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It Ain't So Awful, Falafel  By  cover art

It Ain't So Awful, Falafel

By: Firoozeh Dumas
Narrated by: Firoozeh Dumas
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Publisher's summary

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.

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What listeners say about It Ain't So Awful, Falafel

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BOMB BOMB BOMB BOMB BOMB IRAN

HATE HURTS THE HATER MORE THAN THE HATED
Wow, so good. I loved this book. The main character is a wonderful person, a misfit, yet so normal. This is even better, if like me, you grew up in the 70's. I was a military brat, so I know the feeling of being the new kid.

This is entertaining, funny at times, a little sad at others. It is certainly an eye opener, no matter your age. You will also learn a little History, as told by someone not basis to America.

Did you know that Iran had a democratic government, until Great Britain and the United States, ousted the elected leader and put in The Shah to protect their oil interests?

Don't worry about the 8-10 label, the whole family will enjoy and learn from this.

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23 people found this helpful

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You are gonna cry at the end, it's SOOOO happy!

I couldn't stop listening to this book. It was that interesting! It's about acts of kindness. It's about how history is the stories of people and the battles they fight within. It's about being a foreigner in a strange country. And it's about the Iran Hostage Crisis of the late 1970s. It's about wanting and finding friends and the importance of family. But I can only say these things looking back on all the little events that happened in the story. While I was listening, I just wanted to find out what happened next. This is a good book for mature ten year olds and up. Nice for a family road trip. I am 65 and I loved it!!!

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5 people found this helpful

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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.

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4 people found this helpful

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Wonderfully written and narrated.

Listened to the audiobook everyday with my 9 year old son on the way to school. We both loved it and was sad when it ended. My son is excited to listen to more of her books.

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3 people found this helpful

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Fascinating story to listen to!

Congrats to the the Author Firoozeh Dumas, receiving the inaugural New Americans Children's history book prize. Firoozeh is a great story teller. She makes it so easy to picture each scene while she is capturing moments of history in her strong words with her warm voice. I have also listened to Funny in Farsi & Laughing without accent as well! Kudos to her.

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3 people found this helpful

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Excellent story and excellent reading!

I don't think I have enjoyed an audiobook as much as this one in quite some time. The author, who is also the narrator, does an amazing job. This book made me laugh, I learned stuff without feeling like I was learning stuff, and I'm a middle school librarian who will be giving this to as many students as I can! Even though it's set in the late 70s and early 80s of the Iranian hostage crisis, the racism, bullying, and attitudes have not seemed to change much. It is very timely.

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2 people found this helpful

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awesome book

I thought this book might be boring but as they say never judge a book by its cover. One of the best books i've ever listened to. I highly recommend it!

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2 people found this helpful

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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!

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2 people found this helpful

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Fantastic book for all ages!

I listened to this audiobook and really enjoyed it! I love to learn about other cultures especially when there is great humor involved. My daughters also listened and couldn't turn it off! The themes of kindness, and perseverance really spoke to them. I'd recommend this book to everyone!

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2 people found this helpful

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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.

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1 person found this helpful