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Darius the Great is Not Okay
Darius the Great is Not Okay | Adib Khorram
Darius doesn't think he'll ever be enough, in America or in Iran. Hilarious and heartbreaking, this unforgettable debut introduces a brilliant new voice in contemporary YA. Darius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He's a Fractional Persian--half, his mom's side--and his first-ever trip to Iran is about to change his life. Darius has never really fit in at home in Portland, and he just knows things are going to be the same in Iran. His clinical depression doesn't exactly help matters, and trying to explain his medication to his grandparents only makes things harder. Then Darius meets Sohrab, the boy next door, and everything changes. Sohrab introduces Darius to all of his favorite things--mint syrup and the soccer field and a secret rooftop overlooking the city's skyline. He gets Darius an Iranian National Football Team jersey that makes him feel like a True Persian for the first time. And he understands that sometimes, friends don't have to talk. Sohrab calls him Darioush--the original Persian version of his name--and Darius has never felt more like himself than he does now that he's Darioush to Sohrab. By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Adib Khorram's brilliant debut is for anyone who's ever felt not good enough--then met a friend who makes them feel so much better than okay.
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Shievad
Pickpick

Engaging coming of age story. Darius is half Iranian on his mother‘s side. His family goes to Iran for a brief visit to say their good-byes to his terminally ill grandfather. While there, Darius learns to accept himself and his clinical depression.

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slategreyskies
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Book- Darius the Great Is Not Okay
Author- Emily Dickinson
Movie- Dave (with Kevin Kline)
Singer- Ani DiFranco
Song- Dancing in the Moonlight

#ManicMonday #LetterD

CBee I have letter E up for today too 😊 2y
28 likes1 comment
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Gissy

#Alphabetgame #LetterD

I loved Darius relationship with his grandmother. A beautiful book about transcultural identity, mental health, sexuality, family relations.
I also enjoyed: Duma Key; Discovery of Witches; Dark Matter YES! The Death of Mrs. Westaway

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PuddleJumper
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#AlphabetGame #LetterD

It had to be Darius the Great is Not Okay! This is such a great book. It is written from the POV of a teenager with depression and does a great job at showing how insidious depression can be, how much it influences your thoughts and actions

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

rwmg I was tempted to make this my D book 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing! 2y
26 likes2 comments
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SanjanaGhosh
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Pickpick

Such a sweet but effective book on Mental Health!

29 likes1 stack add
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canbku
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Pickpick

Darius annoyed me so much - I think he annoyed himself and everyone else, too. Then I got to know him and his depression and I felt close to him with every meal and every tea time. Quick read that inspired a lot of empathy (and hunger - the food sounds so good!)

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canbku
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Starting a new one!

RebL This one is on my TBR. I hope you enjoy it! 2y
52 likes1 stack add1 comment
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crazyspine
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This is honestly been the week from hell so this was a very nice treat to come home too and the title is very fitting. Thank you @Bookgoil #litsylove

Bookgoil You‘re welcome ☺️ hope your week starts to get better ❤️‍🩹 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I hope you have a better weekend ❤️ 2y
41 likes2 comments
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willaful

I have such a book hangover from this! I'm not ready to start the sequel and nothing else seems worth reading.

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ninergrl6
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Pickpick

Reading a book that takes place in Iran at an Italian restaurant in NYC felt a bit… off 😆 but the meal was delicious and the book was sweet.

It‘s a lovely coming of age story about “Fractional Persian” Darius‘ family, friendships, and mental health — and surprisingly zero romance (that‘s what the sequel is for)

“We have a saying in Farsi. It translates ‘your place was empty.‘ We say it when we miss somebody.”

#ya #bookclub #teachersoflitsy

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PuddleJumper
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Pickpick

Phenomenal book! I found this incredibly emotional to read. The main character, Darius, has chronic depression and the book is from his point of view so you see his life and thoughts through the lens of his depression.

I wasn't diagnosed with depression until my mid twenties but I definitely had it from a very young age. Many parts of this were uncomfortably familiar because I remember thinking the same kinds of things.

GondorGirl There's a sequel to this book that is equally as good. 2y
PuddleJumper @GondorGirl Yes! I'm waiting for my library to get it in 2y
30 likes2 comments
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Kangaj1
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Pickpick

#bookspin @TheAromaofBooks

Finally got to my bookspin for this month. I really liked the view into another culture.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
35 likes1 comment
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Caryl
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Pickpick

Like Junie, Darius shows courage as he navigates through life with clinical depression. On his first trip to Iran, he embraces the opportunity to learn about friendship, his family, and his cultural heritage. I loved the gentle pace of this book. This was my September #BookSpin pick.

#BookSpinBINGO

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
26 likes1 comment
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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

Took me a minute to find my groove with this one, but I loved it by the end! I love that there isn't actually a romantic love story in this, but the relationships are still meaningful and important. Really fills a niche I hadn't noticed was empty before. #yalit

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slategreyskies
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Pickpick

I cried my heart out at this book. I loved it so much. I actually really cared about the characters. This book was just so great. Definitely a five star read for me and one of the best books I‘ve read in a while. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!

I‘ll be mailing it out today. Thanks for a great round of #LMPBC !!

Gissy It was so beautiful and sad too😢but with hope!❤️ 3y
slategreyskies @Gissy I agree! It made my heart melt, and there was pain, but yes, hope too! 3y
PandaPanda Loved it too! Have the sequel qued up on my kindle! 3y
See All 8 Comments
slategreyskies @Bianca @PandaPanda @Alfrazier21 I can‘t remember our mailing/shipping order, but was hoping I‘d be getting my book back soon. It still hasn‘t arrived. Does anyone know what happened to it? Maybe it‘s coming media mail? I know there‘ve been a lot of delays with the USPS lately. Let me know if any of you have any info. Thanks! :) 3y
PandaPanda It‘s me I think!! I‘m so sorry for the delay it should be with you next week at the latest!! @slategreyskies (edited) 3y
Alfrazier21 @slategreyskies Remind me which book was yours? I know I always shipped mine media mail. Going to try and find the email with our shipping order! 3y
slategreyskies @PandaPanda oh okay! Thanks! I‘ll be on the lookout for it! 3y
slategreyskies @Alfrazier21 I think it‘s been found. It should be here by next week. Thanks!! :) 3y
42 likes8 comments
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Gissy
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Pickpick

What a beautiful book for its content. There are various important topics, the most important is depression, but also, cultural identity, friendship, family support, family relations, importance of communication. According to the author, some parts are from his life since he suffers from depression. We see beautiful friendship? or an early romance? or a discovery of how Darius identified himself? Beautiful descriptions of Iran‘s culture❤️4⭐️

Gissy This book has so many emotional scenes😢😭I loved Darius grandparents, Mahmoud and Babou. his grandma made me remember mine. I will see if I have an Iranian restaurant near to my area, the desserts sound so good and I was looking for those beautiful places mentioned in the book. It is my first novel developed in this country❤️🤗
3y
Gissy #BookSpinBingo @TheAromaOfBooks
#20in4 Readathon @Andrew65
#QueerLitReadathon prompt-not set in your country. It was so sweet the relationship between these two characters.
3y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 3y
Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 3y
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Auntynanny
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this! It tells the story of an Iranian-American boy who goes to Iran to visit his family and comes to know himself and his family better as a result. It also really made me crave Persian food!

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slategreyskies
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This came in the mail today. I‘m looking forward to getting into it. How is it already almost the end of this round of #LMPBC? Did it go fast or is it just me? Hope you all have a good weekend!!

PandaPanda I know so fast! Also glad this got to you so quickly I feel like I went to the post office yesterday! 3y
43 likes1 comment
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brandierickson
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Pickpick

I could barely read the last forty pages I was crying so much. An amazing, amazing book.

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Alfrazier21
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Pickpick

I stayed up late last night to finish this one! I definitely felt a connection to Darius. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

@PandaPanda I‘m getting this one in the mail for you today!

@Bianca @slategreyskies @suvata

#LMPBC #GROUPU

slategreyskies Oh cool! I was hoping this one was going to be good! I‘ve been wanting to read it for a while now. Glad you enjoyed it! :) 3y
24 likes1 comment
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dylanisreading
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Pickpick

Just finished this yesterday for my #LMPBC pick for #GroupU. It was pretty good!

It's off to the next person today!

#Round11

@Alfrazier21 @slategreyskies @PandaPanda

slategreyskies I‘m looking forward to this one! :) 3y
64 likes1 comment
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Mrs_B
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Pickpick

A sweet tale of Darius experiencing his heritage in Iran for the first time and falling in love with the town, his extended family and a new best friend. Told through Darius‘ eyes all his experiences are related within the context of his depression and mental health. A really good read. It‘s also worth reading for the beautiful descriptions of the food and tea!

TheLudicReader I also found this book charming. 3y
Reggie I loved his grandmother. 3y
rwmg I found Darius's favourite tea in my local tea shop. Expensive but worth it. 3y
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Mrs_B @TheLudicReader glad to hear it! 3y
Mrs_B @Reggie I agree - she's amazing. 3y
Mrs_B @rwmg I'll have to hunt it down - thanks for the tip! 3y
87 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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Brooke_H
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Pickpick

Sweet and poignant story of a teen boy dealing with all the usual teen torments, along with a trip to Iran to visit his dying grandfather. Darius has depression, and that comes through strongly in the text. I felt for him, and I really felt for his mom. The Iranian setting was so vibrant, especially considering that Khorram hasn't ever actually been to Iran (I was shocked to read that). The writing was just a bit twee for me.

cozypunk I loved that this book 'took' me there. It was my book of the year when it came out. Are you thinking about trying the sequel? 3y
Brooke_H @dandy.punk Absolutely! 3y
25 likes2 comments
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Brooke_H
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I‘ve noticed this trend in YA where the author will have a paragraph explaining something and then one sentence broken out at the end with a sort of sarcastic joke. It‘s getting a little tired. Is there a word or a phrase for this kind of writing style? (It might not be new; I might just not read enough YA to have noticed before.)

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ea.ae
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Mehso-so

2021 || No. 3

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Lauredhel
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Starting Darius and making a poncho. Life is good.

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Chelleo
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Thank you so much @Louise for the great birthday snail mail treat! Looking forward to the books but can I just say how in love I am with the Michelle Obama pencil case! I‘ve actually been looking for a pencil case so this was perfectly timed! Thanks so much! Will write soon!

Chelleo Tagging the other book 3y
Louise I‘m so glad you like your gifts, Michelle. I found that pencil case a few months ago and pounced on it for you! It was so obviously meant for you, as you, too, are a Mighty Michelle! I‘ll write a proper letter soon! Happy reading! 💕 3y
57 likes2 comments
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actualdisneyprincess
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Lunchtime reading! (But ughhhh, today is so full of aggravation that I just want to hide out down here and keep reading. 😑) #dariusthegreatisnotokay #adibkhorram

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Jari-chan
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Pickpick

What a great discovery! ❤️ I was so deeply moved by this story and really got into Persian culture. So sad, that there's no persian restaurant anywhere near from where I live...

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Missusb
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18 likes2 stack adds
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Onceuponatime
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Pickpick

Love, love, love this book! Told through the lens of a high school boy who travels to Iran to visit relatives, this is a story of self-discovery, the importance of friendship, and what it means to be family. ❤️ The author does a fantastic job of helping readers understand depression as well as Iranian culture. Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #oregonbattleofthebooks

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WriterAtHeart
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Pickpick

This book really sat with me and I think will set with me, especially the ending. The author of this novel suffers from depression and wanted to tell a story where a character lives through depression. The depression is not the focus per say, but creeps up on Darioush in every day situations. It was also a great read to learn about Iranian culture.

Reggie I loved his grandma! 4y
WriterAtHeart @Reggie - So did I! 4y
48 likes1 stack add2 comments
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alysonimagines
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Pickpick

High schooler Darius, a self-described Fractional Persian, doesn‘t feel like he fits in anywhere—not even in his own family. But then he goes to Iran for the first time in his life, where he meets his grandparents, explores his Iranian heritage, and makes his first true friend who accepts Darius as he is. Darius‘s emotional journey is just as captivating as his geographical journey. I dare you to read this and not fall in love with his story! 💙

alysonimagines @Soubhiville Have you read this? Since you and MC Darius are both Star Trek fans, I think you‘d really enjoy it. 4y
LiteraryinLawrence I was so impressed with this one. 4y
alysonimagines @LiteraryinLititz I was, too! I expected it to be good, but the story and the writing far surpassed my expectations. I borrowed this one from the library, and now I want my own copy. I would totally read it again! 4y
17 likes3 comments
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Ashley_Nicoletto
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Pickpick

Book 10 of 30 books in 30 days. This is my July book club pick and I got ahead of myself. I was disappointed to learn after reading the book and being fascinated by the culture in Iran that this author isn‘t from there and has never been. Otherwise, this was an enjoyable read.

57 likes2 stack adds
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Suet624
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Pickpick

I learned a lot about Iranian culture and food from this YA novel. It also does a great job explaining depression. This was the first audiobook that I tried listening to when I awoke at 2 am and it always put me to sleep. A huge plus!

JamieArc I recently finished this one too! It was just “meh” in the beginning, but then it grew on me so much. I will be thinking about it for a long time. 4y
61 likes1 stack add1 comment
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ness
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Quick reread before jumping into the sequel!

11 likes1 stack add
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AmberWB
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Pickpick

This book-whew. I absolutely loved it and think it should be read by everyone. It was refreshing to read a book that shows normal, healthy friendships among teenage boys, and that it shouldn‘t be abnormal to be emotional just because you are a boy. The openness when it came to mental health was done very well. The majority of the book is set in Iran, so cultural differences were also explored. Adib Khorram weaved all of this together seamlessly.

Eggs I loved it too-under rated 4y
AmberWB @Eggs I‘m on a mission to get more people to read it 4y
Eggs Good for you and your mission 📚🤗📚 4y
37 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Lovesbooks87
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Pickpick

I loved how this book addresses mental health, heritage, bullying and just figuring out who you really were and being okay with it. I am so glad that this book is out there for teen reads. I can‘t wait to read more about Darius in August!

#booked2020 Pan Asian Author.

BiblioLitten 😍 4y
Cinfhen Great review and adorable friend 🐶 4y
72 likes1 stack add3 comments
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WhimsyandRigor
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Pickpick

Less plot driven and more character driven, this book gave insight into adolescence in general and being of blended (or as Darius says, fractional) heritage.

Even if you don‘t normally drink tea, you will want a steaming cup of Oolong while you watch Darius grow.

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quietjenn
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In a bit of a mood today. *shrug*

51 likes1 stack add
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RealLifeReading
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Pickpick

A really great YA read about a teenager exploring his identity (his mother is Iranian) - issues of bullying, depression, experiencing life in a different culture (the family visits Iran for the first time). I love that Darius loves tea. He works in a tea store! He buys his grandmother a gift of tea! And he hope for an internship in tea! ☕️ 🍵

Cinfhen 💚😃 4y
MallenNC I loved this book! 4y
See All 9 Comments
StaceyKondla Fabulous book! I truly enjoyed it 💕 4y
minkyb I really enjoyed this one!
4y
Carleneishere Please tell me where you got that shirt! 4y
RealLifeReading @Carleneishere it‘s from Old Navy 😀 4y
104 likes6 stack adds9 comments
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Nikki_E
Pickpick

I first discovered this title on an article on Bookriot about YA books depicting mental illness. I listened to the audio version through Libby.

What I liked: I absolutely fell in love with this book. Darius is one of those narrators that just has this special kind of sneaky charisma about him that you can‘t help but immediately love him.

amicryingorlaughing.home.blog/2020/04/06/review-darius-the-great-is-not-okay-by-adib-khorram/

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Addison_Reads
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My husband was diagnosed with depression at 15. Having seen first hand his struggle with this illness, I appreciate books like this that show the reality of living with a #mentalillness.

I highly recommend this book. 🙌

And for those Littens who struggle with a mental illness, know there are those of us who appreciate you continuing to fight even on the bad days. 😍 Don't give up 💚

#MagnificentMarch @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @OriginalCyn620

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️❤️ 4y
OriginalCyn620 🙌🏼❤️ 4y
Crazeedi Sending hug today! Depression is real 4y
44 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

I absolutely love that books such as this one are available for teens to read. 💚

Darius is such a great character who is fighting to make some sense out of why he doesn't fit in. This book deals with depression, suicide, bullying, and so many other important topics.

It made me experience a wide range of emotions and I loved the journey!

Crazeedi Happy Valentine's day my friend!💕💕 4y
Reggie I loved this book!!! Sooo good!! 4y
Reggie I loved his grandma. 4y
Addison_Reads @Crazeedi I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day. 💚 4y
Addison_Reads @Reggie Yes! I loved her too. Everyone deserves a grandparent like her. 4y
39 likes5 comments
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cewilf
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I really enjoyed The Outsiders this weekend! Definitely not my favorite, but I enjoyed the writing, and I think it will hook some reluctant readers. Taking a break from required school reads now for Darius the Great. This one‘s been on my list for a while, and I‘m liking it so far! And just for fun, a cute picture of Bella from yesterday ☺️

rubyslippersreads 😻😻😻 4y
LiteraryinLawrence I remember loving Darius the Great! 4y
37 likes2 comments
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MelissaSue81
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Pickpick

This book was not what I expected and I am so glad it wasn‘t. I love YA but sometimes it all feels the same, and this story was so different! It‘s about Mental Health, Family, heritage and most of all friendship. It made me cry! All the Star Trek references repeatedly kind of bugged me, which is my only complaint.. the story itself was fantastic.

57 likes1 stack add
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Imbookenit
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Pickpick

This was so good! I can‘t explain how much this book spoke to me. It made me think of my own depression, all my mixed and Persian friends and it had Bahaí representation which I have never read in a book before! 5/5?

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Skeeterisme
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Pickpick

Wonderful!

EmilyM Loved this book! I read that there is a sequel coming out next year. 4y
53 likes1 stack add1 comment
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LauraBeth
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Coming August 19th 💃💃💃💃

Also - this book isn‘t in the database yet and didn‘t know how to add it. 😬

LiteraryinLawrence Whoa! Exciting news!!!! I loved the original one and would definitely read a sequel. 4y
Reggie Woohoo can‘t wait!! 4y
67 likes2 comments
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hwestfall
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Started a new book because I just need to rest and wait until the floors are dry before doing more chores. That‘s my excuse anyway 😂