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Everything Sad Is Untrue: (a true story) Hardcover – August 25, 2020

by Daniel Nayeri (Author)

4.6 3,525 ratings

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Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award
Christopher Award Winner
Middle East Book Award Winner
National Indie Bestseller
NPR Best Book of the Year
New York Times Best of the Year
Amazon Best of the Year
Booklist Editors' Choice
BookPage Best of the Year
NECBA Windows & Mirrors Selection
Publishers Weekly Best of the Year
Wall Street Journal Best of the Year
Today.com Best of the Year
Walter Awards Honor Book

"A modern masterpiece."—The New York Times Book Review

"Supple, sparkling and original."—The Wall Street Journal

"Mesmerizing."—TODAY.com

"This book could change the world."—BookPage

"Like nothing else you've read or ever will read."—Linda Sue Park

"It hooks you right from the opening line."—NPR

SEVEN STARRED REVIEWS

* "A modern epic."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "A rare treasure of a book."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "A story that soars."—The Bulletin, starred review

* "At once beautiful and painful."—School Library Journal, starred review

* "Raises the literary bar in children's lit."—Booklist, starred review

* "Poignant and powerful."—Foreword Reviews, starred review

* "One of the most extraordinary books of the year."—BookPage, starred review

A sprawling, evocative, and groundbreaking autobiographical novel told in the unforgettable and hilarious voice of a young Iranian refugee. It is a powerfully layered novel that poses the questions: Who owns the truth? Who speaks it? Who believes it?

"A patchwork story is the shame of the refugee," Nayeri writes early in the novel. In an Oklahoman middle school, Khosrou (whom everyone calls Daniel) stands in front of a skeptical audience of classmates, telling the tales of his family's history, stretching back years, decades, and centuries. At the core is Daniel's story of how they became refugees—starting with his mother's vocal embrace of Christianity in a country that made such a thing a capital offense, and continuing through their midnight flight from the secret police, bribing their way onto a plane-to-anywhere. Anywhere becomes the sad, cement refugee camps of Italy, and then finally asylum in the U.S. Implementing a distinct literary style and challenging western narrative structures, Nayeri deftly weaves through stories of the long and beautiful history of his family in Iran, adding a richness of ancient tales and Persian folklore.

Like Scheherazade of One Thousand and One Nights in a hostile classroom, Daniel spins a tale to save his own life: to stake his claim to the truth. EVERYTHING SAD IS UNTRUE (a true story) is a tale of heartbreak and resilience and urges readers to speak their truth and be heard.

From the Publisher

Persia, Best of 2020, Daniel Nayeri, Everything Sad, New York Times, NPR, Wall Street Journal, Teen

	The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams	Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story)

Customer Reviews	117	3,525
Price	$12.54	$10.79
Also by Daniel Nayeri	On Sale March 2023	no data

WARNING: California’s Proposition 65

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Like nothing else you've read or ever will read."-Newbery Medalist, Linda Sue Park

"A modern epic." - KIRKUS REVIEWS ( starred review)

"A story that soars. Readers will be transported."- BCCB (starred review)

"A distinctive voice. A rare treasure of a book." - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)

"Poignant and powerful. A story of heartbreak and resilience." - FOREWORD REVIEWS (starred review)

"One of the most extraordinary books of the year."- BOOKPAGE ( starred review)

"A journey as intimate as it is epic. A remarkable work that raises the literary bar in children's lit."- BOOKLIST (starred review)

"At once beautiful and painful, this timely story is highly recommended for middle grade readers."- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review)

"A modern masterpiece - as epic as the "Iliad" and "Shahnameh," and as heartwarming as "Charlotte's Web." It's for the kids at the lunch table; the heroes of tomorrow, just looking to survive the battle of adolescence." - NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

"Supple, sparkling and original." - THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

About the Author

Daniel Nayeri was born in Iran and spent a couple of years as a refugee before immigrating to Oklahoma at age eight with his family. He is the publisher of Odd Dot, an imprint of Macmillan, making him one of the youngest publishers in the industry. He has served on the CBC diversity committee and the CBC panel committee. He lives in New York City. His autobiographical novel, Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story) was the winner of the Michael L. Printz Award.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Levine Querido (August 25, 2020)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1646140001
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1646140008
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12+ years, from customers
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 800L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 12
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.55 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.85 x 1.25 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #45,889 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #66 in Children's Books on the U.S.
- #134 in Children's Fiction on Social Situations
- #151 in Children's Multigenerational Family Life

Customer Reviews:
4.6 3,525 ratings

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Daniel Nayeri

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Daniel was born in Iran and spent several years as a refugee before immigrating to Oklahoma at age eight with his family. He is the author of several books for young readers, including EVERYTHING SAD IS UNTRUE (A TRUE STORY, winner of the Printz Award, the Christopher Medal, and the Middle East Book Award. He is a former professional pastry chef, and if he’s not writing or baking, he’s likely playing board games, or riding motorcycles.

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3,525 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-told. They describe the story as heartwarming, touching, and educational. Readers appreciate the insights into cultural differences and real-life lessons. They praise the writing style as brilliant, engrossing, and unique. The humor is also appreciated, making the book entertaining and thought-provoking. Overall, customers feel the book provides hope for a better future.

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Readability Storytelling quality Heartwarming Insight Writing style Humor Hopefulness Age range

129 customers mention "Readability"129 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and charming. They say it's a good read for mature high school students. The structure is a great way to convey the theme of the book.

"...follow a traditional western narrative tradition, but is beautifully woven into a tapestry from a ten year old’s view of life in his native Iran..." Read more

"...It is beautiful and tragic and hopeful. I am so thankful to Daniel for sharing his story in this way and reminding us that we are all human...." Read more

"This book is an excellent read. It’s an immigrant story and an American story and a story of being marginalized in all facets of life and surviving...." Read more

"...But more so, it's a story about life, both the beautiful and the ugly, the good and the bad...." Read more

118 customers mention "Storytelling quality"114 positive4 negative

Customers find the story engaging and well-told. They appreciate the unusual storytelling style with the narrator often speaking directly to the reader. The book is described as a masterfully woven memory novel that includes elements of the Gospel. Readers find the story interesting and thought-provoking, especially the child's perspective.

"...Filled with pearls of beautiful wisdom as he makes observations about life. Read it twice to appreciate all of it!" Read more

"This is a beautifully written, masterfully woven memory novel...." Read more

"This book is an excellent read. It’s an immigrant story and an American story and a story of being marginalized in all facets of life and surviving...." Read more

"...It's a story about a refugee, yes. But more so, it's a story about life, both the beautiful and the ugly, the good and the bad...." Read more

64 customers mention "Heartwarming"60 positive4 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, touching, and evocative. They say it evokes feelings and memories, making them feel more human. The memoir is relatable and personal, engaging readers from the start.

"This is a beautifully written, masterfully woven memory novel. It is relatable even while telling a story of a boy who grew up experiencing life..." Read more

"...There is no preaching but there are instances of powerful kindness...." Read more

"...But I was wrong. Daniel describes things in a way that lets you understand his heart, and that the most basic desires of every human heart are the..." Read more

"...-- told in a way that manages to be completely charming and utterly heartbreaking all at once...." Read more

51 customers mention "Insight"51 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and educational. They appreciate the explanations of cultural differences and real-life lessons. The book provides an inside look at the immigrant experience through the eyes of a child who lived it. Readers also mention the stories from Iran and sayings are near to learn. Overall, it's a good way to give children some perspective and fill in many details in an unusual, magical way.

"This book is an excellent read. It’s an immigrant story and an American story and a story of being marginalized in all facets of life and surviving...." Read more

"...a well-told story that includes elements of the Gospel and real-life lessons they need to know, that they whine when it’s over and beg to hear more..." Read more

"...Commendable were the explanations for the perhaps unfamiliar Iranian customs and insight into the way societies operate, sometimes unfairly...." Read more

"...executed through the melding of time, place, fiction, faith and cultural myths. Read this book...." Read more

49 customers mention "Writing style"37 positive12 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the prose engrossing and the language beautiful. The story is intricate yet simple enough to make it accessible. Readers appreciate the author's ability to convey feelings and memories through his writing.

"This is a beautifully written, masterfully woven memory novel...." Read more

"...Ha! It’s not just that it’s well written, it’s how you feel like you’re really hanging out in his world with him...." Read more

"This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. Written in a different style -- immigrant boy telling a story of his life experiences to his..." Read more

"...Daniel recounts a couple of myths that involve affairs, non-detailed. There's some rude humor due to several poop stories." Read more

41 customers mention "Humor"38 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it entertaining and thought-provoking, with a well-crafted storyline interwoven with bathroom humor. The book touches on various emotions like grief, fear, joy, anger, and more. It is described as a sweet and human story of a chaotic childhood.

"...A classic “fish out of water” story, often very humorous as he tries to explain his culture to kids whose only experience of life falls off at the..." Read more

"...through the eyes of a middle school boy, it is both poignant and entertaining. It is beautiful and tragic and hopeful...." Read more

"...of an Iranian refugee child who moved to Oklahoma in the 90s is endearing, funny, and utterly captivating...." Read more

"...I felt grief, fear, joy, anger, and a raft of other emotions less describable in a single word, all wafting out of the pages and inviting the reader..." Read more

26 customers mention "Hopefulness"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book hopeful, with a firm grasp on hope despite horrific experiences. They say it can make them better people and the world a better place. The stories draw them in and enrich their worldview.

"...It is beautiful and tragic and hopeful. I am so thankful to Daniel for sharing his story in this way and reminding us that we are all human...." Read more

"...This is a book that can make you a better person and the world a better place. There is no preaching but there are instances of powerful kindness...." Read more

"...Kindness that is flawed and limited, yet gives life and hope and overcomes evil… love that never yields… so many lessons lived and shared. A treasure!" Read more

"...compassion for others, a wicked sense of humor and dogged optimism despite horrific experiences...." Read more

13 customers mention "Age range"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's age range. They find it suitable for readers from around 13 to late in life. The innocence, rawness, and hopefulness of the story are praised.

"...This is a book that could be read by young adults and that should be read by adults as well." Read more

"...but made all the more poignant because of Daniel's voice, at once innocent and insightful...." Read more

"...Stunning and suitable for readers from 13 or so to late in life." Read more

"...-time to ponder the wisdom and brutality that co-exist and hide in a child’s existence...." Read more

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jm leighty
Wonderful immigrant’s story full of warmth, humor amid suffering. .
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
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This story does not follow a traditional western narrative tradition, but is beautifully woven into a tapestry from a ten year old’s view of life in his native Iran prior to fleeing after the fall of the Shah. It is juxtaposed to his experience as an immigrant in Oklahoma. A classic “fish out of water” story, often very humorous as he tries to explain his culture to kids whose only experience of life falls off at the edge of Oklahoma. Filled with pearls of beautiful wisdom as he makes observations about life. Read it twice to appreciate all of it!

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T-Rae
Top 5 fave books of all time.
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2023
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This is a beautifully written, masterfully woven memory novel. It is relatable even while telling a story of a boy who grew up experiencing life very different from my childhood. Told through the eyes of a middle school boy, it is both poignant and entertaining. It is beautiful and tragic and hopeful. I am so thankful to Daniel for sharing his story in this way and reminding us that we are all human. And may everything sad really become untrue. (The audio version of this book is pure gold. Read by the author. I listened 3 times in two weeks and bought the hard copy because I wanted to highlight and notate.)

Note: I think this book is best read with an adult or by older middle school because there are some parts that might be hard for younger middle grade kids to process. Also the beauty of the woven story might be lost on younger middle school.

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14 people found this helpful

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lonidee
poignant & real
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
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This book is an excellent read. It’s an immigrant story and an American story and a story of being marginalized in all facets of life and surviving. It’s heavy and yet reads like it’s being told by a preteen boy. It’s a 4 star read for me. It’d be 4.5, but I’m the kind of person who needs chapters.

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17 people found this helpful

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Hailey
One of those stories that will stick with you.
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2024
Verified Purchase
It's easy to see why this book has garnered so much acclaim.

It's a story about a refugee, yes. But more so, it's a story about life, both the beautiful and the ugly, the good and the bad. It's about family, love, memory, faith, pain, friendship, and longing.

Nayeri's prose is beautiful to read, and his storytelling is masterful. Rather than following the classic Western story structure, Everything Sad Is Untrue weaves stories from Daniel's childhood and family in and out of each other. There are no chapters. But everything works together perfectly. The various memories complement each other.

Reading this book will make you wish you could be friends with young Daniel. You'll get a craving for Persian food. You'll wish you could see the house with the birds. Reading Everything Sad Is Untrue feels like sitting down with a friend while they tell you stories. And I love that.

Cautions: One blasphemy and two instances of bleeped-out swearing. There's a phrase used several times that looks like a euphemism for swearing in English but is apparently not in Farsi (the language the characters are speaking at those times). Daniel's stepfather is abusive and it's clear to the reader that there's domestic violence. It's referenced a few times, though it only happens once briefly on page, non-graphic. A couple of stories involve injuries described with some description. (If you wince whenever someone tells a story involving a nail gun, you'll probably wince and skim these parts.) Daniel recounts a couple of myths that involve affairs, non-detailed. There's some rude humor due to several poop stories.

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18 people found this helpful

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Raven johnson
Wonderful
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my teenage son. I thought it was in the graphic novels. When it came he was like “ew,” with his face. Haha. He’s at that age where he only likes what he likes. So I decided I would read it so I could tell him how great it was. But, I was so captivated by it. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I really do want him to read it someday, but now I want to wait until he’s old enough to appreciate it, not just appeasing me. He’s 13 and everything I like is for old people. Ha! It’s not just that it’s well written, it’s how you feel like you’re really hanging out in his world with him. Also, I’m OIF veteran, and I’m empathetic to the Middle East because of it. I’ve read so many “mature” non fiction books, and come away learning less than I did reading this one. Also, I’m into reading coming of age novels right now I’m the hopes that it will help remind me what it was like to be so young and vulnerable; so that I can be more understanding of my son and his middle school plight. Anyway, blah blah blah, just give it a shot!

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12 people found this helpful

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Constant Reader
Powerful, Personal, Insightful, Hopeful
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2022
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Bottom line: I loved this book. It is a good story, told well. The story-telling style is unusual with the narrator often speaking directly to the reader. The result is highly effective because the author builds a close personal connection with the reader. This is a book that can make you a better person and the world a better place. There is no preaching but there are instances of powerful kindness. I rarely highlight things and I found myself rereading and highlighting frequently. I'm not highlighting preciously elegant phrases but some of the most simple but profound insights into humanity that I've read. Warning: the reviews are correct that there is too much about poop but (1) he has a good reason for it and (2) the narrator speaking to you the reader is a youngish boy. Poop is their wheelhouse. Second warning: no chapter breaks. This sort of thing ordinarily bugs me, and I really did not care. This is a book that could be read by young adults and that should be read by adults as well.

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21 people found this helpful

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judith
Gorgeous work
Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2024
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A wonderful book. Unique. Could not put it down and stopped numerous times to reread beautifully observed passages

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Arturo Orozco
Lovely
Reviewed in Mexico on July 5, 2022
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Lovely story about life and how to overcome. Not only children should read it but everyone!

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Ginette
If only everything sad was untrue.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 15, 2024
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Thank you, Khosrou, for sharing your memories of being a refugee child. I am left feeling really sad for all the trauma you have been through, now understanding that most of this trauma also applies to all other refugee children, as well as to
adults. What a great book! I am so pleased to have read it. I'd recommend it to everyone.

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Dr. Andreas
Hermoso libro .¿por que no l tenéis en español?
Reviewed in Spain on November 25, 2022
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El libro es hermoso, muy bien escrito e increíblemente profundo. Muestra la vida de un niño refugiado, lo que dejó atrás, lo difícil del camino, la reacción de sus compañeros.
De inmediato he kerido compartirlo con todos mis amigos esta navidad y entonces me he dado cuenta de que, aunque la versión en español existe (ISBN 9786078825059. Todo lo triste es mentira) vosotros no la tenéis. Por favor hacedla disponible,

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Rachael
A must read!
Reviewed in Australia on January 28, 2024
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I havent read a book like it, it was like memoirs but from a child's perspective who was trying to hold on to the only memories he had of his family before his mum fled with him and his sister as refugees to America. It jumps between a lot of topics and it's easy to pick up and put down cause the chapters are short. Made me laugh and cry and I felt like I was a kid again.

He thinks deeply about heavy topics but with the limited knowledge of a child, explaining things how he understands them, mixing together his Persian and Oklahoman culture. He is very descriptive of his experiences and the emotions they brought and this makes it easy for anyone to relate to.

It did take a few weeks for it to arrive but was worth the wait.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful immigrant’s story full of warmth, humor amid suffering. .

5.0 out of 5 stars Top 5 fave books of all time.

4.0 out of 5 stars poignant & real

5.0 out of 5 stars One of those stories that will stick with you.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful, Personal, Insightful, Hopeful

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous work

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely

5.0 out of 5 stars If only everything sad was untrue.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hermoso libro .¿por que no l tenéis en español?

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!

Wonderful immigrant’s story full of warmth, humor amid suffering. .

Top 5 fave books of all time.

poignant & real

One of those stories that will stick with you.

Wonderful

Powerful, Personal, Insightful, Hopeful

Gorgeous work

Lovely

If only everything sad was untrue.

Hermoso libro .¿por que no l tenéis en español?

A must read!