DigeeBooks

Zomorod (Cindy) Yousefzadeh is the new kid on the block...for the fourth time. California's Newport Beach is her family's latest perch, and she's determined to shuck her brainy loner persona and start afresh with a new Brady Bunch name - Cindy. It's the late 1970s, and fitting in becomes more difficult as Iran makes US headlines with protests, revolution, and finally the taking of American hostages. Even mood rings and puka shell necklaces can't distract Cindy from the anti-Iran sentiments that creep way too close to home.

A poignant yet lighthearted middle grade debut from the author of the best-selling Funny in Farsi.

In Firoozeh Dumas' captivating and humorous memoir, "It Ain't So Awful, Falafel," the author takes readers on a delightful journey through her childhood as an Iranian immigrant growing up in Southern California during the 1970s. With a keen eye for observation and a knack for storytelling, Dumas weaves together a rich tapestry of anecdotes and reflections that paint a vivid picture of her family's unique experiences in a new and unfamiliar land.

Dumas begins her narrative by introducing us to her family members, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks. We meet her resourceful and determined mother, her kind and hardworking father, and her mischievous and adventurous siblings. As she recounts their daily lives, Dumas captures the essence of their close-knit family bond and their unwavering resilience in the face of challenges.

With warmth and wit, Dumas vividly portrays the cultural differences and misunderstandings that arise as her family navigates their new home. From the hilarious mispronunciations and culinary mishaps to the awkward social interactions, she sheds light on the immigrant experience with both honesty and humor. Through these anecdotes, Dumas provides a nuanced perspective on the complexities of assimilation and the challenges of preserving one's cultural identity in a foreign land.

One of the highlights of the book is Dumas's portrayal of her father, a charismatic and unconventional man known for his love of poetry, music, and the occasional prank. Through her stories about him, Dumas pays tribute to the strength and resilience of immigrant parents who strive to provide a better life for their children, even when faced with adversity.

"It Ain't So Awful, Falafel" is not just a memoir but also a celebration of diversity and the power of human connection. Dumas's ability to find humor in the everyday and to share her family's experiences with such warmth and candor makes this book an uplifting and inspiring read. Whether you're an immigrant yourself or simply someone who appreciates a good story well told, "It Ain't So Awful, Falafel" is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.