Funny In Farsi

Sorry that I have not been on the blog in recent days - reason - biowarfare involving my gut! We had chores on Monday and Tuesday. The schedule included the usual haircuts, optometrist and dental appointments, and some shopping. Judy and I were invited by Sarah to go Monday night to hear Firoozeh Dumas speak at a book signing at Fairmont University. Firoozeh is an Iranian-American writer and I was looking forward to meeting and hearing her.

Our friends Kuzem and Sondra were to meet us for supper. Sondra was so excited since she has read all Firoozeh's books and loves this gal's writing skills. Sondra has been to Iran several times with Kuzem and Sondra says that Ms. Dumas captures all the experiences and the humor of her shared cultures. Well, the wicked microbes went to work in my lower abdomen on Monday afternoon and I was unable to attend. Really missed this opportunity of sharing this experience with our friends. I was moaning in bed while Judy, Sarah, Kuzem, Sondra, and Terri (their daughter) enjoyed this literary experience.

Here is some background information on Firoozeh Dumas.

At an early age, she began to write and submit essays to obtain money to go toward college. Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America, reflects her witty humor and talent for writing.

At the age of seven, Dumas and her family moved to Whittier, California. She later moved back to Iran and lived in Tehran and Ahvaz. However, she once again immigrated to the United States; first to Whittier, then to Newport Beach, California. Kazem, her father, dominates many of her stories throughout the book. She takes pride in her Iranian heritage, but at the same time, mocks her dad's fascination with "freebies" at Costco and television shows like Bowling for Dollars. Growing up, Dumas struggled to mix with her American classmates, who knew nothing about Iran. She also retells firsthand experiences of prejudice and racism from being Iranian in America during the Iranian Revolution. However, throughout hardships, she emphasizes the significance of family strength and love in her life.

Dumas is a wife and mother. She often visits schools and churches to discuss her book and conduct book talks. As a result of Funny in Farsi's success, Firoozeh Dumas was nominated for the Thurber Prize for American Humor. Not only was she the first Iranian author to be nominated, she was also the first Asian author to hold such an honor.

She is also the author of Laughing Without An Accent, which is a memoir containing a few stories about her childhood, but mostly stories about her adventures as an adult.

Kuzem and Sondra are posing with Terri.

Sondra has always wanted to meet Dumas and was even planning to search for her in California. When Sarah said that she was talking in Fairmont, it was incredible! I am certain Kuzem loved the evening, but equally enjoyed seeing Sondra having the opportunity of meeting and talking with a lady she admires.