Everything Sad is Untrue

(a true story)

By: Daniel Nayeri

Narrated by: Daniel Nayeri

At the front of a middle school classroom in Oklahoma, a boy named Khosrou (whom everyone calls "Daniel") stands, trying to tell a story. His story. But no one believes a word he says. To them he is a dark-skinned, hairy-armed boy with a big butt whose lunch smells funny; who makes things up and talks about poop too much. But Khosrou's stories, stretching back years, and decades, and centuries, are beautiful, and terrifying, from the
moment his family fled Iran in the middle of the night with the secret police moments behind them, back to the sad, cement refugee camps of Italy...and further back to the fieldsnear the river Aras, where rain-soaked flowers
bled red like the yolk of the sunset had burst over everything, and further back still to the jasmine-scented city of Isfahan. Like Scheherazade in a hostile classroom, Daniel weaves a tale to save his own life: to stake his claim to the truth. And it is (a true story).

must read must hear

every American should read this understand the plight of all immigrants no matter where they come from. This book was truly motivating I have already read twice

Mesmerizing

Funny sad and moving all at once. Highly recommended. Read in the author’s own voice.

A refugee’s story from a child’s perspective

This book’s storytelling style is unique - something I had never experienced, but mesmerizing. Brought such an appreciation and understanding of the hardships refugees go through and the pain of leaving a life behind to start new. So neat to hear it from the perspective of Daniel as a child.

Incredible story

Hard to put this one down. Excellent weaving of his life in different countries. Gives you hope in a difficult world.

Sincere and poignant

A wonderful memoir describing the inner life of a young immigrant. Overflowing with lessons for young and old about the universal desire for love, safety and belonging. The author’s narration is perfect. I’ll definitely read more of his work.