It Ain't So Awful, Falafel

Such a wonderful book, hilarious and well written. I enjoyed reading it same as my 10 year old kid. I’m going to purchase other books written by this author. No doubt she is the winner of multiple awards for writing.

“Not everyone hates Iranians,” she assures me, putting down the paper. “People who hate just happen to be the loudest.”I loved, loved, loved this book, and this author. Highly recommend this laugh-out-funny and moving story of Zomorod (Cindy) Yousefzadeh, a girl from Iran who has spent several years, here and there, in America due to her father's engineering job.The time period is the late 70s, when a lot of people in America were hearing about Iran for the first time due to political strife and the taking of American hostages. I was exactly the same age as Zomorod during the period of time the story takes place. In Catholic School, we would turn toward the window, say the Pledge of Allegiance, and then take turns on who would lead the prayer for the hostages.Zomorod, like any kid, seeks to fit in, and is embarrassed by her parents. She has the added pressure of good English, but not knowing all the idioms, as well as parents who are different culturally from the other adults. And schoolmates who think she comes from a land of an animal she'd only ever seen in a zoo -- a camel.I found myself chuckling at several opportunities at Zomorod's observations and wit, and at her mix of love and embarrassment in regard to her parents.Americans are written as essentially good people, albeit a bit ignorant on world events. The most villainous character is still portrayed with some sympathy. Because the story takes place over a couple years, the younger characters get an opportunity to mature.In fact, one of the details that impressed me most is how the Zomorod at the beginning of the story and at the end are clearly the same girl, but each version think and behave appropriate to her age. She has gained wisdom and confidence and lasting friendship. (I adored her circle of friends.)If there is one flaw, it's that the author imparts a lot of info on the Iran, which is both interesting and vital to the story, but the information is often imparted in a less-than-natural fashion. The best method is Zomorod's best friend asking questions out of interests, concern, and her plan to become a journalist. But then there is the neighbor who stops periodically to ask to have events explained to him.I hope that there will be more books in this series, because I would love to stay in touch.

This is the type of story that I would love to see it turn into a movie. I can't believe someone could fictionalize their own story and still makes it sound very natural and authentic. The historic information is very useful and is presented in a very pleasant way. I don't want to give out too much information about the story, but I really appreciate its language, very poetic in many instances. The author definitely has a very good sense of humor. I was almost moved to tears because the emotion delivered between the lines was so genuine, and I am still feeling very complicated about the fact that part of the story was fictional. I don't know if I want it to be 100% real or partially real, because I would feel sad that some of the characters did not actually exist, and I really liked them. Some part of me hates to know that some things did happened as described. The bottom line is that I love 100% of the story.

I had purchased the audio book a while back, but had forgotten why. I listened to it with my kids (9 & 11) on a road trip. At first it was not that interesting to them, but we stuck with it, and then they were invested. I had not realized that it was about the Iran hostage crisis, which I was 10 years old during. It really put it into perspective for me and introduced my children to the events. Mostly though, was the human aspect part that I found importance in my children hearing about - the good and the bad in people. Firoozeh illustrates how people who actually get to know people of a different cultures can relate to them, and those who are ignorant are the ones who hate. There are some very good lessons that are important for this day in age in 2017.

I loved this book so much! It is light and funny, but also holds many lessons and makes you think. It was so interesting to consider what it was like living in the US as an Iranian during the Iran hostage crisis.

I’m 10 years old and just started 5th grade. I could not put this book down. I was sad when reading was over. Some pretty sad parts too, I felt so bad. I really like how Zomorod (Cindy) made new friends even though she was really lonely. And there were a lot of funny parts. I want my mom to read this too. I think she’ll love it. I read it every day before school and after. And I read a few parts to my mom because they are so funny. My mom even made falafels for dinner after I finished the book. I loved this as my first book by this author.

I read this book with my fifth grade students and while it is categorized as “middle grades” I still think YA lovers will enjoy it as long as romance is not a requirement. This book is semi-autobiographical and set in the 1970’s California. Zomorod is an Iranian girl trying to find her place in the US during a hostage crisis. The highlight of this book for me was that it showed very clearly that just because you’re from somewhere doesn’t mean that you share the same ideas and tactics that your government does. It shows that we can’t judge people on anything other than their own actions and beliefs. My students and I both enjoyed this book thoroughly. 4.5 out of 5 stars, hands down.

This is the story of a girl from Iran trying to fit in in Southern California.This is the story of 1977-1980. For those alive then this is when the shah fell and the Iranian hostage crisis happened.I was in high school and college during this time and it was amazing to read this history which I remember as told from another point of view.We all feel alienated from time to time in our lives. Imagism bring an Iranian in America during this time.Great voice. Great story. Friendship and heartache.Now to go read her other books.

Well written and funny in parts. Essential reading to better understand immigrant experiences and the need to be yourself. Therafter, good things will happen, maybe not straight away, to persons who are pleasant, friendly and patient. A truly super read!

1. I find that when I read this book, it feels like I forget all about the real life! The story takes you to the very same room where the main character is.2. If English is your second language, don't worry too much about big less frequently used vocabulary. You are going to understand the story.3. I would recommend this book to anyone who is one way or another in contact with people from a different culture. Helps you see the world from a different perspective.Thanks Firoozeh

Me ha encantado el libro, escrito de forma divertida, fácil de leer, la versión en inglés me ha gustado mucho. Lo recomiendo.

A delightful story with a worthwhile and very relevant topic. Firoozah Dumas has impeccable comedic and narrative timing, and she helps all of us understand a bit more about the diverse experiences of immigrant children during difficult social and political times. A meaningful and enjoyable book to read with your children or with a school class.

Another entertaining book from my favourite writer! Enjoyed as much as her other books!