Tanuja Desai Hidier is a celebrated author, singer-songwriter, and innovator, best known for her creation of the 'booktrack' concept. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including the APALA Young Adult and Children Honor Award, the Waterstones/London Writers Award, the James Jones First Novel Fellowship, and the South Asia Book Award in 2015. Her short fiction has been featured in various anthologies, and she has made a significant impact in the world of young adult literature.
Hidier made her groundbreaking debut with the 2002 novel "Born Confused," which was the first South Asian American Young Adult novel. The book was critically acclaimed by publications such as "Paste Magazine," "Entertainment Weekly," and "Rolling Stone Magazine," and was included in lists of the best young adult novels of all time alongside classics like "Huckleberry Finn," "To Kill A Mockingbird," "Harry Potter," "Little Women," and "The Catcher in the Rye." "Born Confused" has been translated into several languages and is considered a landmark work in young adult literature.
In addition to "Born Confused," Hidier has written a crossover/adult novel titled "Bombay Blues," which won the South Asia Book Award. The book is an immersive blend of lyricism, external drama, and introspection, according to Kirkus Review. Hidier has also released albums based on her novels, with "When We Were Twins" being the first-ever 'booktrack' and "Bombay Spleen" featuring songs based on "Bombay Blues." Her music has been featured in Wired Magazine, MTV Indies, and Vogue India's social awareness initiative for women. Hidier's work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impression on those who experience it.