Darius the Great Is Not Okay

Description: Clinically-depressed Darius Kellner, a high school sophomore, travels to Iran to meet his grandparents, but it is their next-door neighbor, Sohrab, who changes his life.

Review Quotes: "Layered with complexities of identity, body image and mental illness that are so rarely articulated in the voice of a teenage boy of color. Khorram writes tenderly and humorously about his protagonist's journey of self-acceptance, making it hard not to want to reach through the pages, squeeze his hand and reassure Darius that he is, in fact, going to be O.K."--The New York Times

"Reminiscent of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (better known in movie form as Love, Simon) and Angie Thomas' phenomenal The Hate U Give, the novel chronicles a politically aware teendom where microaggressions are as much an everyday obstacle as untamed acne and humdrum mall jobs. "--Entertainment Weekly

"This is the hilarious and heartbreaking story of Darius: a clinically-depressed, half-Persian lonely American teenage Trekkie who heads to Iran for the first time to meet his mom's family."--Cosmopolitan

"This is an incredible story of friendship, family, and identity that you absolutely won't regret reading."--BuzzFeed

"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

"I love this story, and the way it combines the bitter of adolescence with the sweet of friendship and family. Brewed together they make a beautiful, memorable book."--Laurie Halse Anderson, award-winning author of Speak

"From its deadpan Star Trek humor to its brilliant examination of mental health, Darius the Great is Not Okay is a supernova of heart and hope that's sure to become a classic."--Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin

"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

"Is your heart still full from reading Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda? Well, do we have the perfect book for you. Adib Khorram's Darius the Great Is Not Okay is a tender look into the life of Darius Kellner, a nerdy half-Persian teenager who's having difficulty finding his place in the world."--PopSugar

"Darius the Great Is Not Okay brings Iran alive, with sounds and smells and imagery, and you'll tearfully be rooting for Darius as he struggles with this mental health, identity, and his place in the world."--Bustle

"First-time author Khorram's coming-of-age novel brings to life the sight, sounds, smells, and tastes of [Iran] . . . as it shows how a boy who feels like an outcast at home finds himself and true friendship overseas."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"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."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Darius is a well-crafted, awkward but endearing character, and his cross-cultural story will inspire reflection about identity and belonging. Give this to fans of Adam Silvera and John Corey Whaley."--School Library Journal, starred review

"A refreshing bildungsroman and an admirable debut novel that will leave readers wanting more."--Booklist

"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