The Sky Is Different Here - by Shivani Malik Phd (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For readers of women's fiction, a debut novel that celebrates the depths of the mother-daughter connection, and having faith in oneself among the hustle and bustle of academic life in the late-aughts.

Eight thousand miles from her Kolkata home, Shani spends most of her time hard at work in the campus biochemistry lab chasing her lifelong dream of becoming a scientist. However, following her dream proves to be anything but easy. As the daily battles and complexities of lab life escalate, she leans into the support of her biggest ally--her mother. Despite now being continents apart, they've always shared an unwavering belief in Shani's dream: a future built on intellectual and financial independence.

But when her mom passes away suddenly, Shani is left adrift. The home they once shared feels foreign; her academic aspirations and the future they had dreamed of together, uncertain. Is she truly driven by genuine passion for science, or has she been trying to escape the expectations placed on her as a woman? Alone, Shani must confront these questions and discover where she truly belongs.

Shani's journey, a poignant exploration of grief, identity, and belonging, will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world.

Review Quotes

"Malik's intimate and fascinating story gives rich insight into the workings and conflicts of a lab, the excitement of cutting edge DNA research, and the personal costs. A lovely study on grief, resilience, friendship, and finding a home in a strange new land."--Sheri T. Joseph, author of USA Today bestseller Edge of the Known World

" . . . Malik brings us a heartfelt story of courage, identity, and finding your place in the world on your own terms."--Grishma Shah, author of Anagram Destiny

" . . . On the surface, Malik's story focuses on the many challenges faced by the diligent and often self-doubting Shani to make her mark in science. However, her story reaches far deeper to touch our shared experiences in search of human connection and meaning, regardless of borders, culture or place of origin."--Steven Wade Adams, DVM, PhD, Scientist, and Humanitarian Photographer

About the Author

Shivani Malik was born and raised in India. She immigrated to the US to pursue her PhD and completed her training at Stanford University and University of California San Francisco. This is her debut novel. She currently leads a group of researchers in an oncology focused biotech in San Diego where she resides with her husband and their dog.