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scootereno's review against another edition
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
brogan7's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
My son (age 14) did Not like this book, even though I skipped several sections in our read aloud and summarized them for him later (he couldn't stand the graphic descriptions).
I thought it was incredible, an epic tale for young readers. The history and mythology of Persia combined with the experiences of an immigrant boy from Iran who gets bullied in Oklahoma... it's like a tale from an ancient man about a young boy (who is himself). Heartbreaking and heart-affirming in that he uses the stories and the long, long historical context to weave himself into a bigger fabric, the long view, the possibility not just of survival but of mythology.
I thought it was incredible, an epic tale for young readers. The history and mythology of Persia combined with the experiences of an immigrant boy from Iran who gets bullied in Oklahoma... it's like a tale from an ancient man about a young boy (who is himself). Heartbreaking and heart-affirming in that he uses the stories and the long, long historical context to weave himself into a bigger fabric, the long view, the possibility not just of survival but of mythology.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Racism, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse
TW: religious persecution, when there's no safe placetdasilva26's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely amazing! I loved the writing style and I felt so connected to the story! As you read it’s as if the author is telling you the story. The perspective and writing style was super unique and I loved it so much! There were points where I laughed out loud and then was close to tears at other parts! This was such an amazing story that gave an amazing viewpoint on life! I loved that it was in the perspective of his younger self as it made me feel even more connected to it! I truly just love the writing of the book and the concept and storyline itself was just so amazing!
bdsongbird8's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
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
4.25
kimisteinhorst's review against another edition
4.0
4 1/2 stars! Such a good look into poor, immigrant life from someone my exact same age. Daniel came over in elementary school and gave us such a transparent look into his childhood. Coming from the middle east in the late 80s was not an easy feat, especially for a little kid in small town Oklahoma. Thankful to Daniel for sharing his story.
sarnacle's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A memoir, but written in the author’s 10 year old voice. It was genius and exceptionally enjoyable hearing read in the author’s own (adult) voice.
Immigrant stories are not easy. I can’t imagine the fortitude it takes to pick up and leave the place you have always known and go to a place so foreign. Even if you leave by choice, the stress of making that move has to be so heavy. But to have to flee your home and family seems almost insurmountable.
And yet the way that Daniel crafts this story is beautiful, charming, and endearing. For one, the use of his young voice helps the reader settle in for a lighthearted, unthreatening story. But by weaving in Persian myths, we get a deeper understanding of how he processed this - let’s call it what it is - trauma.
It really is a very evocative tale. Between the descriptions of Persian food, culture, and mythology we can visualize it in our minds. And the not so pretty parts are equally detailed. There’s a real cringe factor in some of the stories that brings it all to life. Through all of this Daniel has created a story that is not easily forgotten.
Immigrant stories are not easy. I can’t imagine the fortitude it takes to pick up and leave the place you have always known and go to a place so foreign. Even if you leave by choice, the stress of making that move has to be so heavy. But to have to flee your home and family seems almost insurmountable.
And yet the way that Daniel crafts this story is beautiful, charming, and endearing. For one, the use of his young voice helps the reader settle in for a lighthearted, unthreatening story. But by weaving in Persian myths, we get a deeper understanding of how he processed this - let’s call it what it is - trauma.
It really is a very evocative tale. Between the descriptions of Persian food, culture, and mythology we can visualize it in our minds. And the not so pretty parts are equally detailed. There’s a real cringe factor in some of the stories that brings it all to life. Through all of this Daniel has created a story that is not easily forgotten.
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.