All. the. tears. Darius is such a sweet, realistic, tender, and sharp character. This book offers such an important and authentic depiction of a teen boy with depression who is trying to understand his emotions. It's also an incredible story about family and finding your place. Readers of Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Picture Us in the Light will love meeting Darius.
It’s a heartfelt glimpse of what it’s like to be a teenager who feels like they don’t belong. Khorram perfectly captures that awkward time when you can’t seem to fit in anywhere. Everything is changing for Darius and he’s trying to make sense of who he is. This is a classic coming of age story that gets it right.
It has an honest portrayal of mental health and depression featuring a teen boy character. YA doesn’t have enough books where teen boys discuss mental health, sadness, anger, and emotions in general. This book has sincere scenes where Darius cries to express his emotions and recognizes that it’s okay. He talks to his parents about depression, sees a therapist, and takes medication. He is open and learning to love himself.
It is a love letter to Iran and Persian culture. Darius often feels like a fake Persian while visiting his family. He’s always loved Persian food and celebrated Persian holidays but he can’t speak Farsi and feels left out of the lifestyle that his cousins and friends grew up in. As Darius is getting to know his grandparents and mother’s culture more, Khorram includes gorgeous descriptions of local Iranian sites and food. Darius, always patient and explaining terms and customs to the reader, is a perfect tour guide.
It’s a heartfelt glimpse of what it’s like to be a teenager who feels like they don’t belong. Khorram perfectly captures that awkward time when you can’t seem to fit in anywhere. Everything is changing for Darius and he’s trying to make sense of who he is. This is a classic coming of age story that gets it right.
It has an honest portrayal of mental health and depression featuring a teen boy character. YA doesn’t have enough books where teen boys discuss mental health, sadness, anger, and emotions in general. This book has sincere scenes where Darius cries to express his emotions and recognizes that it’s okay. He talks to his parents about depression, sees a therapist, and takes medication. He is open and learning to love himself.
It is a love letter to Iran and Persian culture. Darius often feels like a fake Persian while visiting his family. He’s always loved Persian food and celebrated Persian holidays but he can’t speak Farsi and feels left out of the lifestyle that his cousins and friends grew up in. As Darius is getting to know his grandparents and mother’s culture more, Khorram includes gorgeous descriptions of local Iranian sites and food. Darius, always patient and explaining terms and customs to the reader, is a perfect tour guide.