Everything Sad is Untrue: (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nayeri, Daniel. 2020. EVERYTHING SAD IS UNTRUE: (A TRUE STORY). New York: Levine Querido. ISBN 978-1-71374-056-8. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
As a preteen, Khosrou is already a master storyteller. He takes his cues from one of the greatest storytellers, Sheherazade in One Thousand and One Nights. Khosrou, also known as Daniel, shares both epic stories of the past, as well as his own life story of immigrating from Iran with his sister and mother. The life-threatening danger and hardships he and his family have been through are gripping and heart wrenching.  His story also includes tales of the everyday challenges of being the new kid in Mrs. Miller’s class and trying to make friends. It is ultimately a book about courage and strength. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Nayeri’s book is unique. His stream of consciousness narration is endearing, but it can also be challenging to follow. His experiences, and therefore, his story seem exceptional and almost fantastical, especially to the average Western reader.  However, he repeatedly shines a light on the common elements of life that we all share, like “food and poop.”  His detailed frankness seems appropriate for an adolescent male narrator and may be one of the most attractive qualities of the book. The narrator also speaks to the reader directly, which is another unusual addition to this book.  Again, I think his matter-of-fact, pragmatic tone of writing appeals especially to adolescents. 

Nayeri skillfully combines mundane details of childhood with profound commentary on religion and God.  His perspective, along with all of his questions and doubts, are refreshing, and most likely seem relatable to thoughtful young readers. The other heavy topics of persecution, prejudice, and domestic violence are interwoven throughout the story in a delicate way.  

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist starred, (July 2020)
Kirkus Reviews starred, (May 2020) “Not “beholden” to the linear conventions of Western storytelling, the story might come across as disjointed, but the various anecdotes are underscored by a painful coherence as they work to illuminate not only a larger story, but a life. And there is beauty amid the pain as well as laughter.”
Michael L. Printz Award, 2021
New York Times, (September 2020)
Publishers Weekly starred, (June 2020)
School Library Journal starred, (July 2020) “Tough issues are discussed, particularly domestic violence, bullying, and life as a refugee and an immigrant, but there is levity, too. Khosrou's thoughts on Manwich sloppy joe sauce, using toilets in the U.S., and his father's overindulgence in Twinkies all lighten this tale.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book would be a strong addition to a unit on the Refugee experience, along with Inside Out & Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, and/or Other Words for Home, by Jasmine Warga.
*Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May would be a great opportunity to promote and display books about the experiences of families who have immigrated from the Middle East region.  Yusuf Azeem is not a hero or A Thousand Questions, by Saadia Faruqi or Ahmed Aziz’s epic year by Nina Hamza could accompany Everything Sad is Untrue.