Reviews

Funny In Farsi: A Memoir Of Growing Up Iranian In America by Firoozeh Dumas

jenmangler's review against another edition

4.0

This was such a fun book to read! I enjoyed every moment I spent with Firoozeh's family and was genuinely sad when the book came to an end. Reading this book just made me happy and put me in a good mood. It made me think of all the characters in my family and the stories we tell when we all get together. There's just something about a big, loud, loving extended family. Nothing beats it.

It's so fortuitous that my book club is reading this book now, when Iran is again front and center in the news. As I read the book I realized I don't know very much about Iranian culture, or about Iran in general, outside of the "big events" that most Americans have heard of. And that made me feel ashamed. Funny in Farsi is a great introduction and it makes me want to learn more.

Also, I've just got to say that this is the kind of book that makes me glad I'm in a book club. I would never have read this book if it hadn't been one of our picks. I'd never even heard of it. And I absolutely loved it. Book clubs rock!

theag7's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book SO MUCH! Every chapter evoked laughs, and it was an all-around amusing (while simultaneously informative and intriguing) read. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

bhnmt61's review against another edition

Dumas tells stories about her childhood as an Iranian immigrant in Southern California. The title doesn’t do her any favors, since nothing deflates humor like high expectations of hilarity— the stories tend to be more of the “mildly amusing” type than the “rolling on the floor laughing” type. I enjoyed reading it, though, especially the chapter about her wedding, and the stories about her cheapskate dad. I did like it enough to tag the sequel in my library queue.

As previously mentioned, I no longer give star ratings for memoirs since I find it impossible to rate someone’s life.

cdjdhj's review against another edition

4.0

This is the story of one Iranian immigrants family's adventures and experiences when they moved to America in the 1970s, a few years before the Iranian Revolution and subsequent American Embassy hostage ordeal. Of the experiences author Firoozeh Dumas shares, some are laugh-out-loud funny, some are poignant, some are thought-provoking, but all are interesting and upbeat. Written originally in 2003, this is a quick, highly-readable book is relevant once again in light of our current immigration issues, and gives the reader some insight into the challenges some who come to the U.S. face. Recommended for anyone who likes to laugh and understand the point of view of someone who is different from themselves.

nvrrrdie's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

2.5

I was a little bit disappointed by this book. Maybe it's just not my style of humor, but I did not find it especially captivating like I had hoped and I just don't really care for it very much.

jess_mango's review against another edition

4.0

Funny in Farsi was a quick, humorous read. This memoir tells of the author's experiences moving to America from Iran with her family when she was 7 years old. She lightheartedly recounts her trials and tribulations of adapting to life in America. A very good read!

nickscoby's review against another edition

2.0

In retrospect, I suppose this book didn't really stand a chance with me. Persepolis is one of my all-time favorites, and I just finished reading Fresh Off The Boat (Huang), which is HILARIOUS, as well as pointed and highly critical of assimilation. But as the saying goes, this is not that. Funny In Farsi does have some choice moments, and there were times when I laughed out loud, especially in the first half of the book. The chapter about the uncle trying to lose weight had me in stitches. But overall, the book was safe. Written in a way not to offend Dumas' neighbors in Newport Beach. I was also completely annoyed by the pat way every chapter ends, like high school essays. The formula is thus: begin with some bland humorous anecdote, spend a few pages talking about a family member (usually Dad) and then end with some trite connection to said bland humorous anecdote. The more I think about it, the less I like this book, so I'm going to stop here.

marsem's review against another edition

emotional funny informative lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.0

sara_o's review against another edition

informative lighthearted fast-paced

2.75

It was fine?  I wanted to like it more than I did.  Interesting, but I don't think I'll pick up the second one.  

helen2g's review against another edition

medium-paced

4.0