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Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America
by Firoozeh Dumas (Author) Format: Paperback
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (2,753)
Book 1 of 2: Funny in Farsi
NEW YORK TIMESBESTSELLER - Finalist for the PEN/USA Award in Creative Nonfiction, the Thurber Prize for American Humor, and the Audie Award in Biography/Memoir
This Random House Reader's Circle edition includes a reading group guide and a conversation between Firoozeh Dumas and Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner!
"Remarkable . . . told with wry humor shorn of sentimentality . . . In the end, what sticks with the reader is an exuberant immigrant embrace of America."--San Francisco Chronicle
In 1972, when she was seven, Firoozeh Dumas and her family moved from Iran to Southern California, arriving with no firsthand knowledge of this country beyond her father's glowing memories of his graduate school years here. More family soon followed, and the clan has been here ever since.
Funny in Farsi chronicles the American journey of Dumas's wonderfully engaging family: her engineer father, a sweetly quixotic dreamer who first sought riches on Bowling for Dollars and in Las Vegas, and later lost his job during the Iranian revolution; her elegant mother, who never fully mastered English (nor cared to); her uncle, who combated the effects of American fast food with an army of miraculous American weight-loss gadgets; and Firoozeh herself, who as a girl changed her name to Julie, and who encountered a second wave of culture shock when she met and married a Frenchman, becoming part of a one-couple melting pot.
In a series of deftly drawn scenes, we watch the family grapple with American English (hot dogs and hush puppies?--a complete mystery), American traditions (Thanksgiving turkey?--an even greater mystery, since it tastes like nothing), and American culture (Firoozeh's parents laugh uproariously at Bob Hope on television, although they don't get the jokes even when she translates them into Farsi).
Above all, this is an unforgettable story of identity, discovery, and the power of family love. It is a book that will leave us all laughing--without an accent.
Praise for Funny in Farsi
"Heartfelt and hilarious--in any language."--Glamour
"A joyful success."--Newsday
"What's charming beyond the humor of this memoir is that it remains affectionate even in the weakest, most tenuous moments for the culture. It's the brilliance of true sophistication at work."--Los Angeles Times Book Review
"Often hilarious, always interesting . . . Like the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding, this book describes with humor the intersection and overlapping of two cultures."--The Providence Journal
"A humorous and introspective chronicle of a life filled with love--of family, country, and heritage."--Jimmy Carter
"Delightfully refreshing."--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"[Funny in Farsi] brings us closer to discovering what it means to be an American."--San Jose Mercury News
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Report an issue with this productReview
"Heartfelt and hilarious--in any language."--Glamour
"A joyful success."--Newsday
"Remarkable . . . told with wry humor shorn of sentimentality . . . In the end, what sticks with the reader is an exuberant immigrant embrace of America."--San Francisco Chronicle
"What's charming beyond the humor of this memoir is that it remains affectionate even in the weakest, most tenuous moments for the culture. It's the brilliance of true sophistication at work."--Los Angeles Times Book Review
"Often hilarious, always interesting . . . Like the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding, this book describes with humor the intersection and overlapping of two cultures."--The Providence Journal
"A humorous and introspective chronicle of a life filled with love--of family, country, and heritage."--Jimmy Carter
"Delightfully refreshing."--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"[Funny in Farsi] brings us closer to discovering what it means to be an American."--San Jose Mercury News
From the Back Cover
In 1972, when she was seven, Firoozeh Dumas and her family moved from Iran to Southern California, arriving with no firsthand knowledge of this country beyond her father's glowing memories of his graduate school years here. More family soon followed, and the clan has been here ever since.
Funny in Farsi chronicles the American journey of Dumas's wonderfully engaging family: her engineer father, a sweetly quixotic dreamer who first sought riches on Bowling for Dollars and in Las Vegas, and later lost his job during the Iranian revolution; her elegant mother, who never fully mastered English (nor cared to); her uncle, who combated the effects of American fast food with an army of miraculous American weight-loss gadgets; and Firoozeh herself, who as a girl changed her name to Julie, and who encountered a second wave of culture shock when she met and married a Frenchman, becoming part of a one-couple melting pot.
In a series of deftly drawn scenes, we watch the family grapple with American English (hot dogs and hush puppies?--a complete mystery), American traditions (Thanksgiving turkey?--an even greater mystery, since it tastes like nothing), and American culture (Firoozeh's parents laugh uproariously at Bob Hope on television, although they don't get the jokes even when she translates them into Farsi).
Above all, this is an unforgettable story of identity, discovery, and the power of family love. It is a book that will leave us all laughing--without an accent.
"From the Hardcover edition.
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Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in AmericaProduct details
ASIN : 0812968379
Publisher : Random House Trade
Publication date : 13 January 2004
Best Sellers Rank: 380,590 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)221 in Emigration & Immigration Studies (Books)
240 in Emigrants & Immigrants Biographies
4,409 in Biographies of Women (Books)
Customer Reviews:
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (2,753)
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From other countries
- NikimixkaReviewed in Spain on 10 August 2013
Muy divertido, me lo he leído 10 veces.
Super divertido, curioso e instructivo. Narra la historia de una niña Iraní que con 7 años emigra a Estados Unidos. Un país tremendamente idealizado por su padre, el cual les ha estado contando durante años todas sus hazañas en dicho país y encumbrando todas las costumbres de los Norteamericanos. Cuando llegan allí, el choque con la realidad y el desconocimiento del país les hace aprender a todos un nuevo concepto de país que pronto les irá cautivando, de una forma alegre y graciosa. - ArlenReviewed in the United States on 8 June 2026
Loved the book
As an Iranian Armenian who migrated to the US in 1977, not only did I love her experiences, but I can also relate to many of them. Highly recommend this book. Great short stories and very funny. - Sameer KumarReviewed in India on 21 June 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable
A light, breezy, thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended 😊👍 - cycammaxReviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 August 2011
Another Amazing Book.
I read this book a few years ago. It took me away to another world that my daily life in England had made me forget. I loved it so much that I missed it and read it again recently. An English friend read it too and said she went through many different emotions but she laughed more than anything else. She commented that it was an insight into the lives of Iranians, especially those who live away from home. I thought it was a good representation of where I come from. Again, well written and very easy to read. - TolyaReviewed in France on 7 February 2017
Not so funny even in Farsi
An iranian family comes to the USA without speaking a word of english.. and what a cultural clash it is ! It is written in a quite funny way.. but chapter after chapter it's a bit the same. I nearly didn't finish it because after some time it was just boriing and we don't learn more about iranain culture. - Jennifer AngelReviewed in Canada on 5 August 2025
A heartfelt thank-you for this beautiful and hilarious memoir
While working on my own memoir, A Home Far From Home, I was searching for Farsi or bilingual memoirs—and that’s how I found Funny in Farsi. What a gift it was! I laughed out loud so many times and also felt deeply moved. Your book reminded me of the life I once dreamed of—where my father would take us to a first-world country, something he had in mind but never followed through on. Reading about your father brought back so many memories. He reminded me so much of my own, and I couldn’t help but feel a deep longing. I miss him every day and wish he were alive to see how far I’ve come—he would have been so proud.
Beyond the humor, what touched me most was the warmth of your supportive family and the peace I felt in your tone. It’s clear that your strength and the love surrounding you helped shape a beautiful life. Thank you, Firoozeh, for sharing your story with such honesty, grace, and wit. I resonated with so many of the situations in your book. You’ve made a lasting impression on me—not just as a fellow writer, but as a reader who felt seen, uplifted, and connected through your words. - Rishikesh JoshiReviewed in India on 11 May 2018
Loveable
I stayed in Iran probably few decades later as compared to the period Ms Firoozeh has described. However one can relate to almost all things she has written. It is written in lighter vein but many chapters touch your heart. A good read indeed - foodycatReviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 June 2014
Warm and gentle
A warmly funny memoir of her life growing up as an Iranian immigrant to America, I found this a very pleasant read. Even the parts that had the potential to be quite painful were told with a kindness and generosity of spirit that I found really winning. - Suzanne BarkerReviewed in the United States on 9 December 2025
love a good Memoir
This was an enjoyable look at immigrant assimilation into America. Most often books on this subject are difficult and problematic. The author, instead, chooses to highlight the humorous side of her experiences. - VPSReviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 July 2017
Really good read
Really funny and very poignant for those of us who are of the same age and background as Firoozeh. Wholly recommended to readers of all nationalities. It's a very easy read.
- SchnigglefritzReviewed in Canada on 6 March 2020
A great read and a great ESL teaching tool!
This is a delightful book. In it an Iranian born girl recounts the story of her Persian family being transplanted into California in the 1950s. The language is simple but lyrical. The humour is non-stop!
I am reading this book with a young woman who has recently arrived in Canada from Iran and who wants to improve her English vocabulary. She is learning a lot and having fun in the process!
I had read the book years ago and am glad it came to mind when she asked for extra help! - Shahrzad AzimiReviewed in Germany on 19 July 2021
My kind of humor
I simply love this book. It showed me how every story can be told with some humor in it - ErenReviewed in the United States on 18 July 2014
Strongly recommended
Funny in Farsi. Firoozeh Dumas. New York: Random House, 2003. 198 pp.
Firoozeh Dumas arrived in America when his father was assigned to a two-year rotation as an engineer in the Iranian National Oil Company (INOC). After a brief return to her native country, she and her family settled in the US. Funny in Farsi is a humorous memoir recounting stories about her childhood in Iran and her adolescent and adult life in her adopted country.
The book is composed of short stories, often involving her father and mother and members of her extended family and with funny twists that take place in awkward situations. Dumas was seven years old when she first arrived in America. Her father had obtained her Masters degree in the US as a Fulbright scholar and worked for INOC in the town of Abadan in Iran. Upon arrival in California, he joyfully volunteered to be his family’s interpreter as they prepared to make the most out of this two-year assignment. He was very fast taken over by Dumas in this effort as his English proved to be limited to engineering phrases added upon the difficulties of his thick accent.
The stories almost never follow a chronological order and in some of them, Dumas jumps from school years to her marriage and back to her years in Iran. However, I found this jumping around in time to be intellectually very stimulating as I wondered in each story what missing piece would fall into place in the puzzle called Dumas’s life.
Over time, many of her extended family arrived in the US and settled within a half-an-hour-drive radius of where they live. The list includes her father’s sister, several of her uncles and their grown-up children. After the Iranian Revolution, the family started feeling the weight of quick labeling. Dumas and her family were vilified and sometimes faced direct hostility not only from strangers but also from previously friendly people. She makes it clear that the experience of the whole Iranian-American community was similar.
After completing high school, Dumas studied humanities in UC Berkeley where she met her husband, a Frenchman. This added another interesting dimension as the rejection by her husband’s family contrasted sharply with the crowded meetings and close encounters with her own extended family.
The book tells nice stories about how American culture is viewed by someone who recently arrived to the country. Hers are told with a specific angle, which is her native culture. This brings me to the added bonus of this book. Through these stories, we also get a good dose of introduction to the main characteristics of the Iranian culture. I found these characteristics quite interesting and sometimes downright fascinating.
Her stories are hilarious, but not forced or exaggerated. They are sprinkled with short witty observations about peculiarities of both of these cultures. I turned the pages with anticipation and enjoyed the fact that most stories ended with a clever reference to an earlier off-hand remark inside the story. I enjoyed very much the light hearted comparisons between American and Iranian cultures and how Dumas presented having both as a gift. On the other hand, I thought she could be more forthcoming in talking around the Iranian Revolution and the decisions her family had to make at that time.
I strongly recommend this book for all audiences, especially young adults who would benefit from the Dumas’s viewpoints on discrimination, prejudice and stereotyping. Challenges faced by immigrants can be enormous. This book avoids dramatizing these challenges and presents in a narrative that is at times humorous and always flows easily. - Rodin GReviewed in India on 11 February 2020
Very Bad Delivery by Amazon
Very Bad Delivery by Amazon. Book is Great. - Ruth Ann RiegelReviewed in the United States on 15 February 2026
Hilarious and Insightful!
I adored this book! Firoozeh Dumas’s recounting of her experiences growing up in California engaged me from start to finish, and I laughed out loud throughout my very enjoyable reading of her memoir! In fact, I devoured it as I simply didn’t want to put it down. She has such an intelligent and insightful commentary on human nature, and I love her droll sense of humor! I am recommending this book to all of my friends. - Greenfingers888Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 July 2017
Five Stars
Brilliant and funny - Elika ZamaniReviewed in Canada on 11 March 2024
So funny
The funniest book I've ever read! - get3Reviewed in Germany on 11 July 2014
wunderbar lustig und berührend zugleich
Die Geschichte einer iranischen Einwanderfamilie in Amerika aus der Sicht der Tochter. Mit viel Witz und Herzlichkeit wird der neue Alltag der Familie beschrieben, wobei die Autorin es versteht, nie die Grenze zum Spott hin zu überschreiten. Ihre Liebe für ihre Familie mit all ihren Unzulänglichkeiten und ihrem Ungeschick kommt immer durch. Viel zu lachen. - Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United States on 5 July 2010
Not really a memoir, more like a stand-up comedy with immigrant theme
The book leaves almost the same taste as successful stand up comedies based on immigrant lives, like Russel Peters or Maz Jobrani shows. Most stories are excerpts of the life of an immigrant family confronting new situations in a comic way: Reaction to freebies and marketing, language problems in a restaurant, relationship with extended families, constant comparisons of everything (like prices) with homeland, etc.
The striking aspect of this book is Firoozeh's honesty in talking about her family and friends. At some times, Firoozeh's picky contempt for people's around her seems like an imitation of TMZ, mean and candid about real people for the sake of being funny. This funniness sometimes leaves a bitter taste afterwards; like the image depicted of Mr Jazayeri (the father), this hard working man full of dreams leading to his immigration. I felt a punch in my stomach when Mr Jazayeri tells "OK, if it is important for the book" when asks Firoozeh about his discomfort with the "America the Land of Free" chapter.
Her bitter criticism of things like plastic surgery, or beauty pageant, her uncles comment on using her maiden family name (she says the reason behind her uncle's comment is marketing for his son's plastic surgery practice), or uncle Neamatollah marriages, can only be digested if one treats the stories as episodes of a stand-up comedy. The problem is though, the book is about real people with real names. This reality makes helps the funny aspect of the book, but makes the reader wonder and sometimes uncomfortable about the reactions of the characters in the story. I guess even Firoozeh seems worried sometimes, for example when talking about reuniting with her in-laws. Some members of the family though are treated differently in the book than others. The father is the most picked upon, while there are not really any fun made of Francis, or Sean (Farshid) (except that Firoozeh complains that every decision in their family's been first consulted with Sean).
It's a good read if you look for something funny. - samiraReviewed in Germany on 28 September 2020
Nice book
Funny in all languages ;)
- MaryamReviewed in Canada on 22 May 2016
The best book you can find to describe the problems of ...
The best book you can find to describe the problems of immigrant kids grown up in a culture whole lot different from their parents, though in a funny way. You will have big smiles while reading it. - Pjpm46Reviewed in the United States on 21 February 2026
Well Worth Reading
This book is a wonderful blend of humor and insights into human nature--and cultural differences. I laughed out loud many times, but also came away with great appreciation for Iranian loyalty to family and their vibrant relationships. - Daniel ChowReviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 March 2017
Good, easy read
Easy to read, great insight into Iranian immigrant culture. Light-hearted, great read. - stzReviewed in the United States on 15 July 2014
I found this extremely funny, but partially because my husband's family comes from ...
I found this extremely funny, but partially because my husband's family comes from Iran (Jewish Iranians) and so much of it rang true - like the author's father's (my husband's) aversion to restaurants. I laughed out loud quite a lot as a read it. All in all a nice read showing a lot of the trials and tribulations of immigration to America in a humorous way and also a very nice tribute to America.
The only thing that I didn't like is Dumas' attitude toward her mother. Dumas feels so superior to her mother, sometimes coming close to contempt. "I had regarded my mother as a mere source of entertainment. This was a woman whose English required translation to English..." Dumas is far more sympathetic toward her aunt, who had never had an opportunity to learn, than towards her own mother.
Later in the book, she says that her mother asked her if she had included in the book the fact that she had never left her with a babysitter, how she always made sure to be there when her children came home from school. Dumas adds that "none of the above made it into the book." Why not? What's wrong with a little praise for a mother who devoted herself to raising her children. and why "mock her accent?" Isn't mocking a person's accent a rather ugly thing to do? Why is it acceptable when one is mocking one's own mother?
The treatment of her mother lost her a star in my review. - Lisa M.Reviewed in Canada on 23 October 2015
Pretty sure I regifted it.
It was OK. Wasn't rolling around in laughter. I remember liking it but pretty sure I regifted it. - secret writerReviewed in Canada on 17 January 2014
A must read
As an immigrant myself, I thought here comments about how immigrants are perceived interesting. The last chapter where she compares education in pre-revolutionary Iran to education in the States is enlightning and should be a must read for anybody involved in education - Seattle GirlReviewed in the United States on 27 April 2026
Timeless Gem
A delightful read! I laughed out loud many times, but also learned something about Iran and its culture. The biggest lesson, however, is what an asset you have when your sense of humor is terrific! - Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 January 2016
there are the kind of stories that you might tell your friends and family and also the language used by the writer is very primi
I was looking forward to reading this book as I am also an Iranian ex pat living in UK and I thought that I could relate to this book. Firstly this is not a memoir: it is a very short book which consists of little anecdotes that do not flow.
The story is not told in a fluid, linear manner and even if we allow that the stories that the writer ( F.D) tells are not that amusing or unique to be published, there are the kind of stories that you might tell your friends and family and also the language used by the writer is very primitive and basically the book reads like a middle school student wrote it. Can anybody publish a book ?
I believe that F.D has targeted Western, especially American, readers as she follows in the footsteps of similar books written by Iranian female ex pats: e.g. Reading Lolita in Tehran , and Lipstick Jihad. In these books writers provide their readers with what they want to hear/read about poor put upon Moslem/ Middle Eastern women who do not have access to education, freedoms etc. until they arrive in US. furthermore M.D applies her own family's idiosyncrasies to the whole population of Iran: In one chapter she tells us that her mother like all the women of her generation from Iran was not educated, to counteract this I can follow the writer's example and perhaps point out that my mother who was born in a small village in the early 1930s and her 5 female siblings all went to universities and worked as doctors, teachers, headmistresses until retirement. It seems a very basic point but surely you can bot apply from one example i.e. your mother to the whole country which has a population of 80 million people! There are many such generalisations throughout the book; Iranian women don't drive (!), Iranian children do not learn to swim, etc..
I can only guess that the writer in pursuit of recognition and monetary success has succumbed to the stereotypes and wishes of her supposed target group of readers. Or it could be that some Iranian middle classes in order to assimilate with the host country try too hard and end up being self hating as I note that she mentions that her children do not speak Farsi/Persian as she does not have family nearby? However did she not tell us that most of her extended family have emigrated to US and she dos live in California which has a ??? Iranian population.
Finally I believe that it is very sad that the writer constantly pokes fun at her parents for being Iranian, her mother does not speak English well. Could I ask F.D. how many American women of her mother's age (The writer is about 50 years old so I guess that her parents are in their 70s to 80s) speak French, German or Spanish? F.D.'s mother has done very well to emigrate at her her age to such a foreign land and adjust so well. I think that the writer abuses her parents' kindness, nativity to make them butt of all her jokes and I suppose make some money also.
In times of difficulties with so many people living outside of their country the so called memoirs should be kind hearted and evocative of the lives lost or left behind and the the kind, self-sacrificing Iranian parents should be celebrated.
I am also further dismayed that the writer purports that her book is being studied at American High schools; Frankly I can not see what benefit this simple, not well written book would have. I am now left with this disappointing paperback that I paid about £10 for that offends me to add it to my book collection and I won't even be able to sell it for a pound at the forthcoming car boot sale!! - D.H.Reviewed in the United States on 4 June 2026
Be prepared to literally laugh out loud.
My favorite autobiography. - GeoDebReviewed in the United States on 23 May 2024
Excellent Multicultural book
I loved learning about the Iranian culture from someone who was born there. I loved the author's many stories. I did not like the bouncing around from adulthood to Childhood to teenage and Back Again.
This is the second time I have read this book, I heard about it about 10 years ago during an education conference. So I actually used the section of it when she was in second grade and the kids didn't really understand that it was Iran and not I ran. I was teaching World Geography online to 7th and 8th graders and I thought it was a great introduction to how we sometimes make wrong assumptions about people from other countries. I don't know if any of the students actually went and read the book after that but I would like to hope so.
I just finished reading her laughing without an accent so I wanted to go back and reread this one. I love both of them I think it's a great book for anywhere from fourth grade and above. I actually think a lot of people should read it in the present time because of all of the problems between all the countries in the Middle East right now. Please find out that people are different than governments.
- Persian PoetessReviewed in the United States on 1 September 2010
Hilarious and Heartwarming!
Firoozeh Dumas' side splitting vignettes not only left me laughing to the point of tears but actually got me to shed some tears of another kind entirely. While the majority of her memoirs are doused with copious amounts of hilarity, there are those small serious moments that truly hit the heart. Much of her tales regarding her father's Fullbright Scholarship experience and some of the hardships her family faced as Iranians in today's America made me relate to her on a truly empathetical level. However, do not allow this sentiment to make you believe that her memoir is meant to be your immigration sob story or the intrepid trials and tribulations of a foreigner...it is something much more than this!
The best way to describe the style of her book is to compare it to a swapping of past experiences at a family gathering and hoarsely attempting to tell them as the laughter in the room builds. As funny as her stories are regarding the zanny antics of her parents, it is more refreshing to see that Firoozeh herself is willing to take a few punches. This genuine humility that she shows allows us to laugh WITH her rather than laugh AT her. The same could be applied to her beautiful but at times bumbling parents.
It is within the sweet and simple morals that her stories convey where Firoozeh really shines. This is especially present in chapters like "The Ham Amendment" in which the nature of practicing one's faith is examined in both an introspective and endearing way. Ultimately I think "Funny in Farsi" is meant to be what is funny about us all. There is bound to be one story or other that regardless of what walk of life you come from you will find yourself nodding along with and giggling through. - Dell Anne Hines AfzalReviewed in the United States on 17 July 2014
I'M A SOUTHERN GAL MARRIED TO AN IRANIAN---THIS REALLY STRUCK A NERVE BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, MY FUNNY BONE!!!!
I have not laughed so hard in a very,very, VERY long time. I can totally relate to this author, however my connection is that I am a Southern gal MARRIED to an Iranian and totally understand the author's comments and sentiments. My husband has shared many of the aunts, uncles, cousins, mamas and papas of the region and I have MET many of the same characters from the author's memories. (I heartily believe the names of my own husband's relatives were changed for the sake of Mrs. Dumas' story lines!) I have witnessed the joy, love and acceptance of my own people here in America toward Iranians and have also witnessed the prejudices, hardships and hatred as well over the course of our lives together. We have raised two children and two grandchildren here in the deep south and many occasions when we meet new individuals interested in his/our heritage, the first question arises "just where IS your country?" my husband in his own wit and humor will many times reply "just a little north of Jacksonville..." Many can't believe a Southern Baptist and a Moslem could share any similarities whatsoever. We are absolute proof we can and do coexist...actually quite well I might add since we've been married 42 years now. I am many times sought out from those interested to explain MY experiences with the culture and I am only too proud and glad to share. I commend Mrs. Dumas on documenting her memories.
I have been blessed to have my own memories documented in print and have found it quite rewarding as well. Many greetings to a new relation and countrywoman!!! Blessings to you my friend and I send many prayers for your continued success! - Andy OReviewed in the United States on 8 September 2005
Hi Kazem...your daughter is at 16,850 this morning
"Funny in Farsi" is a brilliant and deceptively deep collection of short essays by Iranian-American Firoozeh Dumas (nee Jazayeri). I liken it to one of my favorite books, "Cuban Diaries" by Isadora Tattlin in that its triumph is in describing day-to-day activities which are, at first, seemingly prosaic but fascinating upon inspection. Author Dumas actually makes light of her approach noting that some of her first book proposals were rejected because of something along the lines of "your work doesn't depict the struggle of Iranian women to express their political views." Ummm, that's definitely not the intent here. "Funny in Farsi" is instead the interesting tale of one family's struggle to fit into US life while maintaining a sense of their national identity.
A recommendation: Make sure you get the paperback edition, which includes a very neat epilogue discussing the success of the hardback and Dumas' parents' reaction to it, which is alone worth the price of the book. There's a hilarious account of Dumas' Dad's monitoring of the book's sales rank on "Amahzone" (sample quote: "Yesterday at ten in the morning, it was 46,789. Today at ten, it's 42,857. It's going crazy!") Daughter Firoozeh's take is that her father "now has a small notebook filled with what is possibly the world's most useless information."
Well, Kazem: your daughter is at 16,850 this morning. How about that? It was fascinating reading about you. Your integrity and character (and that of your wife's) shine through every page of your daughter's book. We are lucky and privileged to have you and your family here in this country. - Jessie1993Reviewed in the United States on 29 July 2013
Great reading!
Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America is a genuine and amusing memoir of Firoozeh Dumas life as an Iranian American growing up in America in the 1970s. Dumas was born in Abadan, Iran and when she was seven she moved to Whittier, California with her family. After a few years, she returned to Iran, but then immigrated back to America. In 2003, Random House published her memoir and it became a bestseller. Dumas life is filled with struggles of prejudice and discrimination as well as love from her family. Her experiences, negative and positive, shape her identity and self-discovery. Dumas humor and easy talks makes her easy to relate to whether you are an immigrant or not. The numerous experience Dumas endures in America as an Iranian immigrant lead her to realize what is really important in life.
Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America is a memoir that teaches the reader the importance of love and family. Although, Firoozeh faced discrimination in America, she was still able to find happiness and make the best of her situation. As an immigrant, I found myself relating to a lot of aspects of Firoozeh's life, such as being a translator to the parents. The memoir is entertaining and fresh because of the variety of stories and the humor that is incorporated. Children and adults will find this memoir an enjoyable and memorable story that will stay with you long after the book is over. I would definitely recommend Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America by Firoozeh Dumas. - K. S.Reviewed in the United States on 24 June 2018
I really enjoyed this funny book.
Believe it or not I actually saw this book or a passage from this book from a text book in English. The passage was about her name which was considered "weird" by Americans around her at the time. But the way it was presented was laughable and I just had to read it. This writer really should be a comedian she presents these stories of racism and struggle as funny and sometimes so sarcastically that I couldn't stop laughing out loud. While their many books similar to hers many of them lack one thing, comedy. There are many people who could proably write about their encounters with racism or sexism but many of them are written in s way that makes them sound depressing and as if there was no hope. But this writer presents it with comedy as if to laugh at these stupid events but at the same time not over looking the issue of race or ignorance. I highly recommend this book, I like this books approach about controversial subjects to some and I give it 5 stars. Thank you for reading this review. - Robbin CloseReviewed in the United States on 11 September 2010
Funny In Farsi
Loved the book and yes it is really funny! I learned a lot about Persian family life that has nothing to do with all of the terrorism and what is always in the news about Iran....just up close and personal but told in a funny way, not sarcastic, just laugh out loud funny and much appreciated. The author makes comparisons between American family life and Persian family life. For example, Americans go on trips for an experience and to see new places while Persian families go to visit relatives and can end up sleeping on the floor because there are so many people in the house. They still have good times together. It is a first person account of a young person coming to live in America at about the age of 9. She later marries a French man, a Catholic and his mother disowns them because the author is Muslim. This happens in the best families, age old prejudices live on. After this book was published, however, his mother started to see them but won't talk about the split. It is light and good to read in bed, won't keep you up.... - DonnaEllisReviewed in the United States on 4 May 2017
I NEED a Firoozeh in My Life for Humor and Stability! Write on, Dear Friend! I'm Waiting for Your Next Book!
I ADORED this book! I had already read "Laughing Without an Accent" and loved that book, and knew that if ever another book by Firoozeh ever came up, I would devour it, and certainly this one was devoured by me. She is a person I would love to know personally. I know we would just get along so well. I love her sense of humor, and we would just laugh until we cry...We all have similar things in our lives if we look at them. This is one of those books where you begin to read more slowly because you know it is going to end, and you don't want it to. I will even go back to re-read, Laughing Without an Accent because it has GREATNESS in it, especially what she told those graduates at the end. I will never forget that part. She has a great deal of wisdom to impart amidst her great humor. I actually LOVE Firoozeh, and I so wish she was my personal friend. We all NEED a Firoozeh in our lives.....at least I do. - J.C. HagerReviewed in the United States on 16 September 2013
Funny . . . Indeed !
I read this book a long time ago, and although I do not remember the details, I do recall laughing out loud and sending a copy to all my Iranian friends. The details of the author's immigrant life may seem stale or no longer novel, as more people are now familiar with the challenges that all immigrants face. However, it is Dumas' writing and humor that makes her book unique and often hilarious.
As an immigrant from Iran who came to this country long before the revolution, I had no choice but to adapt rapidly to both the language and the American culture, which left me isolated, but without a discernable accent. The immigrants, who arrived after the revolution, have kept within their own enclave and maintained their culture; and thus has emerged a variety of Farsi/English dialects that correspond to the many different local Iranian dialects. These nuances, albeit familiar and endearing to the Iranian ears, nonetheless lend themselves to a rather hilarious interpretation. - Yasaman S.Reviewed in the United States on 9 January 2005
Delightfully funny and very real
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. - gsiReviewed in the United States on 12 August 2020
Amazing, diverse, informative book
Funny in Farsi is a story of an American born Persian whose life is like a roller coaster with all the struggles of being a Persian in America. Firoozeh Dumas tells her story; about the struggle of her growing up in the US with a persian family. She describes this experience in a very unique way, making the reader relate and laugh in almost every paragraph. Dumas wrote this book, including many wonderful comparisons to "famous American situations." These humorous comparisons throughout the book help readers understand Firoozeh’s situations regarding her Iranian culture. Firoozeh and her family come to the States before the Iran revolution crisis but later on in the book she shows how even after that crisis they are treated differently. Firoozeh's book helped me, and hopefully, others, understand that when moving to a new country you lose some things from your old country and gain new things from the new country.
- OlgaReviewed in the United States on 11 August 2024
Funny and delightful
If you need a good laugh (and who doesn’t these days?), this is a great read. It is so funny and delightful; I laughed until my belly hurt in every chapter and so did my husband and our kids when I shared a few chapters with them as I was reading it. I absolutely LOVED it. Impossible to put down and the funniest book I ever read. - sciereenReviewed in the United States on 25 March 2024
delightful and uplifting read
This read will leave you smiling long after you've turned the final page. With its blend of humor, warmth, and wisdom, it is a testament to the power of laughter to bridge divides and unite us all in our shared humanity. Whether you're in need of a good laugh or simply seeking a heartwarming story, Funny in Farsi is sure to delight and inspire.
My cat loves the book too! ~^.^~ - DreaReviewed in the United States on 6 September 2025
BUY!
Came in good condition - adrianneReviewed in the United States on 27 June 2022
Lighthearted funny vignettes. .perfect for the times!
I absolutely LOVED this book. Being of Middle Eastern ethnicity, I could relate to her stories about her parents and the cultural differences she experienced growing up in the United States in a strict ethnic family. Her stories were laugh out loud funny. I would find myself stopping and reading parts of it to my husband, a WASP, who remembered being puzzled with some of the traditions when he met my parents when we were dating 53 yrs ago. She writes so well, and it is the perfect book to take on vacation when you want to spend some carefree time reading. I bought twenty copies and gave them as gifts to my friends. - Samira F.Reviewed in the United States on 29 January 2022
Absolutely Loved It!
Though I was born in the states and only one of my parents is Persian I could relate to this book in so many ways. It also makes me very appreciative to the Persians that came before and right after the revolution. The hostility is still around but nothing like what they experienced (my father having experienced it as well). I think any Persian (half or full) should read this book, I promise you’ll be able to relate and even learn somethings. It’s made me feel happy as my partner is Orthodox Catholic and her husband was Catholic and they created a loving marriage with children. It’s nice to see that! Thank you for the lovely book! ❤️ - RYCJReviewed in the United States on 24 February 2010
Pucker Up for a Gourmet Memoir!
This witty memoir is the perfect `pick me up' prescription. The writing is refreshing, clean, and interestingly upbeat. The humor above all of course, absolutely carries this memoir, so much so that I found the hurdling back and forth over events a smooth blend of perspectives.
From California 1972, to E-ron (did I pronounce Iran right?), back to California 1972 and then California 1976, to the one day in college, then the time when Kazem first came to America, and then mention of Dumas's children and celebrating Christmas, and back to the wedding...man, Funny in Farsi must be read to experience Dumas's delicate blend of sarcasm and humor, and how she smoothly uses it to pull this nebulous mix together. Gourmet style I'll tell you... like the way her family prepared meals when they were in Iran. (On a side note: One of the biggest universal teases I know of in American culture and that's the teasing about one's name.)
Beautiful, and delectably tasty. - SethRichReviewed in the United States on 10 February 2015
Fun and enlightening
"Funny in Farsi" is a collection of chronological anecdotes, often very amusing, about the author, her family, and their transition to life in America.
Bicycle touring accounts often mention the incredible hospitality of the Iranian people. This book gives an inside view of one extended family. They make Italians look like aloof anorectics. Too many of us equate Iran and the people who live, or come from, there with anti-Americanism and even terrorism. This book is a fun way to learn how wrong that stereotype actually is.
Anyway, I enjoyed this light read, and learned a good deal from it. (Did you know that Iranians are to family relationships as Eskimos are to snowflakes? They have like a dozen words for "cousin"!) There are discussion questions at the end of the book, so it could certainly work as a book club selection, as well as an enjoyable personal read. - Observer OneReviewed in the United States on 10 May 2017
Too Funny for Words
Laughed out loud reading this while very ill and experiencing many simultaneous crises so it's gotta be funny. The ability to laugh instead of rage is a delightful trait of comedians and Firoozeh Dumas has the humility, the wit, the eye and the vocabulary to paint comedy from life challenges. Her skewed perspective is funny beyond belief. She can simultaneously describe the strange behaviors of her father while obviously loving, admiring, and respecting him. Isn't that the best of family? To see family's quirks as adorable is to forgive in advance and to save the shreds of dignity left to each. In a fraught time to be able to laugh at the divine comedy of refugees experiencing the fish-out-of-water changes is a laudable feat. Her writing skill is superb, her eye is for comedy is raucous, and her self-deprecating humor is empathetic while being sharp. Too funny for words! - Judith AltmanReviewed in the United States on 19 December 2024
a necessary dash of humor
Life without a dash of humor is unpalatable! Dumas is an excellent writer with a gift to view life with humor and make you laugh. Highly recommended attitude to life and its challenges. - lauraReviewed in the United States on 20 June 2023
It was good
I felt like this had a lot of the same stories as it ain't so awful falafel, however the falafel book was more engaging than this one. I still liked this one though. I love memoires, and i love books about life in other countries.
- AngelaReviewed in the United States on 14 July 2014
This could have been my life!
Although I came from a different continent, Mrs. Dumas' stories could have been mine. From not knowing Santa, to school being for work only, to my father being one of the original feminists insisting on women's education. I even translated for my mom for years, despite her having perfect English. Mrs. Dumas capably combines regular teen angst with the angst of being REALLY different.
The book was well-written and very well-edited. (I love that!!!). It is a fun, light-hearted look at growing up "different" in America. No one is a bad guy in this book. (Except for the small-minded types who live everywhere). I like when an author just tells a story with no axe to grind. Mrs. Dumas has achieved this ability deftly and sweetly.
I wish I could go to her family get-togethers! Although I'm really different, I bet I'd fit in. - Gabriella WReviewed in the United States on 13 November 2012
Required reading that became required reading!
I can echo many of the wonderful comments already made about this delightful memoir. My two cents here-- this was a required reading for a class I was taking, so I didn't begin the book with the best mindset. I hadn't chosen it myself. Essentially it was forced upon me, right? :)
But, I really enjoyed it. The author has a great talent of putting you "there," right in her skin as she goes through what is already a difficult time-- adolescence-- coupled with a culture shock that you would have to experience to truly understand.
And written this well, I can *almost* understand how hard that must be.
Enjoyed! - Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United States on 23 May 2025
Perfect
way cheaper than buying from school bookstore! - Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United States on 21 April 2017
This book is a charm
I truly enjoyed this book and it was just what I had been looking for. Some books are good but they are serious. This one was just plain fun to read and she has a wonderful knack in the way she makes comparisons. She also talks about her parents and their idiosyncrasies but at the same time you know she really loves them. They come to to the States before the Iran contra crisis but later on also after that crisis and she shows how they are treated differently. Any immigrant walks a line between their past in their native country and the new country. Hopefully this will help some people understand that when moving to a new country you lose some things from your old country and gain new things from the new country. - J. BengelReviewed in the United States on 8 October 2004
A great story, and a great storyteller
On the surface a white, American-born man from North Carolina would have nothing in common with an Iranian-born immigrant living in Southern California. Why then, does Firoozeh Dumas' memoir resonate with me?
Perhaps it's because her experiences parallel my own. Or perhaps it's simply because underneath the outward differences, we all really have far more in common than not.
That's the deeper meaning you can derive from "Funny in Farsi". But even if the underlying message temporarily eludes you, the narrative will entertain you. Dumas' recollections of growing up in a working-class family are woven together like one of the elaborate tapestries of her homeland. And all with a humour that is at once gentle and pointed. You can't read about her uncles without being reminded of one of your own. This is what makes the book so compelling. Regardless of where you come from, you will be able to recognize at least one member of your own family in these stories.
And you'll laugh a lot in the process. - BuysbratsReviewed in the United States on 26 June 2013
Should have been titled 'My Farsi Father'
One would assume that choosing the title the author/publisher did, the book should have been funny and about the immigrant experience. Sadly it is neither - the laugh out loud bits are about as abundant as restaurants serving bacon and baby back ribs in Riyadh. What you get instead is a light hearted caricature of the author's father, going into his follies and foibles in depth. Having emigrated at the age of 7, the author does not herself have a significant degree of culture shock personally. And California is hardly the place to complain about with respect to settling in. The author narrates how the Iranian diaspora has adapted to the American lifestyle, while preserving key aspects of their tradition. The book is more than a little self-indulgent, and quite often the the author comes across as bitter in her observations. That said, the book has a nice flow and is an easy read for all ages.
In terms of gaining an insight into Iranian life, Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel 'Persepolis' does a infinitely better job of portraying the challenges of Iranian life and the spirit if those not willing to surrender to the mullahs. Anurag Mathur's 'Inscrutable Americans' was far more humorous (if a tad crude, but hey i was a dozen years younger when i read and enjoyed it quite a bit). - Kilian85710Reviewed in the United States on 24 September 2017
Four stars
This woman is funny in any language, and it's a good thing she is. Instead of whining about the terrible things that have happened to her and her family, she chooses to see the humorous side of things. I suspect she does her grieving in private, covering it with light-hearted recollections of her time in America and trips back to Iran. The result is a completely amusing account of her attempts to adjust to a new culture, a new language, and a new society, while coping with her family (especially her father), and extensive relatives. - MarkReviewed in the United States on 20 April 2014
An enjoyable humorous memoir
This memoir is a series of mostly humorous vignettes about growing up Iranian in America. It's about the author herself, her parents (especially her father), her extended family, and later her husband. While not laugh-out-loud funny, I smiled a lot, and was touched at times, too. Many of her stories could be about anyone growing up; most had to do with her unique experience dealing with her Iranian heritage. Humor is the thread that holds this together, but I also enjoyed the insights into her special experiences and challenges that resulted from being Iranian. She expertly weaves the humor with the heart. - Amazon Customer in MassachusettsReviewed in the United States on 15 January 2023
Funniest book I’ve ever read
This is a hilarious book by my new favorite author. Tears streamed down my face in each chapter. I broke a full body sweat laughing. She has a beautiful command of the English language and a superb storytelling style. I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. I buy copies to give to my friends. I hope she writes a lot more. Very highly recommended. - Matthew GarciaReviewed in the United States on 2 May 2022
Amusing look at US
A sometimes eye-opening and almost always amusing look at the clamor ensuing the collision of the author's Iranian culture/ upbringing and life in the United States.
I got a bit tired of her voice towards the end, but that's a me thing, and I foresee myself eventually purchasing the sequel.
- gReviewed in the United States on 10 May 2017
Funny\ and insightful
I found myself smiling and laughing as I read this on the plane. I hate flying and I hate the seats because they hurt my back but this book really got me through a long flight. I tried reading other books that didn't hold my interest before I switched to this one. I wish I had started this one first. I was almost --not quite-- sorry when it was time to land and I had to stop reading.
I read this on my phone and, although I don't usually read on my phone, I thought the layout of this was fine.
Firoozeh is a very good writer and I'm looking forward to reading her next book. - L.T.W.Reviewed in the United States on 2 June 2010
I couldn't stop laughing
As an Iranian immigrant myself, who came to this country when I was 12, I could completely relate to Firooze's experience. I had many of the same experiences. To some it may seem like cliché but to those of us living through it, it was not a cliché, it was a repeat experience because when you mix the same ingredients using the same formula, you are bound to get the same experience. So of course it's similar to the stories of thousands of other Iranians. We all experienced the same conditions. The writing was very clear and concise. It was a fast read and I simply could not stop laughing. A definite must read. - LindaReviewed in the United States on 4 January 2025
It came quickly.
I enjoyed the humor in the book and the message about being “different”. - DReviewed in the United States on 11 August 2014
Good book, more aptly described as a collection of essays.
I enjoyed the book and her writing style. She and her family moved quite often from Iran to the U.S. and sometimes I felt like it was not clear at what stage was what. It just felt a little jerky - but she describes her finely honed ability in her youth to be able to submit great essays and so that "essay" quality is probably what best describes each chapter. Each chapter actually is a lovely self-contained essay. I'd probably have gotten it from the library rather than purchasing it. - Denise SchieraReviewed in the United States on 12 March 2021
Funny & Relateable
This book is perfect for the child of immigrants. Many of her stories will resonate with those who grew up as first generation Americans. I started laughing out loud in a few instances as I could relate to trying to adopt to American customs when your parents are different than the rest of your friends’ parents. - NoushinReviewed in the United States on 1 August 2024
I enjoyed my time reading this book
Smooth narrative with a nice sense of humor shedding light on life of an immigrant in context of time … - lydiadeetzReviewed in the United States on 11 September 2005
Fantastic!
Wow! This book was wonderful. It's rare to find a book that makes you laugh out loud, and provides characters that are so full of depth. Although, I guess since it's a memoir, maybe they're not considered "characters"? The parts where the book turned a little serious were just as entertaining, and very heartfelt.
As a first generation American (though not Iranian), maybe I was able to relate more to this book than others, and that's why it made such an impression on me? However, I'd guess that anyone from anywhere can appreciate Dumas' story and sense of humor.
It's a very quick read, and each story can almost just be read independently - yet, they weave together such a great story. Of course, once I read the first few stories, I didn't want to put the book down, so it didn't matter. - Reyna GReviewed in the United States on 20 July 2022
Printing is wrong
Page 141 the chapters restart from the wedding and the book does not include the after word chapter stated in the table of contents. Overall the book is good but there was definitely something wrong with the printing of the book. - Art LoverReviewed in the United States on 10 July 2024
Sweet and humanitarian
Very valuable. Thanks for bridging this gap by highlighting universal human nature as well as particular aspects of Iranian culture. - Mom of TeenagerReviewed in the United States on 12 December 2012
This book cracked me up
This is not a book that is going to leave you thinking about the meaning of life but you will give you many chuckles along the way. We wanted something a little light for our December book club (which we normally would have skipped) and this was the perfect answer. It is so rare for me to read a book that made me laugh out loud multiple times. Firoozeh and I are about the same age and her home towns in California are within 20 minutes of where I live and grew up so there were many things I could relate to just being a kid and teen the 70's and early 80's. Quick read and very entertaining.
- C. ParcelReviewed in the United States on 15 September 2014
Glad I found this book
Glad I found this book. Firrozeh shows us what it was like being a young Iranian girl growing up in America during the hostage crisis and the revolution.She has a spot on sense of humor with deadpan delivery. She shows herself and her family's foibles as well as holding a mirror to show America's misconceptions and missteps while stirring the melting pot. I even learned how to say Iran and Iranian. Looking forward to the next book she has written. - 60sgirlReviewed in the United States on 17 August 2017
Truly Funny
Every American should either read this book or one like it so that they get a really good understanding of what it's like to live in America when you were born in another country. I found two chapters hilariously funny - the one about her Uncle who came to visit and soon found that his clothes didn't fit any longer due to American meal sizing and the one about her Father who likes to "fix" things whether you want him to or not. Thank you, Firoozeh, for sharing your story and not becoming jaded by living through another hateful time (Iranian Revolution) in America. - barbarajeReviewed in the United States on 12 May 2016
I recommend this
This was a very funny and relatable book. We all know someone who is old fashioned, or doesn't speak the language well and is trying to fit in. This is Firoozeh's family, and the simplest things require a slight shifting of the brain to accommodate them. The complex things turn out needing to be seen from a different angle completely. The author herself came to America as a child, and so has one foot in each culture. Aside from that, she has a good way with words, and knows how to write, bringing humor to those times we all have that seem funny only in retrospect. - MikiAReviewed in the United States on 16 July 2016
Good summer read
Parts of this book are laugh-out-loud, tears-in-your-eyes funny. It's worth reading as a painless and not at all pedantic introduction to a culture that most Americans knew little or nothing about until the Iranian hostage crisis, and then our scope was limited to the ayatollahs. The sobering thought comes upon reflection of how different the immigrant experience has become. There is a lot of insight under the humor but it's not patronizing to either Iranians or Americans. - Digit HeadReviewed in the United States on 2 October 2016
Delightful
I found this book after some research for one of my reading challenges. It is wonderful! I am not sure what I expected - it is a memoir of a young Iranian girl, transplanted to the US prior to the revolution, her life and her family's life from then until now as a married mother, a writer. It is really a collection of vignettes of her extended family (which is huge!) and her parents. It is warm and delightful. And VERY funny! I love her sense of humor. And I love the knowledge and the gentle shouldering that she has so wisely imparted in her funny way. I highly recommend reading this - PlaceholderReviewed in the United States on 10 August 2014
Amazing depth through the laughter
Funny in Farsi was so much more than a humorous memoir! I wish that everyone who has an opinion about the Iranian government or is struggling with a hardship or is trying to understand another ethnicity would read it.
I became acquainted with a young lady who had
moved to the USA when she was very young. I was fascinated with her story and her family and culture. She seemed reticent but was quite intelligent and quite outgoing. I didn't want to push it, so this book filled in some blank spaces for me.
Whatever you do, don't finish this year without reading Funny in Farsi. - MichaelReviewed in the United States on 18 November 2020
True to the title.
This book provides many laugh out loud moments - providing an outsiders view of the United States. At the same time, the book provides an appreciation of other cultures. Ultimately
, I believe the book makes you appreciate the freedom Americans take for granted. I couldn’t help but think this would be a good read for many that don’t appreciate “the acres of diamonds” we have surrounding us. - Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United States on 12 September 2024
Bought it for English and never read it
My mom said it was pretty good - PasiphaeReviewed in the United States on 11 June 2007
It IS funny.
This charming, well-written memoir looks fondly at the comical parts while skating deftly past the more difficult parts of growing up Iranian in America. As someone just a bit older than the author, I can't imagine it was easy for an Iranian family in the years after the revolution. But she makes it looks easy. The book's humor and discretion make for easy reading, but it also begs for perhaps just a touch more of the dark, to balance out the light. - CPReviewed in the United States on 26 October 2019
Heartwarming & SO Funny!
I fell in love with this book when my daughter introduced it to me as part of her school assignment. I found that I identified with Firoozeh,, she has a way to draw you into her life and as an immigrant myself I felt part of her babysitting and house sitting misadventures. Her internal struggle to fit in and keep her identity as a proud Iranian is truly admirable.
- LisaReviewed in the United States on 30 September 2019
Interesting Stories
I really enjoyed reading stories from an Iranian immigrant perspective. Several of the stories are funny and I appreciate the strong bond the author has with her family. 5 stars for being entertaining, humorous, and for the author beautifully describing a life so vastly different from my own. Also made me more aware of a historical event that I was not alive to experience - the Iranian Hostage Crisis. - Kermit ShieldsReviewed in the United States on 31 May 2017
FUNNY IN FARSI - LIFE IN AMERICA
Love reading this book, it was really fascinating reading each chapters. Talking about their lives here in the state and how they cope up with the change of environment, other culture, people. Love when she's with her family, the bonding they have and the funny anecdotes from her father and mother. Looking forward to read her other book Laughing without an accent. Will highly recommend this book to all my relatives and friends.
Thank you Firoozeh Dumas as I really enjoyed this book and really happy reading each chapters. - JACEReviewed in the United States on 29 April 2017
A wonderful find, and a great perspective on adapting to a new culture
Funny and sensitive. A real gem on the vagaries of what America is like and how some immigrants experience it. The combination of the author's father being educated in the US, her mother's traditional Iranian upbringing, and the closeness of extended family all add to the story.
Dumas' ability to make the reader laugh out loud is exceptional. - Paulette BuongirnoReviewed in the United States on 2 September 2014
The underlying story is adjusting to life in a new country but how this family/author go about it is great. She writes about her
Absolutely hilarious. I couldn't stop reading. The underlying story is adjusting to life in a new country but how this family/author go about it is great. She writes about her culture and the country of Iran in ways I never thought of. I find it interesting to read/learn about other cultures but this was fascinating. I am thankful my husband is handy in fixing things and not like the author's! She hinted at the end there is another book being written and I can't wait. - Aline R MorrisReviewed in the United States on 26 April 2017
Loved this book!!
I never laughed as much as I did while reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style and I can't wait to read another of her books! I nearly didn't buy it after reading a reviewer's comment that she felt the author was disrespectful to her parents because of their naivety and heavily accented speech. It didn't seem like that at all to me, I felt the author's warmth and love for her extended family throughout the book. It was a delightful reading experience! - P. K SykesReviewed in the United States on 24 October 2015
A real find!
My beautiful daughter-in-law is Persian, so I was curious about this book. I loved it so much, I bought several other copies, for her, her mother, and even gave a copy to my dentist, who loved it. I learned why my daughter-in-law was so reluctant to allow me to send invitations to people who I knew would not come, but would love to hear about the wedding. I was touched by the relationship that the author had with her father. And, I laughed through much of it. - Mark LongriggReviewed in the United States on 1 March 2021
Quick delivery
Book was for my kid on a school project. I'm assuming she read it and did what she was required to do with the book's material in class. As my kid waited until the very last minute to tell me she needed the book, I was grateful for the quick delivery. - JackieReviewed in the United States on 17 January 2023
A beautiful side of Iranian culture that the media usually doesn't tell.
What a delightful book that dives into the author's deep inquiries on identity, culture, immigration life. She touches on Persian culture and the different dynamics in her family, with a personable flair, and humor. - SoulbreadwinnerReviewed in the United States on 25 February 2017
Author changed my perspective
This book changed my perspective of American Iranians. The author thinks like an American because she is so spot on in her humor. I laughed the whole time I read her book. Some of the experiences were heartbreaking, but her indomitable spirit shone through. It's sad the the terror acts of a few in the Muslim community have stained the image of patriotic and law abiding American Iranians. All politics aside, if you want to laugh, cry, and experience a roller coaster ride of immigrant assimilation into American society, please read this book. - Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United States on 21 February 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed it
If you like reading biographies read this book. I got some insight on being an immigrant in America. I learned of everyday living in Iran. I felt like I got to know Firoozeh and her family. Throughout the whole story the love in this family shines. Well written, easy to read. I also read a lot of fiction and I wish this book was first in a series. How wonderful for Firoozeh she gets to live many more chapters.
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