Friday, June 14, 2019

Book Review - Darius the Great Is Not Okay

📖Recommend for Grades 7 and up📖
by Adib Khorram
            Darius Kellner is a bi-racial (his mother is Persian and his father white), clinically depressed, bullied teen who only has one friend. Also, unlike his little sister, only understands a few words in Farsi making it difficult to communicate with his maternal family in Iran. Upon learning that his grandfather is dying, Darius, his sister, and their parents travel to Iran to spend time with him. While at first unsure about the trip, Darius finds his idea of it changing upon meeting his grandparent’s neighbor Sohrab, who also helps him grow during his time in Iran.
            A truly moving and wonderful story, readers will enjoy getting some insight into Persian culture through the eyes of a character who isn’t fully part of it. At times readers may be bothered by Darius’ behavior but most of it is understandable. His depression is a part of his story (there is a big stigma against mental illness in Iran) but not his whole story. The supporting characters wonderfully help shape Darius and his journey throughout the book.

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