Manil Suri, professor of mathematics and statistics

Five Things I Have To Have Now

February 17, 2008

When Manil Suri isn't working on partial differential equations or trying to get more people interested in math, he can often be found honing his creative chops as a novelist. The professor of mathematics and statistics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County recently released his second title, The Age of Shiva, a story about maternal love and contemporary India. Suri's first novel, The Death of Vishnu, garnered the 2002 Barnes and Noble Discover Prize and was a finalist for the Pen-Faulkner Award.

Before Suri became a notable novelist, the native of Bombay, India - now know as Mumbai - used to write just for fun. "I need a hobby. Now, I do cooking for fun," he said.

Suri, 48, lives with his partner in Silver Spring.

1. Gloves that work

"There's not much I can do to warm my hands in the winter except wait for June."

2. A crate of Alphonso mangoes from India

"Now that these are available in the U.S. - alas only in April/May - people are beginning to understand what all the fuss is about."

3. Five pounds more of body weight

"Don't hate me for this, but no matter how many gallons of ice cream I eat, I can't put on an ounce."

4. A lifetime upgrade to business class

"Once you've been treated to a flat-bed sleeper seat, flying in economy seems even more cruel and inhumane than before."

5. Twenty more episodes of Sex and the City

"I don't think I've been able to watch TV since Carrie and company left."

[JENNIFER CHOI]