Everything Sad Is Untrue

(A True Story)

By: Daniel Nayeri

Narrated by: Daniel Nayeri

At the front of a middle-school classroom in Oklahoma, a boy named Khosrou (whom everyone calls "Daniel") stands, trying to tell a story. His story. But no one believes a word he says. To them he is a dark-skinned, hairy-armed boy with a big butt whose lunch smells funny; who makes things up and talks about poop too much.

But Khosrou's stories, stretching back years, and decades, and centuries, are beautiful, and terrifying, from the moment his family fled Iran in the middle of the night with the secret police moments behind them, back to the sad, cement refugee camps of Italy...and further back to the fields near the river Aras, where rain-soaked flowers bled red like the yolk of the sunset had burst over everything, and further back still to the jasmine-scented city of Isfahan.

Like Scheherazade in a hostile classroom, Daniel weaves a tale to save his own life: to stake his claim to the truth. And it is (a true story).

©2020 Daniel Nayeri (P)2020 Listening Library

A gorgeous tale, deftly told

This is not a book for the faint of heart, nor is it one to hand off to a young preteen without following up with them, but it is a powerful story full of beauty amid the hard realities of the story.

I wanted to hug the narrator/author at the end and point him toward the truth he showed me: that he is worthy of love, and he is a gift to all who know him.

I think the author knows this, but the narrator wasn’t quite sure of it. And perhaps it’s a sign of the greatness of this book that I could never quite separate the two.

Nayeri tells his story as a memoir—not quite a biography, not quite fiction—and his narration adds to the power of his telling.

Beautiful, everyone should read this to understand the refugee experience

Well done, Daniel
And yes, your Mom is the hero of this story, as so many refugee Moms are unsung heroes

Beautiful Memoir. Should be required reading.

Loved it. He is open, honest, true to himself. It reminded me how difficult everyone's life is, and yet he has risen above and flourished. Inspiring. Thank you, Daniel, for so vulnerably sharing your life with us. This book should be required reading for everyone for greater understanding of those around us.

Amazing Story by a Gifted Storyteller!

My wife and I couldn’t stop listening to this book. Informative, humorous, unique, and hopeful storyline.

love it

Sad story, but told in a very entertaining way. Reminds us to be kind to everyone. Never know what circumstances have molded them!

Brilliant Storytelling!

I am richer for having listened to this wonderful book. I do recommend listening to it as the author reading it really pulls you into his world. Thank you, Mr. Nayeri.

Wow!

As a refugee myself, I am touched. My story is not nearly as difficult but to hear my own experiences in Daniels is powerful. Thank you for sharing your story in such a powerful way!

Brilliant and deeply profound!

This book is like no other book I have ever read. It’s so good. It’s fun and funny but deep and full of lessons we all need to know. I won’t be the same in small ways because of it!!!!

Some of the most beautiful storytelling I’ve ever heard

Daniel’s writing style is beautiful, poetic, and yet believable as the voice of a twelve-year-old. His storytelling is sensory and emotional. This has to be one of the top memoirs I’ve ever read (uh, heard).

Loved this book!

Bought this on audible and so glad I did! The love in Daniel’s voice, as he shares the history of his family and fond memories. Thank you Daniel for sharing your story with the world!