An open letter to Mindy Kaling, by Rima Ray, author of Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls

6 June 2022

Rima Ray writes an open letter to her favourite author Mindy Kaling to celebrate the release of her new book Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls.

Rima Ray, Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls

Dear Mindy,

Ever since I accidentally discovered and devoured your debut book “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” in one sitting, I knew I had found a kindred spirit and my new favorite author. I fell in love with your candid, hilarious and heart-warming stories. And as an Indian Bengali American woman in my thirties, I related to your tales of growing up in the US, trying to fit in as a brown person, praying my Indian parents don’t embarrass me, making friends and going out despite having social anxiety, wanting to be popular but also needing space, constantly struggling with weight, dating, adulting. . . and so much more. Your writing made me laugh, at times get moist-eyed, and completely forget the hours ticking by and the pile of exams that needed to be graded on my desk.

In fact, I was so inspired by you and your stories that when I was writing my debut comedy mystery novel, “Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls,” in which my protagonist, Dr. Ruby Roy, is a quirky, yet lovable Indian American professor turned female amateur sleuth who stumbles upon a murder on her university campus, I visualized you playing my protagonist. It was my small tribute to you.

So, when I was given the opportunity to write to my favorite author, I knew right away it had to be you. My list of beloved writers is far and few between, much like my tier of best friends, whom I can count on the fingers of one hand. But you are up there for me on that list alongside Judy Blume, Agatha Christie, Jhumpa Lahiri, Kazuo Ishiguro and Satyajit Ray. All these authors brought me joy and moved me in some way, and I can reread their books again and again without getting bored. And that’s the same feeling I get reading your works. Also, I must confess that you are the only person in that list I would like to meet and hang out with in real life—and not just because quite a few of the names of that list are long gone—but because you just seem like a celebrity who is warm and approachable and is also a kind human being.

I recently started enjoying your Amazon Original Stories. It’s my summer break from classes and grading, so I have just finished “Please Like Me (But Keep Away)” and “Help Is on the Way” in less than an hour! I was so engrossed reading your book that I forgot to go for my morning walk, and I forgot to eat breakfast, which is a rarity for me. So, now that I’m aware of the addictive nature of your short stories, I’m spacing them out like Hershey’s kisses—just one per day, preferably after dinner and only if I have completed all my chores for the day.

I’ll conclude by saying I wish I had a sister like you growing up. It was quite lonely being an only child and when I read your books, I often imagine how fun it would have been to have had a like-minded partner in crime. All the movie marathons we would have enjoyed, and all the yummy food we would have had. Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask to be your best friend, because I know you get that request a lot. But if our worlds ever collide, I would love to enjoy a glass of mango lassi with you.

I’ll end by saying, thank you for being you.

Love and Hugs,

Rima Ray