Author Description

Product description 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? Review Narrator Kyla Garcia recounts the ups and downs of a teenager who is experiencing identity issues...Garcia captures all the teenage turmoil in a fresh and genuine style. She carries listeners along as Daria ignores the 'nose jobs' of a rival group of Iranian-American girls and struggles to stay close to the friends she calls 'her authentics.'-- "AudioFile" A beautiful and compelling story about identity, race, and family love.-- "Melissa de la Cruz, New York Times bestselling author" The ferociously authentic Daria is a memorable protagonist, narrating in a trenchant, self-aware past tense that carries readers through her personal cultural minefield...Full of surprises both cultural and emotional and narrated in the strong voice of a memorable protagonist...A tale of integrity, identity, family, love, and sacrifice that is sure to satisfy.-- "Kirkus Reviews (starred review)" In the sequence of surprises along the way, Daria continually reevaluates the meaning of identity and authenticity. Nazemian weaves a network of diverse supporting characters that further explore these themes...Nazemian keeps it all real by focusing on the strength of emotional b