Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America - NEW REVIEW

Author: Firoozeh Dumas

The author of this memoir immigrated with her family in 1972 from Iran, when the US appeared a promised land of “smiling emplyees, clean bathrooms and clear signage.” The Iranian Revolution of 1979 changed many things for Firoozeh’s family. Nonetheless, Dumas’ memoir touches only in passing—and with a humorous flair—on the new discrimination and hard economic realities her family confronted in the wake of the Iranian hostage crisis. Dumas’ emphasis is rather on her colorful family and its hilariously awkward encounters with American culture. The main character of this memoir is Dumas’ father: an unflappable patriot of his country of choice, who feasts on free samples at the Price Club, trains for an ill-fated appearance on Bowling for Dollars, and ends up meeting Albert Einstein. This book is highly readable for young adults and showcases the role of humor in the process of accommodation between immigrants and their country of destination.

Year Released: 2004
Grades 8-12

Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America