Kitaaby - Book Conversation with Tayyba Kanwal

Talking with Boys is a 2026 short story collection by Pakistani-American author Tayyba Kanwal, exploring themes of freedom, tradition, and identity within the Pakistani diaspora, primarily in Houston, but also spanning Dubai and Lahore. The linked stories feature interconnected characters navigating family, immigration, and cultural clashes, often using the titular act of "talking with boys" as a symbol for rebellion and self-discovery, especially in a conservative environment where such interactions are forbidden. The collection is praised for its humor, deep insight, and exploration of power dynamics, love, and belonging.