Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Aug 2017
288 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
The Authentics is a fresh, funny, and insightful novel about culture, love, and family - the kind we are born into and the ones we create.
Daria Esfandyar is Iranian-American and proud of her heritage, unlike some of the "Nose Jobs" in the clique led by her former best friend, Heidi Javadi. Daria and her friends call themselves the Authentics, because they pride themselves on always keeping it real.
But in the course of researching a school project, Daria learns something shocking about her past, which launches her on a journey of self-discovery. It seems everyone is keeping secrets. And it's getting harder to know who she even is any longer.
With infighting among the Authentics, her mother planning an over-the-top sweet sixteen party, and a romance that should be totally off limits, Daria doesn't have time for this identity crisis. As everything in her life is spinning out of control - can she figure out how to stay true to herself?
"Starred Review. As with the novels of Benjamin Alire Saenz or Randa Abdel-Fattah, Daria's thought-provoking journey will resonate with teen readers of all backgrounds." - Booklist
"Starred Review. Full of surprises both cultural and emotional, and narrated in the strong voice of a memorable protagonist, this is a tale of integrity, identity, family, love, and sacrifice that is sure to satisfy." - Kirkus
"Will resonate with readers who have felt like they don't know where they belong or who they want to be, and certainly with the children of immigrants who feel caught between worlds." - Publishers Weekly
"Charming but ultimately flawed. Worth adding to large collections, but not a priority buy. Grades 9 and up." - School Library Journal
"A beautiful and compelling story about identity, race, and family love. A must read in an age where #weneeddiversebooks more than ever." - Melissa de la Cruz, New York Times bestselling author
"A charming and touching examination of everything that makes us who we are." - Adi Alsaid, author of Let's Get Lost and Never Always Sometimes
This information about The Authentics was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Abdi Nazemian spent his childhood in a series of glamorous locations (Tehran, Paris, Toronto, New York), but could usually be found in his bedroom watching old movies and reading. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his two children and his fiancé.
Abdi has written four produced films: Menendez: Blood Brothers (Lifetime, 2017), The Quiet (Sony Pictures Classics, 2006), Celeste in the City (ABC Family, 2004), and Beautiful Girl (ABC Family, 2003). He also wrote, directed and produced the short film Revolution (2012). He is proud to say his words have been spoken by the likes of Carmela Soprano, The Nanny, and The Girl With The Most Cake.
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