🪷 Book Review: Kind of Hindu by Mindy Kaling (Kindle Edition, Nothing Like I Imagined Series)
A witty, heartfelt reflection on cultural identity, motherhood, and the messy beauty of being “kind of” connected to your heritage—Mindy Kaling delivers a short essay that’s as funny as it is introspective.
🧠 Overview
Published in October 2020 as part of Amazon Original Stories’ Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes) series, Kind of Hindu is a 17-page Kindle short read by comedian, writer, and actor Mindy Kaling. Known for her sharp humor and relatable voice, Kaling uses this essay to explore her complicated relationship with Hinduism, her Indian-American upbringing, and how becoming a mother has reshaped her views on cultural legacy.
The essay opens with a humorous anecdote involving an Edible Arrangement and a Hindu priest, setting the tone for a story that’s both lighthearted and emotionally resonant.
✨ Key Themes
- 🧘♀️ Cultural ambivalence: Kaling admits she’s “kind of Hindu”—engaged with her heritage when it’s fun or convenient, but not deeply religious
- 👩👧 Motherhood and identity: The birth of her daughter prompts deeper questions about how much of her Indian culture she wants to pass on
- 🎭 Humor and honesty: With her signature comedic style, Kaling pokes fun at her own contradictions while offering sincere reflections
- 🕉️ Modern spirituality: The essay touches on how secular, multicultural families navigate faith and tradition in today’s world
“Apart from a tolerance for spicy foods and an appreciation for Ravi Shankar, I’m not all that Hindu.” — Kind of Hindu
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.18/5 from over 13,000 readers
- 📖 Readers praise the essay’s humor, relatability, and emotional depth
- 🧾 Many found it a refreshing take on cultural identity, especially for second-generation immigrants
- 💬 “Mindy Kaling’s voice is warm, funny, and real. This essay made me laugh and think at the same time.” — Goodreads reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 17 pages, it’s a quick read—more of a personal vignette than a deep dive
- 📚 Best for fans of Kaling’s voice: Works well if you enjoy her memoirs or TV writing
- 🧾 Not a theological exploration: Focuses on personal experience, not religious doctrine
🏁 Final Verdict
Kind of Hindu is a charming and thoughtful essay that captures the nuances of cultural identity with humor and grace. Mindy Kaling’s reflections on being “kind of” connected to her heritage will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt caught between tradition and modernity. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this Kindle Original is a delightful, insightful read.
