Darius the Great Is Not Okay, by Adib Khorram

Darius goes to visit his terminally ill grandfather in Iran. He doesn't feel like a "true Persian" and suffers from depression and bullying. There, he meets a boy named Sohrab, who himself experiences bullying and discrimination albeit less than Darius. Doubtful of him at first, but later joyful to have someone that is loyal to him every step of the way, Darius and Sohrab go on to have a lot of fun times together, facing many ups and downs.

I really like how Darius the Great Is Not Okay, by Adib Khorram, focuses on the fact that depression isn’t something that comes in one form for everyone, but rather that it’s something that everyone who suffers from it experiences differently. I also admire how the struggles the characters face are similar to those many teens like me may face. Lastly, the book explores the questioning of identity of many people who are of mixed race like Darius, with Darius’s disappointment in himself being something that many teens find familiar.

Reviewed by Martin G., Grade 9

Glendale Central Library