Enjoyable, Different "Coming of Age" Story
Review/Book: Darius the Great is Not Okay
Author: Adib Khorram
This story is about Darius (Darioush) who is part Persian, living in America, with his blended family. His mother was born and raised in Iran, and then met Stephen Kellner, fell in love, married and moved to the United States where they had 2 children: Darius, and his sister, Laleh. Darius is a sort of outcast at his school, has only 1 friend and works at a local tea store - which he loves. He has interesting, colorful, creative descriptions for the people and things in his life, and often uses pop culture to help get his point across. It is this unique approach to life that initially endears the main character to the reader. At one point, Darius finds that he and his family are heading to Iran - the home land - for family reasons. It is there he discovers the true meaning of family *and* real friendship, and what it truly means and feels like to belong. He also comes to some realizations about himself and goes through changes he had not anticipated. He develops and appreciation for his heritage and a desire to want to know more. Within the book the main character takes you on an adventure not just through his life, however through his family's native language - which I thoroughly enjoyed learning - as well as the customs of Iran. You come away with a better understanding, and appreciation, for the customs and traditions that are revered through the communities of Iran.
I was really taken with this book, as shown by how quickly I finished reading it (just under 4 days) - when I am truly enjoying a book, I will "devour" it .... and I did that with this book. I really had a hard time putting it down.
In closing, I wish to say that I received this book as an ARC edition via BookishFirst in exchange for an honest review. I wish to thank both the publisher and the author for the chance to read a most remarkable "coming of age" story. In my opinion, one of the best I've read all year!!
Author: Adib Khorram
This story is about Darius (Darioush) who is part Persian, living in America, with his blended family. His mother was born and raised in Iran, and then met Stephen Kellner, fell in love, married and moved to the United States where they had 2 children: Darius, and his sister, Laleh. Darius is a sort of outcast at his school, has only 1 friend and works at a local tea store - which he loves. He has interesting, colorful, creative descriptions for the people and things in his life, and often uses pop culture to help get his point across. It is this unique approach to life that initially endears the main character to the reader. At one point, Darius finds that he and his family are heading to Iran - the home land - for family reasons. It is there he discovers the true meaning of family *and* real friendship, and what it truly means and feels like to belong. He also comes to some realizations about himself and goes through changes he had not anticipated. He develops and appreciation for his heritage and a desire to want to know more. Within the book the main character takes you on an adventure not just through his life, however through his family's native language - which I thoroughly enjoyed learning - as well as the customs of Iran. You come away with a better understanding, and appreciation, for the customs and traditions that are revered through the communities of Iran.
I was really taken with this book, as shown by how quickly I finished reading it (just under 4 days) - when I am truly enjoying a book, I will "devour" it .... and I did that with this book. I really had a hard time putting it down.
In closing, I wish to say that I received this book as an ARC edition via BookishFirst in exchange for an honest review. I wish to thank both the publisher and the author for the chance to read a most remarkable "coming of age" story. In my opinion, one of the best I've read all year!!