Maria H. (ri) -
Helpful Score: 1
Here is my review of this book for Armchair Interviews:
Humor isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Iranian Americans, but Firoozeh Dumas may just change that! Each vignette highlights the craziness both of her family and of various cultures â" American, Iranian and French. She writes with such conversational ease, as if telling you a funny story over a cup of tea. Each family member is drawn with clarity, as if you've known them all along. Her family is like a favorite sitcom family â" familiar, funny and slightly over the top. The reader can imagine them getting into all kinds of wacky situations and can't wait to tune in for more.
Part of Dumas' great writing skill lies in the simplicity of her descriptions. She is able to set a scene with few words, but provide such keen observation that she cuts right to humor of the moment. She illuminates the humor of cultures and personalities with lightheartedness and respect. She seems to find idiosyncrasies to be both precious and maddening. She clearly loves her family very much, and is able expose the absurdity of their everyday lives. Her command of humor makes even the most mundane of subjects, oversized desks, 10 lb bags of rice and the âMidnight Chocolate Buffetâ on a cruise, a cause for chuckles.
Laughing Without an Accent has plenty of laugh out loud moments for readers of any accent. Dumas' keen observations expose the silliness of herself and those around her with an endearing grace and genuineness, causing the reader to embrace her every word and yearn for just one more story.
Humor isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Iranian Americans, but Firoozeh Dumas may just change that! Each vignette highlights the craziness both of her family and of various cultures â" American, Iranian and French. She writes with such conversational ease, as if telling you a funny story over a cup of tea. Each family member is drawn with clarity, as if you've known them all along. Her family is like a favorite sitcom family â" familiar, funny and slightly over the top. The reader can imagine them getting into all kinds of wacky situations and can't wait to tune in for more.
Part of Dumas' great writing skill lies in the simplicity of her descriptions. She is able to set a scene with few words, but provide such keen observation that she cuts right to humor of the moment. She illuminates the humor of cultures and personalities with lightheartedness and respect. She seems to find idiosyncrasies to be both precious and maddening. She clearly loves her family very much, and is able expose the absurdity of their everyday lives. Her command of humor makes even the most mundane of subjects, oversized desks, 10 lb bags of rice and the âMidnight Chocolate Buffetâ on a cruise, a cause for chuckles.
Laughing Without an Accent has plenty of laugh out loud moments for readers of any accent. Dumas' keen observations expose the silliness of herself and those around her with an endearing grace and genuineness, causing the reader to embrace her every word and yearn for just one more story.
Bookfanatic reviewed Laughing Without an Accent: Adventures of an Iranian American, at Home and Abroad on
A keeper! This is quick read is a follow-up to Firoozeh's first book Funny in Farsi. It's another glimpse into what it's like to be a Persian (Iranian) in America. The first book covered her childhood and adolescence in America. This book is set in contemporary time. It also covers the reactions of others to her first book. You don't have to be familiar with Funny in Farsi to enjoy Laughing Without An Accent. There are insights into the immigrant experience, but this book is quite lighthearted, charming and endearing. It's not possible to read this book without a smile on your face. The author's sweet style made me want to know her in real life
Bernadine B. reviewed Laughing Without an Accent: Adventures of an Iranian American, at Home and Abroad on + 9 more book reviews
A humorous and enjoyable read. Would be an interesting book club choice, as it helps one relate to the immigrant experience -- no matter what country or what year you arrived.
