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."