Imagine a world where every worker at a bustling nail salon shares the exact same name on their nametag – Susan. That's the intriguing premise of 'Pick a Color,' a captivating novel by Souvankham Thammavongsa that unfolds over just one unforgettable day in this everyday setting. It's a story that dives deep into the lives of those often overlooked, sparking thoughts about identity, resilience, and the hidden depths beneath routine jobs. But here's where it gets controversial: What if the simplicity of a shared name reveals profound truths about how society views and values certain professions? Stick around, because this tale isn't just about manicures – it's a window into something much bigger.
Dive in and discover how 'Pick a Color' masterfully captures the essence of a single day at the salon. Published by Little, Brown and Company, this debut novel from the talented poet and short story writer Souvankham Thammavongsa brings to life the experiences of the salon's dedicated staff, all of whom sport that identical 'Susan' tag. At the heart of the story is Ning, the salon's no-nonsense manager, whose past as a prizefighter adds an unexpected layer of grit and determination to her daily grind. Picture this: She's not just overseeing polish applications and customer chats; she's navigating a world where physical strength from her boxing days meets the quiet demands of a beauty service job. And this is the part most people miss – the way Thammavongsa weaves in real-life observations from her own time as a salon patron, painting a vivid picture of the unspoken dynamics between clients and workers.
In a fascinating conversation on NPR's Book of the Day, author Thammavongsa sits down with host Scott Simon to unpack Ning's compelling backstory. They explore how her prizefighting roots shape her leadership style, perhaps making her tougher or more empathetic in ways that surprise us. Thammavongsa also shares insights from her experiences visiting salons, highlighting the camaraderie, the hustle, and the subtle power plays that happen behind the counter – think the quick exchanges over nail colors that might hint at deeper connections or frustrations. It's eye-opening for beginners who might not realize how these seemingly mundane settings can be microcosms of broader societal themes.
One of the most thought-provoking elements is Thammavongsa's distinction between knowledge and intelligence. She draws a sharp line here: Knowledge might be about facts and information you can memorize or look up, like knowing the latest nail trends or product ingredients. But intelligence? That's the deeper, intuitive understanding – the kind Ning might draw from her life in the ring, reading people and situations in a way that raw data never could. For newcomers to literary discussions, this could be clarified with an example: Imagine a salon worker who knows every shade of red in the catalog (that's knowledge), versus one who senses a customer's unspoken stress and adjusts the chat to soothe them (that's intelligence). And here's where controversy bubbles up – does society undervalue 'intelligence' in roles like these, favoring measurable 'knowledge' instead? Is it fair that a prizefighter turned salon manager's wisdom gets overshadowed by more 'prestigious' professions? Thammavongsa subtly challenges us to rethink these hierarchies, inviting debate on whether intelligence is universal or tied to job titles.
To fully immerse yourself, check out the podcast episode where Thammavongsa and Simon delve into these themes with warmth and depth. You can download it directly from this link: https://chrt.fm/track/138C95/prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510364/traffic.megaphone.fm/NPR4575006556.mp3?t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5571019&p=510364&d=530&size=8486706&sc=siteplayer&aw01st.playerid=siteplayer. Or, embed the NPR audio player right here for easy listening:
For an ad-free experience that supports NPR's rich coverage of books, consider subscribing to Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday. It's a great way to dive deeper without interruptions.
What do you think? Does the shared name 'Susan' symbolize conformity or solidarity in the workplace? And how do you interpret Thammavongsa's views on knowledge versus intelligence – do they resonate with your own experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or even your own stories from salons or similar jobs!
