"Raj, Bohemian"

"Raj, Bohemian"
by Hari Kunzru

Rating: 8.8



Short story about a hipster who discovers his friends are inserting product placements in their social lives. The narrator’s hip friends are poor but beautiful and have hectic social lives. Sunita, a close friend of the narrator, invites him to one of her themed dinner parties; the invitation says “Eating is Honest" printed in an old-fashioned cursive font.

“You look awful,” Raj said. “Are you feeling O.K.?”
I stared up at him. He was holding out a glass of water.
“Is it good?” I asked.
He shook his head, not understanding.
“Is it better than other brands of water?”
“It’s just water. From the tap.”
I took a sip.
“Are you sick?” he asked gently.
“No.”
“What is it, then?”
I closed my eyes. “I’m not sure. I think I might be bored.”
“Ah.”
“Is there anything going on tonight?”
He smiled and started to tell me about a party, a guest list, a secret venue. I took out my phone to punch in the contact number.. ♦