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Staff Pick
This book, by a fresh new voice in YA, covers many topics in a light and approachable way. Darius lives in Portland, works in a tea shop, and soon he’ll travel to Iran with his family for the first time to visit his ailing grandfather. Issues of depression, loneliness, and acceptance mixed with travel writing and family dynamics make this my favorite YA pick of 2018. Recommended By Kim T., Powells.com
Darius never feels quite right — he's half Persian, a Star Trek fan (not a jock), and clinically depressed. Then he travels to Iran for a family visit and meets Sohrab, whose friendship makes Darius feel right — even great — for the first time. I appreciated how Darius's depression doesn't dominate his life but is there constantly in the background, winding its way into his thoughts and relationships. This story of empathy and belonging is also a fantastic example of healthy masculinity and male friendships, which I'm always happy to find in YA. Darius the Great is sure to charm you! Recommended By Christine R., Powells.com
I was charmed, really charmed by this story about a teenager who travels to Iran to meet his Persian family for the first time. Darius was a sympathetic, funny lead, and I loved watching his friendship with Sohrab blossom as he began to grow into his place in the world. Recommended By Ashleigh B., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Darius doesn’t think he’ll ever be enough, in America or in Iran. Hilarious and heartbreaking, this unforgettable debut introduces a brilliant new voice in contemporary YA.
“Heartfelt, tender, and so utterly real. I’d live in this book forever if I could.”
— Becky Albertalli, award-winning author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Darius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He’s a Fractional Persian — half, his mom’s side — and his first-ever trip to Iran is about to change his life.
Darius has never really fit in at home, and he’s sure things are going to be the same in Iran. His clinical depression doesn’t exactly help matters, and trying to explain his medication to his grandparents only makes things harder. Then Darius meets Sohrab, the boy next door, and everything changes. Soon, they’re spending their days together, playing soccer, eating faludeh, and talking for hours on a secret rooftop overlooking the city’s skyline. Sohrab calls him Darioush — the original Persian version of his name — and Darius has never felt more like himself than he does now that he’s Darioush to Sohrab.
Adib Khorram’s brilliant debut is for anyone who’s ever felt not good enough — then met a friend who makes them feel so much better than okay.
Review
“Darius the Great is Not Okay is a total knockout. This story of identity and friendship — and how one can inform and reveal the other — will stay with me for a long time. And challenge me too, as a person and artist, which all great books should do. For its exploration of male friendship and cultural expectations alone, Adib Khorram’s lovely debut should be required reading.” John Corey Whaley, award-winning author of Highly Illogical Behavior
Review
“Khorram’s debut novel is an affectionate portrait of Iran: the food and aromas, the rich traditions and eclectic culture....Readers will understand that home can be more than the physical place you live, and that people who make you feel at home can come into your life unexpectedly.” The Horn Book
Review
“Darius is a well-crafted, awkward but endearing character, and his cross-cultural story will inspire reflection about identity and belonging. A strong choice for YA shelves. Give this to fans of Adam Silvera and John Corey Whaley.” School Library Journal (Starred Review)
Review
“Khorram’s debut novel is filled with insight into the lives of teens, weaving together the reality of living with mental illness while also dealing with identity and immigration politics. This tear-jerker will leave readers wanting to follow the next chapter in Darius’s life.” Kirkus (Starred Review)
Synopsis
Darius doesn't think he'll ever be enough, in America or in Iran. Hilarious and heartbreaking, this unforgettable debut introduces a brilliant new voice in contemporary YA. Winner of the William C. Morris Debut Award
"Heartfelt, tender, and so utterly real. I'd live in this book forever if I could."
--Becky Albertalli, award-winning author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Darius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He's a Fractional Persian--half, his mom's side--and his first-ever trip to Iran is about to change his life.
Darius has never really fit in at home, and he's sure things are going to be the same in Iran. His clinical depression doesn't exactly help matters, and trying to explain his medication to his grandparents only makes things harder. Then Darius meets Sohrab, the boy next door, and everything changes. Soon, they're spending their days together, playing soccer, eating faludeh, and talking for hours on a secret rooftop overlooking the city's skyline. Sohrab calls him Darioush--the original Persian version of his name--and Darius has never felt more like himself than he does now that he's Darioush to Sohrab.
Adib Khorram's brilliant debut is for anyone who's ever felt not good enough--then met a friend who makes them feel so much better than okay.
About the Author
Adib Khorram is an author, a graphic designer, and a tea enthusiast. If he’s not writing (or at his day job), you can probably find him trying to get his 100 yard Freestyle (SCY) under a minute, or learning to do a Lutz Jump. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri.