📖 Overview
Adib Khorram is an Iranian-American author primarily known for writing young adult fiction that explores themes of identity, culture, and sexuality. His debut novel "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" (2018) received multiple awards including the William C. Morris Award and the Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature.
Khorram draws from his own experiences as an Iranian-American and member of the LGBTQ+ community to create stories that deal with mental health, family dynamics, and the intersection of different cultural identities. His follow-up novel "Darius the Great Deserves Better" (2020) continues to explore these themes while addressing topics like first relationships and personal growth.
Beyond his young adult work, Khorram has written "Seven Special Somethings: A Nowruz Story" (2021), a picture book celebrating the Persian New Year. He holds a degree in theater and has worked as a graphic designer and tea enthusiast alongside his writing career.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, where he continues to reside, Khorram regularly speaks at schools and literary events about his work and experiences. His books have been translated into multiple languages and have earned recognition for their authentic portrayal of Persian culture and mental health issues.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Khorram's authentic representation of Iranian-American and LGBTQ+ experiences, particularly in "Darius the Great Is Not Okay." Many reviews note his skill at portraying mental health challenges and family dynamics.
Readers liked:
- Natural dialogue between teen characters
- Cultural details and food descriptions
- Complex parent-child relationships
- Depression representation without making it the whole story
Readers disliked:
- Pacing issues, especially in later books
- Some found the romance plots predictable
- Character development can feel rushed
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
"Darius the Great Is Not Okay" - 4.2/5 (48,000+ ratings)
"Darius the Great Deserves Better" - 4.1/5 (9,000+ ratings)
"Kiss & Tell" - 3.8/5 (3,000+ ratings)
Amazon averages 4.5/5 across titles
One recurring reader comment: "Finally a YA book that doesn't make mental health the character's only trait."
📚 Books by Adib Khorram
Darius the Great Is Not Okay (2018)
A Iranian-American teenager struggling with depression travels to Iran to meet his grandparents for the first time, where he forms a meaningful friendship and connects with his cultural heritage.
Darius the Great Deserves Better (2020) Darius navigates his first romantic relationship, family changes, and identity questions while working at a tea shop in Kansas City and dealing with social pressures.
Seven Special Somethings: A Nowruz Story (2021) A picture book following a young boy named Kian who prepares for Nowruz (Persian New Year) by gathering traditional items for the holiday celebration.
Kiss & Tell (2022) A young adult novel about Hunter Drake, the only openly gay member of a successful boy band, who faces media scrutiny and personal challenges while on tour.
Darius the Great Deserves Better (2020) Darius navigates his first romantic relationship, family changes, and identity questions while working at a tea shop in Kansas City and dealing with social pressures.
Seven Special Somethings: A Nowruz Story (2021) A picture book following a young boy named Kian who prepares for Nowruz (Persian New Year) by gathering traditional items for the holiday celebration.
Kiss & Tell (2022) A young adult novel about Hunter Drake, the only openly gay member of a successful boy band, who faces media scrutiny and personal challenges while on tour.
👥 Similar authors
Arvin Ahmadi writes novels featuring Iranian-American teens navigating identity and family expectations. His books "Down and Across" and "How It All Blew Up" explore similar cultural intersections and coming-of-age journeys.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz creates stories about Mexican-American teens discovering their identity and sexuality. His books feature multilayered family relationships and mental health themes, particularly in "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe."
Sara Farizan writes about Iranian-American LGBTQ+ teens facing cultural pressures and self-discovery. Her novels "If You Could Be Mine" and "Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel" address similar themes of cultural identity and sexuality.
Bill Konigsberg focuses on LGBTQ+ teen experiences and mental health in contemporary settings. His works like "The Bridge" and "The Music of What Happens" deal with depression, relationships, and finding one's place in the world.
Angelo Surmelis draws from his experience as a gay immigrant to create stories about cultural identity and family acceptance. His novel "The Dangerous Art of Blending In" explores themes of belonging and self-discovery while dealing with family expectations.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz creates stories about Mexican-American teens discovering their identity and sexuality. His books feature multilayered family relationships and mental health themes, particularly in "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe."
Sara Farizan writes about Iranian-American LGBTQ+ teens facing cultural pressures and self-discovery. Her novels "If You Could Be Mine" and "Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel" address similar themes of cultural identity and sexuality.
Bill Konigsberg focuses on LGBTQ+ teen experiences and mental health in contemporary settings. His works like "The Bridge" and "The Music of What Happens" deal with depression, relationships, and finding one's place in the world.
Angelo Surmelis draws from his experience as a gay immigrant to create stories about cultural identity and family acceptance. His novel "The Dangerous Art of Blending In" explores themes of belonging and self-discovery while dealing with family expectations.