Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas is a delightful, short, and truly funny memoir of an Iranian girl growing up in the United States. I laughed through every chapter. Firoozeh writes honestly about the differences, and pitfalls, of American culture, while also appreciating and valuing what the United States has to offer. I would love to try some of the Persian dishes she mentions throughout her book–they sound delicious.

My favorite quote from this book: “Their generosity and genuine delight in feeding others prove my theory that the more modest and impractical the kitchen, the more likely one will be invited to stay for a meal. Show me a fancy house with a top-of-the-line gourmet kitchen, and I’ll show you a family that eats out a lot.” YES! I don’t know if I have ever read truer words in my life. Personally, my kitchen and dining space is small and tricky to work with, yet we cook and eat three meals a day pretty much every day from our own kitchen. And we do not use boxed, canned, or pre-prepared food (with the exception of maybe three things). And we like to host dinner parties! It is difficult, but the food is good, regardless of the trouble it takes to prepare. I’m not sure if all fancy houses and kitchens fit into this mold, but I have noticed the same trend as Firoozeh. Many of my acquaintances with large, spacious, and nicely furnished kitchens don’t actually use their kitchens to prepare food. Rather the kitchen is for re-heating, baking from a box, or laying out take-out meals.

Highly recommend this book if you are looking for a quick, mouthwatering, and insightful look into immigration and crossing cultural boundaries. Thanks to my friend Bri for following two book clubs and supplying me with endless recommendations of good books to read.