Quick Take

In the linked essays that make up her debut collection, This Is One Way to Dance, Sejal Shah explores culture, language, family, and place. Throughout the collection, Shah reflects on what it means to make oneself visible and legible through writing in a country that struggles with race and maps her identity as an American, South Asian American, writer of color, and feminist.This Is One Way to Dance draws on Shah's ongoing interests in ethnicity and place: the geographic and cultural distances between people, both real and imagined. Her memoir in essays emerges as Shah wrestles with her experiences growing up and living in western New York, an area of stark racial and economic segregation, as the daughter of Gujarati immigrants from India and Kenya. These essays also trace her movement over twenty years from student to teacher and meditate on her travels and life in New England, New York City, and the Midwest, as she considers what it means to be of a place or from a place, to be foreign or familiar.Shah invites us to consider writing as a somatic practice, a composition of digressions, repetitions--movement as transformation, incantation. Her essays--some narrative, others lyrical and poetic--explore how we are all marked by culture, gender, and race; by the limits of our bodies, by our losses and regrets, by who and what we love, by our ambivalences, and by trauma and silence. Language fractures in its attempt to be spoken. Shah asks and attempts to answer the question: How do you move in such a way that loss does not limit you? This Is One Way to Dance introduces a vital new voice to the conversation about race and belonging in America.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: This Is One Way to Dance: Essays

Introduction

"This Is One Way to Dance: Essays" by Sejal Shah is a collection of linked essays that explore culture, language, family, and place. Shah, an Indian-American writer of color, reflects on her experiences growing up and living in western New York, the daughter of Gujarati immigrants from India and Kenya. Through her writing, she grapples with the complexities of identity, race, and belonging in America. This book offers a fresh perspective on these issues and introduces a vital new voice to the conversation.

About Sejal Shah

Sejal Shah is the author of "This Is One Way to Dance: Essays," her debut collection of memoir-in-essays. Shah's writing has appeared in various publications, including "Brevity," the "Kenyon Review," "Lit Hub," and the "Rumpus." She has received recognition for her work, including a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in fiction and residencies from prestigious writing programs. Shah has taught creative writing at several universities and currently resides in Rochester, New York.

Analysis of Views

Exploration of Identity: Readers appreciate Shah's ability to delve into the complexities of her identity as an Indian-American woman. They find her introspective approach to understanding her cultural roots and navigating the challenges of belonging in America relatable and thought-provoking.
Personal Narrative: Many readers appreciate the personal nature of Shah's essays. They appreciate the candid and vulnerable way she shares her experiences, from childhood memories to adult challenges. The essays offer a glimpse into the author's life, making readers feel connected to her journey.
Poetic Language: Shah's use of language and imagery is widely praised by readers. They find her prose poetic and evocative, with a rhythm that draws them in and creates a sense of intimacy with the text. The descriptive passages are particularly praised for their vividness and ability to evoke emotions.
Cultural Representation: Readers appreciate Shah's representation of Indian culture and its influence on her life. They find her exploration of cultural traditions, food, and customs enlightening and appreciate the way she weaves these elements into her narrative. The book offers a fresh perspective on Indian culture and its diaspora in America.
Insightful Reflections: Shah's essays offer readers insights into the immigrant experience, particularly for those from outside cultures. Readers appreciate her ability to articulate the challenges of navigating multiple identities and the impact it has on one's sense of self. The essays provide a nuanced understanding of the immigrant experience, shedding light on the complexities of assimilation and cultural identity.

Reasons for Recommendation

Personal Connection: Readers recommend "This Is One Way to Dance" because they find it relatable and emotionally resonant. The essays offer a personal glimpse into Shah's life, allowing readers to connect with her experiences and share in her journey. The honesty and vulnerability in her writing create a sense of connection that resonates with readers.
Thought-Provoking Content: The book's exploration of identity, race, and belonging in America is widely praised by readers. They appreciate Shah's ability to delve into these complex issues with depth and nuance, offering insights that challenge conventional narratives and spark meaningful conversations. The essays provide a fresh perspective on the immigrant experience and contribute to a broader understanding of diversity in America.
Poetic Language: Shah's poetic language is often cited as a reason for recommending the book. Readers appreciate her use of descriptive language and imagery, which creates a vivid sense of atmosphere and evokes emotions. The prose is described as evocative, rhythmic, and captivating, making the essays enjoyable to read and engaging from start to finish.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Structure: Some readers find that the essays lack a clear structure or cohesive narrative arc. They appreciate Shah's personal storytelling but feel that the essays could benefit from a more organized presentation of ideas or a stronger narrative thread that ties them together. This lack of structure may make it difficult for some readers to fully engage with the book or follow the author's train of thought.
Narrow Focus: A few readers feel that the book's focus on Shah's personal experiences may limit its appeal to a broader audience. While they appreciate the insights into Indian-American culture and identity, they feel that the essays could benefit from a more expansive exploration of related issues or perspectives. Some readers would have liked to see more diversity in the experiences presented in the book, which could have broadened its appeal and added depth to the narrative.

Conclusion

"This Is One Way to Dance: Essays" by Sejal Shah is a collection of linked essays that explore identity, culture, language, family, and place through the lens of an Indian-American writer. Readers praise Shah's personal narrative, poetic language, and insightful reflections on the immigrant experience in America. While some find the lack of structure or narrow focus limiting, most recommend the book for its relatability, thought-provoking content, and contribution to diversity in literature. Sejal Shah's debut collection offers a fresh perspective on issues of identity and belonging in America, making it an important addition to any reader's library.