Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

If you’ve ever been teased, overweight, or clinically depressed then you will likely identify with Darius. Both Darius and his father take medication for their depression and while it is something that bonds them, it also puts a wedge between them.

In this story Darius, an American teenage boy, travels with his parents and little sister to visit their family in Iran.  There he meets Sohrab, a neighborhood boy.  While immersed in Persian culture, playing soccer, and discussing father issues, the two boys become good friends.  Awkward teen boy moments include a sports shower scene with mention of foreskin, but discussions of Star Trek and references to Lord of the Rings keep the story light and humorous.  There are some sad moments near the end of the story but Darius and his family return home to America and we see that his relationship with his father and school life will be improving.

A lovely book that takes you on vacation to Persia, tasting the tea and admiring the architecture, while dealing with mental health issues and cultural differences with warmth and compassion.