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Darius doesn’t think he’ll ever be enough — in America or Iran. He’s bullied because of his name. He can’t seem to grasp the Farsi language like his younger sister can. He knows more about Star Trek and Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He has a passion for tea. And the only thing he and his dad connect over is their nightly tradition of watching Star Trek.
That’s normal. Right?
When Darius’ family receives news that his grandfather has a brain tumor and might not have long to live, he takes his first-ever trip to Iran to meet the family he never knew he had and grandparents he doesn’t really know.
It’s overwhelming. His Persian side of the family doesn’t understand his clinical depression, his dad seems to disapprove of everything he does and is, and he has absolutely no idea where he fits in. Until he meets Sohrab.
Sohrab, a neighborhood boy, surprisingly wants to be Darius’ friend. It doesn’t matter that Darius has absolutely no social life or any idea of what it’s like to have a close friend. All that matters is that suddenly Darius isn’t alone and someone isn’t judging Darius for his depression or his quirks and hobbies. With Sohrab, he feels like a true Persian. Like he’s important. Like it’s OK for Darius to be himself and to like himself for who he is.
Sohrab once told Darius that before they knew each other Darius’ place was empty. It’s true. Now, having Sohrab for a best friend, a part of Darius feels complete. He’s never felt more like himself than he does when they’re together, but when it’s time to go home to America, will he be able to find a way to be himself on his own?
Darius the Great Is Not Okay is a story featuring strong themes of self-discovery, family, friendship, grief, and depression. While I did not find it to a super fast-paced read, it was nice being able to follow a character who felt real and who struggled with everyday issues, like depression, that aren’t always addressed or are looked upon. Overall, the message is clear: It’s OK to be yourself. Respect who you are and don’t let the negative things said about you affect how you live or how you see yourself.
Rated: Moderate, for frequent sexual innuendos and references. A bully likes to use sexual references, vandalism, and nicknames to pick on Darius. Male body parts are referenced frequently (usually in regards to remembering two scenes: one involving the bully, one involving a humiliating group shower). There is talk of not being circumcised. Reference is made to racial and ethnic slurs. There is also some mild language, at least one instance of moderate language, a few uses of God’s name in vain, and four uses of the “s” word.
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