But Darius wonders if his new sense of self, and his newfound relationships, can survive when he returns to the United States.Īuthor Adib Khorrma is also a half-Persian tea enthusiast who grew up in the midwestern United States, and through Darius, he immerses us in the sights and tastes of Iran. But his experiences in Iran, both sweet and bitter, help Darius slowly find peace with himself and his family, especially his father. He’s kind, good-natured, insecure - all the things that make being a teenager so challenging. The story unfolds through Darius’ affectingly honest and vulnerable voice. There’s his intimidating grandfather, the unexpected surprise of his very loving grandmother, assorted aunts, uncles, and cousins - and the boy next door who just might become Darius’ first real friend and ally. His anxiety about the trip slowly increases, and he’s understandably apprehensive about meeting his extended family. Plus, he doesn’t fit in at home, so how can he possibly feel a sense of belonging in Iran? He can spit out some lines in Klingon, but he knows zero Faris, unlike his little sister. Now his parents have announced that the family will soon travel to Iran to visit his dying grandfather.ĭarius knows way more about The Hobbit and Star Trek: The Next Generation than he does about his Persian heritage. He’s nerdy, overweight, really (really) into tea, lonely, and depressed. But our Darius feels anything but mighty. Our hero Darius may be named for Darius I, the third Persian King of Kings.

Darius the great book