celeste Ng New York Times-bestselling author of Little Fires Everywhere'When you're done reading you'll want to flip back to the beginning and read it all over again' -- Scaachi Koul author of One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter'In stories that are moving thoughtful entertaining and discomfiting all at once Patel upends what we think the experience of Indians in America looks like. It's about time' -- Rumaan Alam author of Rich and Pretty'What exquisite writing. What a tremendous talent' -- Imbolo Mbue New York Times-bestselling author of Behold the Dreamers About the Author Neel Patel is a first-generation Indian American who grew up in Champaign Illinois. His debut story collectionIf You See Me Don't Say Hi was aNew York Times Book Review Editor's Choice and was long-listed for the Story Prize and the Aspen Words Literary Prize. He currently lives in Los Angeles.Tell Me How to Be is his debut novel.