Monday, January 25, 2021

Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri - ESSENTIAL

Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story)
by Daniel Nayeri,
368 pages. Levine Querido, 2020. $18 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f') Mature Content: PG (references to "sexing") Violence: PG13 (War talk, abuse, injuries) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Khosrou, whose American classmates and teacher call him Daniel, is a refugee from Iran. When his mother converted to Christianity, she was forced to abandon her medical practice and to flee Iran with her family, or risk being killed. Khosrou, who was born into privilege - an old family with both parents medical professionals, now lives in poverty in a small town in Oklahoma with his mother, sister and step father. Daniel tells his story to his classmates and teacher, like Scheherazade, weaving together century old Persian tales, his own family stories and relating them to his current situation and recent troubles. 

Nayeri, who has based this story on his own experiences, is an amazing storyteller. He uses "poop" references a lot, but it perfectly suits Khosoru's character and really adds to the humor. The dovetailed stories, his refugee experience, getting accustomed to American foods and traditions and the beautiful author's voice combine to make this a highly recommended read. 

Lisa Librarian

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