A review by gem114
Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This novel is like a handbook for healthy masculinity. I loved that about Darius the Great is Not Okay, and I feel like the lessons continued beautifully in Darius the Great Deserves Better. 

Darius, back in Portland, is coming into his own. He joined the high school soccer team, came out to his family and team, got an internship at his favorite tea shop, and started dating his first boyfriend. On paper, everything seems great, but we all know life isn't that simple. 

Darius and his dad both still struggle with depression, Darius' grandfather in Iran is on his deathbed, dating is complicated, and racism and homophobia are still alive and well, even in liberal Portland. 

I know that I'm not alone in hoping we get at least one more Darius the Great novel. Hell, I'd love to follow Darius to college and beyond. His place was empty, and I'm hoping for more stories to continue filling that gap. 
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