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Darius the Great Is Not Okay

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Adib Khorram

Darius the Great Is Not Okay

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Iran • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL710L

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Super Short Summary

In Adib Khorram's Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Darius Kellner, a high school sophomore with depression, feels out of place due to his mixed heritage and weight. On a trip to Iran to visit his terminally ill grandfather, he befriends Sohrab, who helps him navigate his insecurities and family dynamics, ultimately leading to personal growth and a stronger bond with his father. The novel features themes of terminal illness, bullying, and depression.

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

36,229 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram has been praised for its thoughtful and authentic portrayal of depression, cultural identity, and family relationships. The protagonist's growth and the depiction of Iranian culture are highlights. Some critics feel the pacing is slow and the plot predictable. Overall, it is a heartwarming and insightful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Darius the Great Is Not Okay?

A reader who enjoys Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram would appreciate heartfelt coming-of-age stories centered on self-discovery, cultural identity, and mental health. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli would find this book engaging and relatable.

4.4

36,229 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Darius (Darioush) Kellner

The 15-year-old narrator of the story, who is navigating life as a sophomore in high school in Portland while dealing with clinical depression and his multicultural identity, including his Iranian heritage. He is passionate about science fiction, fantasy, and tea.

An Iranian boy of around Darius’s age who lives near Darius's grandparents in Yazd, Iran. He shares a close friendship with Darius, partly due to their mutual feelings of being outsiders.

Darius and Laleh’s father, known for his Northern-European appearance and exacting nature. He works as a partner in an architectural firm and has a complicated relationship with Darius.

Darius and Laleh’s mother, originally from Iran. She works as a UX designer and offers warmth and support to Darius, although her decision to teach Farsi to Laleh but not to Darius creates some tension.

Darius's younger sister who is charming and outgoing, easily adapting to life in Iran. She is bilingual, which causes Darius some jealousy.

Darius and Laleh’s grandfather who is grappling with terminal brain cancer. He is characterized by his traditional views and occasionally stern demeanor.

Darius and Laleh’s grandmother, known for her warm and maternal demeanor. She quickly establishes a close relationship with Darius during his visit to Iran.

One of Darius’s classmates, known for being popular and a bully, specifically targeting Darius with homophobic insults.

A sophomore on the varsity wrestling team and Darius’s classmate, who, despite being less popular than Trent, occasionally shows a kinder side to Darius.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Iran • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL710L

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