Darius the Great Is Not Okay

by Adib Khorram
Darius the Great Is Not Okay cover
Good Books rating 4.45
Young Adult (YA)
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Paperback • £8.99
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  • ID: 9980
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-15
  • ISBN: 9780525552987
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2018-08-28
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Darius Kellner, a teenager who feels out of place in both America and Iran, embarks on a life-changing trip to Iran. Struggling with clinical depression and cultural identity, Darius finds solace in the company of Sohrab, the boy next door. Their friendship helps Darius discover a sense of belonging and self-acceptance. /n/nAdib Khorram's debut novel is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of identity, friendship, and mental health. Winner of the William C. Morris Debut Award, this book is praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, resonating with anyone who has ever felt like they don't fit in.

Reviews
The Sassy Library Fox · 2023-03-08
poignant 3.80

The rocky relationship between Darius and his father is a central theme, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics. The book offers a poignant exploration of mental health and cultural identity.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is the rocky relationship between Darius and his father. This dynamic is explored with sensitivity and depth, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics. The book also offers a poignant exploration of mental health and cultural identity, making it a compelling read for those interested in these themes. The protagonist's journey is both heartwarming and relatable, adding to the overall appeal of the story. The author's writing style is engaging and thoughtful, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    One of the main topics in this coming-of-age novel is definitely the rocky relationship between Darius and his dad.

    The book offers a poignant exploration of mental health and cultural identity.

    The protagonist's journey is both heartwarming and relatable, adding to the overall appeal of the story.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2021-12-06
great 5.00

The book is a poignant exploration of mental health and family dynamics, with a protagonist who is deeply flawed but deeply human. The narrative is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Kara Babcock highlights the book's poignant exploration of mental health and family dynamics, particularly the complex relationship between Darius and his father. The protagonist's struggles with bullying and depression are portrayed with a raw honesty that makes the story both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The narrative's ability to balance these heavy themes with moments of levity and hope is one of its greatest strengths, making it a deeply moving and relatable read.

Quick quotes

    Darius is, as the title suggests, very much not OK.

    He is bullied at school (and outside of school), and even though he and his dad watch Star Trek every night.

    The narrative's ability to balance these heavy themes with moments of levity and hope is one of its greatest strengths.

The Quiet Pond · 2019-01-23
heartfelt 4.50

The book is celebrated for its heartfelt portrayal of family relationships and mental health struggles. The protagonist's journey is both tender and fraught with challenges.

This reviewer loved Khorram's portrayal of the sometimes fraught, sometimes awkward, and sometimes tender relationships that Darius has with his family. The book's exploration of mental health is particularly noteworthy, as it portrays the protagonist's struggles with depression and anxiety in a way that feels both authentic and deeply human. The narrative's ability to balance these heavy themes with moments of warmth and connection makes it a deeply moving and relatable read, perfect for anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite fit in.

Quick quotes

    I really loved Khorram's portrayal of the sometimes fraught, sometimes awkward, and sometimes tender relationships that Darius had with his family.

    The book's exploration of mental health is particularly noteworthy.

    The narrative's ability to balance these heavy themes with moments of warmth and connection makes it a deeply moving and relatable read.

Bookjockeyalex · 2018-12-10
brilliant 4.50

The book is praised for its effortless charm and refreshing honesty, balancing clever and quirky moments with heartbreaking ones. The protagonist's journey is both endearing and relatable.

This reviewer found the book to be incredibly well-written, with a charming and honest narrative that captures the complexities of the protagonist's life. The balance between light-hearted and heartbreaking moments is particularly noteworthy, making the story both engaging and emotionally resonant. The protagonist's struggles with identity and mental health are portrayed in a way that feels authentic and relatable, making it a compelling read for anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite fit in.

Quick quotes

    Darius the Great Is Not Okay is an incredible book.

    Khorram writes with effortless charm and refreshing honesty.

    It's by turns clever and quirky, heartbreaking and hopeful.

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