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librarykate818's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sam_anneliese's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
confusedteach33's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This story was beautiful. Nayeri is an expert storyteller who tells his journey as a child refugee intermixed with a boatload of funny “poop stories”. This book is a worthwhile read for readers from middle school through adulthood, as I think everyone can learn much through sitting with Daniel as he tells you his story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
larb's review against another edition
Not going to finish. I didn’t realize this was about Christianity… will be returning.
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
5.0
Scheherazade doesn’t have anything on Daniel Nayeri. The author channels his 12-year-old self flawlessly in this heavily autobiographical collection of stories about his childhood in Iran and his experiences as a refugee in Oklahoma after his mother converts to Christianity and they are forced to flee. As Khosrou (called Daniel in the States) regales his middle school class with stories of his experiences in a very 1,001 Nights manner, he is met with disbelief and the derision that middle-schoolers are so good at. But he persists, and just like Scheherazade with the king, his stories slowly help his listeners find their humanity again.
He does not shy away from tough truths. The terror of fleeing Iran, the invisibility of refugees, his abusive stepfather in Oklahoma— these things are part of the fabric of his story. But middle-grade and young adult readers will not forget the honest and resilient friend they have made in the pages of this book.
He does not shy away from tough truths. The terror of fleeing Iran, the invisibility of refugees, his abusive stepfather in Oklahoma— these things are part of the fabric of his story. But middle-grade and young adult readers will not forget the honest and resilient friend they have made in the pages of this book.
bethanyhasenberg's review against another edition
There was no clear story, didn’t know what was happening in the book, was confused and wasn’t enthralled enough to want to figure it out
maddiebeckman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
elly29's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a masterful weaving-together of memory, storytelling, and experience wrapped in the Persian rug of the Iranian refugee experience. This may be considered middle-grade, but as an adult I found it enjoyable and sophisticated (even if he sometimes repeats the lessons he learns).
Favorite quotes included the statements about the folks who believe in the God who listens, and those who believe in a God who speaks, and how the best God is the one who does both. It’s a story about a mother’s love, and her conviction, and about a larger-than-life father who is generous and also misses and misunderstands so much.
It’s worth a read, I think!
Favorite quotes included the statements about the folks who believe in the God who listens, and those who believe in a God who speaks, and how the best God is the one who does both. It’s a story about a mother’s love, and her conviction, and about a larger-than-life father who is generous and also misses and misunderstands so much.
It’s worth a read, I think!
happy_beaver37's review against another edition
i’ve seen many booktubers who don’t rate memoirs, and i liked that idea, so i didn’t give this book a rating. this is one of the best books i’ve ever read, though! the writing and quotes are absolutely beautiful, and the story is heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. this book really makes the reader feel something.