Darius the Great Is Not Okay is a young adult novel written by Adib Khorram. It tells the story of Darius Kellner, a half-Persian, half-American teenager who faces challenges in his personal life, family life, and his cultural identity. The book explores Darius’s journey of self-discovery and growth as he navigates complex relationships and learns more about himself.

Darius is a half-Persian, half-American teenage boy who is prone to depression. He has a difficult time with his father because he feels his father doesn’t love him. He is also bullied at school and he always feels that he doesn’t belong anywhere.

I slid down against one of the planters and breathed in. My chest felt heavy, like someone had dropped a planet on me. Inside, my family sat around, playing Rook and talking so I couldn’t understand them. Dancing dances they had danced with each other for years. Sharing jokes and stories I would never be a part of. Eating khiar and drinking doogh like True Persians… I didn’t belong.

Darius the Great is Not Okay

On his trip to Iran he befriends a local boy, Sohrab, and together with him Darius navigates all his emotional and cultural differences. Darius gains a better insight of himself and also works towards mending his relationship with his father.

Through Darius, the author has shown how depression isolates a person and if they don’t find support from others, they may spiral down the darkness of their minds. As it happens with Darius who is constantly bullied at school and he doesn’t find the emotional support he needs from his father.

The novel promotes awareness of depression and its impact on individuals and their relationships. By tackling these important issues with sensitivity and depth, Khorram offers readers a compelling and inspiring narrative that encourages empathy and open dialogue about mental health.

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