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

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Summary: Review of Funny in Farsi
Review: If you ever wondered what it was like to grow up an immigrant in the United States, Funny in Farsi is a telling story of this experience. Firoozeh Dumas writes a candid account of growing up Persian in America. From her parents adjusting the customs and cultures of America, to the impacts of the hostage crisis on her life in the US, and her own growing up experiences with her family, she paints a picture of how humor helps get through all the tough times.
Although this book is about a Persian family in the US, it transcends culture barriers and tells the universal story of what it means to be an immigrant in the United States and the difficulties that it entails.
Dumas writes an honest account of her life that the reader can relate to. Her poignant language and truthful analysis of life makes this a book that you will not be able to put down.
This is a truly delightful book.

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Summary: Funny yet serious and informative
Review: I laughed, I cried, I just loved it. My wife's laughter kept waking me up in the middle of the night when she was reading it. We had never read a book that made us laugh so hard. But in all the humor there was a subtle serious message that came across clearly and makes you THINK and reflect. Kids love the book too. Both my 10 & 13 year olds and their friends have read it and had very similar reactions.

I can go on and on about how good this book is. Why don't you read it yourself and be the judge. I know you will love it too.

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Summary: Excellent!!
Review: A fabulous book!! You'll find yourself laughing out loud many, many times. It's heart-warming and touching and yet light-hearted. An absolute must-buy!

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Summary: From a fellow Iranian who grew up in America
Review: Funny in Farsi was a joy to read. It brought back many memories of my own youth as an Iranian growing up in America. The stories shared by Dumas made me laugh, cry, and reminisce about my own family. This book provides a fabulous and hilarious opportunity to learn about and appreciate Persian culture and values, regardless of one's own heritage. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun learning experience!

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Summary: A Very Funny Book For All Ages
Review: I am a sophomore in high school and read this book for you world literature project. the book was very enjoyable. Each story was very funny but also taught a lesson. I like reading the book a lot and highly recommend it for people of all ages. It's a heartfelt memoir wth a lot to teach.

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Summary: Funny in any Language
Review: Two thumbs up. Firoozeh grabs your hand and gives you a guided tour of the mishaps and challenges of a Persian girl who lands with her family in sunny Southern California. Led by a penny pinching, eccentric, angst-causing father (don't all fathers share those traits . . . and the photo at the end of the book gives you a splendid confirmation), a mother whose English is something slightly better than nonexistent and her own buoyant sense of humor, she survives the normal trauma of youth, post-Iranian revolution prejudice and her icy French in-laws with aplomb. Buy this book if you like to laugh but don't forget the punch line -- racial prejudice stinks.



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Summary: Delightfully funny and very real
Review: Firoozeh's book leaves you with a sweet smile on your face. Whether or not you identify with the stories and experiences that she shares, it yet portrays a very real life story and perspective that touches you, makes you laugh and at times, brings tears to eyes.

The way the stories are told embodies not only her life experiences, but it also opens a window to the possibility of learning new perspectives in life in a fashion that is non-judgmental and unlike a teacher's waving a wand that can be intimidating or shaming you for a certain behavior or thoughts.

She tells stories with a great humor and simple honesty. You can almost picture the settings that she describes without exhausting details. Having been born in Iran and having had a very similar experiences as she, I feared that my view on the book might be a tad partial, however; when talking to my American friends, it was refreshing to find that they could also draw similarities in their own lives and took as much pleasure from the book as I did.

I found her book endearing and highly recommend it to family, friends, and those who not only wish to be entertained by the humor that the book offers, but also they want to be educated about other human beings and cultures, better understand their views, perspective and beliefs; and to perhaps by doing so, enhance their own.


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Summary: my new favorite author!!
Review: I fell in love with this book...At times I laughed so hard I actually cried! I honestly could not put this book down...I started to read it last night & I just finished it (less than 24hrs it took me:) Ms. Dumas's writing is beautiful and she's so witty and FUNNY! I loved all her characters ..I think immigrants from ANY part of the world could relate to the stories. I highly recommend it to ANYONE and I'll make all my friends read it because I think that anyone who doesn't read this book is missing out! I can't wait to read Ms. Dumas' next book!!!

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Summary: a must read for all immigrants to any country
Review: ... the author has skillfully transformed her culture shock and her experiences in her new country in a positive and constructive manner. She has a wonderful sense of humor. A story that any immigrant can relate to.

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Summary: Someone please recommend another book this funny!
Review: This book has RUINED me for other books!
Honestly, there were points in the book that I was in pain from laughing so hard. My poor husband had to deal with me reading, "...just one more part..." to him, late into the night.
Though my grasp of Farsi is limited to greetings, as an Egyptian growing up in L.A. in the early 80s, I could not believe how wonderfully, comically, and sometimes poignantly F.D. captured my experience. Even my in-laws who hail from Uganda saw themselves in this book!
Whether you are an Easterner looking to find a story you can finally relate to (instead of always imagining that your name is Christie and your family came on the Mayflower) or someone who wants a glimpse into the life of "brown folks" (who are sometimes whiter than a fish's underbelly :)) this book is a must-read.
And to Dumas' father Kazim...if you are reading these reviews... you MADE the book!