It Ain't So Awful, Falafel

By: Firoozeh Dumas

Narrated by: Firoozeh Dumas

Zomorod (Cindy) Yousefzadeh is the new kid on the block...for the fourth time. California's Newport Beach is her family's latest perch, and she's determined to shuck her brainy loner persona and start afresh with a new Brady Bunch name - Cindy. It's the late 1970s, and fitting in becomes more difficult as Iran makes US headlines with protests, revolution, and finally the taking of American hostages. Even mood rings and puka shell necklaces can't distract Cindy from the anti-Iran sentiments that creep way too close to home.

A poignant yet lighthearted middle grade debut from the author of the best-selling Funny in Farsi.

©2016 Firoozeh Dumas (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Wonderful book!

I enjoyed everything about this book except the regret I felt for not having paid more attention to the actual events when they happened while I was a young high schooler in 1979. What an interesting and entertaining way for young people to learn about this part of history.

It Ain't So Awful, Falafel

It is a narrative of a sweet Iranian-American girl living in California the moment Iran's history changed and it started to be seing as an enemy of the US. It teaches a lot about being human before being from a country or following a religion. Highly recommended.

Wonderful

I really enjoyed this book. I love when the author narrates their own work. I love learning about other people's perspectives. Excited to have this in my classroom library to share a great story and bring more diversity.

FUN STORIES

Would you consider the audio edition of It Ain't So Awful, Falafel to be better than the print version?

YES, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT A BOOK BEING READ BY IT'S AUTHOR, THE LOVE SHINES THROUGH.

Which character – as performed by Firoozeh Dumas – was your favorite?

HERSELF AND BOTH HER PARENTS WITH HUMOR AND LOVE.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES

Great reading by the author!

Touching and humorous semi-autobiographical novel enjoyed by the whole family (8 YO+) during a car trip. Very interesting historical setting about Iranian immigrants living in Southern California in the late 70's, told from the perspective of a 12YO. Great reading by the author!