Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri follows Daniel, who fled Iran with his mother and sister to escape religious persecution and seeks refuge in the U.S. The narrative interweaves the family's harrowing journey with stories of Daniel's ancestors, his life in Oklahoma facing bullying and familial abuse, and the cultural challenges of adapting to a new life while preserving his heritage.

Daniel Nayeri's Everything Sad Is Untrue blends autobiography and storytelling to depict a young refugee's experience. Praised for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, it authentically captures the complexity of cultural displacement. However, some readers find the narrative's non-linear structure challenging. Overall, it remains a powerful, evocative read for thoughtful audiences.

Fans of poignant memoirs like Persepolis and The Glass Castle will appreciate Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri. Readers who enjoy evocative storytelling, cultural diversity, and tales of resilience will find this book compelling. It's ideal for those captivated by the nuances of immigrant experiences and the power of narrative.

Nostalgic / Bittersweet / Mysterious / Contemplative / Emotional

- Everything Sad Is Untrue is inspired by Daniel Nayeri's own experiences as a refugee, blending elements of Persian mythology with his personal history, creating a narrative that explores complex themes of identity and belonging through a storyteller's lens.
- The book won the Michael L. Printz Award in 2021, recognizing its excellence in young adult literature and highlighting Nayeri's unique narrative voice and storytelling style.
- Daniel Nayeri integrates rich oral storytelling traditions into Everything Sad Is Untrue, drawing on his Iranian heritage and the influence of his mother, who was noted for her own storytelling prowess.

**Daniel Nayeri**  
The narrator of the novel, originally named Khosrou, but called Daniel. He grapples with an identity crisis due to his name change and the fading memories of his past after moving to the United States from Iran. He values storytelling, drawing inspiration from *1,001 Nights*, and tells his story to connect with readers.

**Sima Nayeri**  
Daniel's mother, described as the hero of the story. She converted to Christianity, leading to their departure from Iran. In the U.S., she works various jobs to support her children while seeking new credentials to practice medicine. Her hope for a better future gives the novel its title.

**Massoud Nayeri**  
Daniel's father, who remains in Iran. He shares Persian myths with Daniel during their monthly phone calls, concerned about his son losing his heritage. Massoud's complex relationship with Daniel is colored by past actions, like his time in prison, but also moments of connection.

**Dina Nayeri**  
Daniel's sister, mostly in the background until a pivotal moment. A straight-A student with an entrepreneurial spirit, she seeks to excel in the U.S. Her defining moment in the novel involves standing up for their mother.

**Mrs. Miller**  
Daniel's fifth-grade teacher, to whom the book is addressed along with the reader. Her adept listening and feedback make her Daniel's favorite teacher. She supports him throughout the novel, and Daniel expresses gratitude with a gesture during his father's visit to the school.

Daniel Nayeri

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Pages 279-352 and Author’s Note

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