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."