Sep
14
I have joined the future and now have a blog. This is the closest we can get to chatting over tea and baklava. Come join the conversation! I look forward to hearing from you.
And yes, some of you have noticed that the name of my next book has changed. It will be called Laughing Without an Accent. Why the name change? Long story. You’ll hear it on my book tour!
September 14th, 2007 at 6:35 am
Welcome to the modern age.
I loved your book. I can’t wait for the next one.
September 14th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Funny in Farsi. I laughed a lot Thanks so much for bringing me back to Iran. I am originally from the Caribbean and went to Iran (around the Shah’s time) got married and lived in Tehran with my husband. I love the country and it’s people and since I am in the process of writing a memoir myself, my life there will certainly be a part of my story. I can’t thank you enough for making me laugh so much and bringing back so many wonderful memories.
September 14th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
First off have to say loved your book and second, you came and gave a lecture at my school and now my school newspaper is writing a piece on you and your book and in the interview you said your next book is called The Last Mango in Paris and on this website its says its called Laughing Without an Accent. and we just wanted to make sure of which one it is, so if you could please get back to me soon that’d be great.
September 15th, 2007 at 3:34 am
I think Laughing Without an Accent is a much better title anyway. The “Last Mango” is a good story, but the associations with the title…oo-la-la! Fortunately, readers like Shaudee are too young to get it (I hope).
I’m a teacher at a school just “down the coast” from where Firoozeh now lives, and we’ve had her down to speak at our school, too–twice, in fact. And now we can’t stop bugging her to come back. Funny in Farsi is such a great read for any age. Her message about our shared humanity is important and timely,and the grace and wit with which she tells her stories have warmed and entertained every audience we have thrown at her. Can’t wait to read Laughing Without an Accent!
September 15th, 2007 at 9:48 am
i just wanted to say thank you, this book i grabbed at the library by accident,and it was the first book ive ever read that made me laugh outloud! and im 31..i guess i just found som1 with similar sense of humor as myself… it was just so simple and sweet and like listening to a friend tell a funny story..not complicated at all,, ..i HAD to purchase my own copy..
October 1st, 2007 at 4:12 am
Salam. I just this moment finished reading Funny in Farsi.” What wonderful memories it brought back. Our family lived in Tehran from June 76- June of 78 while my US Air Force husband worked as an advisor to the Imperial Iranian Air Force. It was indeed the best assignment we had over the 28 years of his career.
I laughed when you wrote about the pronounciation of the kh as in khoda hafez. It took me a long time to not feel like I was gagging. After returning to the US I remember thinking that the English language lacked the texture of the spoken Farsi.
My son was born in Tehran just before we left. His doctor’s first name was Parvine. Is it possible your aunt returned from Switzerland in 78?
I agree with your father. Your next book should be out NOW. I can’t wait. Thank you for a great read.
October 1st, 2007 at 4:50 am
It’s funny how many Americans I hear from you have lived in Iran and really loved the experience. Thank you for sharing your memories with me. I hope you bought jewelry while you were there!
My Aunt Parvine never returned to Iran. She is still in Switzerland.
And I completely agree with you…my book should be out NOW. Would you like me to join me in a picket at Random House?
Best,
Firoozeh
October 1st, 2007 at 11:12 pm
JUST GETTING TURNED ONTO YOU FIROOZE THRU THE FABULOUS SISTERS
gOING OUT RIGHT NOW TO GET YOUR BOOK.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:31 pm
Hurray for the Satellite Sisters and their radio program! I was just on their show this morning. Thanks, Marge, for listening and buying the book. Let me know when you’re done!
Best,
Firoozeh
October 10th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
I have to use a computer at my local library because I donot have access at my home — so naturallly I am always looking for an interesting, different book when my time is up on the computer–I just happened to come upon FUNNY IN FARSI—I loved it–did not want to put it down–it was such a good book—cannot wait for Firoozeh’s next one
October 12th, 2007 at 4:51 am
SALAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to the world of technology!!!!!!!
OH MY GOD. You don’t know how much I laughed reading your masterpiece. It was the first humorous, though not frivolous, English novel I had ever read. You have a great grasp of Persian humour and I think Iranians had a better time reading your novel. It makes more sense when you’re Persian. I’m Persian too. I’m 15. I had to read it (school assignments) but enjoyed it so much I finished it two weeks earlier. Have you tried improvising? You probably would make FABULOUS SPEECHES. There was a very rhapsodic quality to your book. Somehow. Or maybe I’m babbling again.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!
P.S. Can’t wait to read your new book!!!! When is it going to be out?
October 13th, 2007 at 5:28 am
Thank you Sally. I’m a big fan of public libraries. I’m so glad your computer time was up so you had to find a book!
Keep reading!
Best,
Firoozeh
October 13th, 2007 at 8:52 am
Hi Firoozeh!
I loved your book! I am a stand up comic in San Francisco (www.reannie.com) and really wish I saw your one woman show.
The beginning story about coming to school for the first time with your mother was really interesting. What was it like for you in school after that, while you were still learning English?
Since I am getting my multi-subject teaching credential, I have heard a lot about “Generation 1.5″ students and the struggle to learn “academic” English. From your book, it seems as if this was not a huge struggle for you. Did you just skip over that part of your life? Or do you feel that you had an advantage in that you started school in Iran, learned a little bit of English there, had a very supportive family, read a lot, and have a talent for learning languages?
Thanks so much for writing your book, setting up this website, and for just being you. By the way, you have a beautiful nose!
Renee
October 13th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Dear Renee,
First of all, thank you for sending my nose fan mail.
You sound like you will be a great teacher. For me, learning English was easy because I was totally immersed in it. Kids are like sponges.
I wish you much success. Your website is great!
Best,
Firoozeh
October 17th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Dear Firoozeh,
I read you masterpiece twice.I did enjoy every single word of it.I ,for one,found so many “been there, done that”scenarios in it.
I am residing in Denver,Co.Do have Denver in your schedule?If so, I would be appreciated if you can let me know.
Look forward to meeting you in person.You know us Iranians better!!!
Best wishes,
Bita
October 17th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Hi Bita,
I don’t know my book tour schedule yet but if I come to Denver, I hope you stop by and say hello I should have my book tour on my website by April or early May.
Thank you for your kind words and enthusiasm! Hope to see you in Denver.
Best,
Firoozeh
October 18th, 2007 at 2:23 am
I LOVE your book & can’t wait for the second one to come out.
keep up with the perfect job!
Ziba
October 18th, 2007 at 4:09 am
Merci Ziba!
October 25th, 2007 at 5:00 am
My book club read your book and since I am the only Iranian in the group I hosted the discussion. We had so much fun. They all loved your book and asked me to contact you to see if you have plan to come to Arizona any time soon. We all would love to see you.
I was so excited when I found out you are writing another book and can’t wait to get my hands on that one.
October 25th, 2007 at 5:04 am
Thank you Bahareh! Did you serve Persian food?
I don’t have any plans to come to Arizona but if you know of a venue that hosts authors, you can always have them contact me. Also, if there is a community reads program in your area, you can suggest my book and if they select it, I will come!
So glad you enjoyed my book! Say hello to your book club from me.
Best,
Firoozeh
October 27th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Hi Firoozeh…
Im Hitesh from Philippines I read the book FUNNY IN FARSI and I really loved it.. I never liked reading books but a friend of mine told me that this book is different and as I read the first pages of the book i found it interesting..Its really awesome…I still remember when i started reading the book I was reading it almost everywhere..In college, in corridors and also in jeep — its the common public transpo. here in Philippines I was once reading about the chapter where your parents went to japan riding a first class seat and how they manage to bring 12 (if im not mistaken) little jars and how you envision on how did they asked it from the first class passengers with their thick accent saying “DOO YU WANT DEH JELLY” as i was reading this part i was laughing loud in jeep and all of the passengers were actually looking and STARING at me..but i was continue reading…
I can actually relate on your experiences since im an Indian i was born and raised in Philippines and like you as Iranian I did also encounter some common event happened in my life…because of being an INDIAN..(but im proud of being one)
I hope you take time in reading this and I wish to meet you some day.. Im really a very big FAN of yours I actually did not return the book i borrowed from my friend because I loved it instead I told him that i will do all his assignments and reports in exchange to this book…
I wish you luck Firoozeh or Julie.. to your nice parents and husband Francois…
take care and if you have time just keep in touch..
if you want to send something your idea/stories or comment/ discussion i would greatly appreciate it my email is:
Yours biggest FAN,
HITESH:) — FAN NO.1
October 29th, 2007 at 12:47 am
Hi Hitesh, Fan Number One,
Thank you for your sweet email all the way from the Philippines! Your email made ME laugh.
Keep reading!
Best,
Firoozeh
PS I love mangoes.
November 1st, 2007 at 6:55 am
Hi Firoozeh,
I just finished reading your book after hearing about it on your recent interview on Satellite Sisters’ radio show. The sisters haven’t steered me wrong yet!
I learned a lot about Iranians (and Americans) and had some great laughs. I’m looking forward to your next book.
Jane in NC
November 1st, 2007 at 7:42 am
Hi Jane in NC,
I love those Satellite Sisters!
I spend two weeks in Hatteras Island many years ago. What a beautiful place, but that water was COLD!
Keep reading!
Best,
Firoozeh
November 8th, 2007 at 8:05 am
Hi Firoozeh…
I just finished reading “Funny in Farsi” and enjoyed it so much I had to tell you. You gave me great insight into a family from Iran. My experience with anyone from Iran that I have met is their seriousness in their looks and demeanor so I was so surprised and delighted at your humor. It was so refreshing. Your family is precious. Your book gave me such an appreciation of someone coming from another country trying to “deal” with our culture and you did it without preaching. I only wish you had a better relationship with your in-laws, but you confirmed that no family is perfect.
I will be looking forward to your second book.
If you’re ever in SCal, I know my writing class would love to meet you.
Linda
Trabuco Canyon, CA
November 9th, 2007 at 7:45 am
Hi Linda,
I hope you and your writing class come to see me on my book tour. I’m sure I will be making a stop in Orange County.
My in-laws and I have since made up and now get along really well. I do agree with you, though, that families are imperfect. It took my in-laws about 16 years to warm up to me but hey, better late than never!
If you have never tried Persian food, you should go to my favorite restaurant, Darya, in Orange County. Make sure you try the Persian ice-cream.
Keep reading!
Best,
Firoozeh
December 16th, 2007 at 2:45 am
Dear Firoozeh,
Today I received your comments to a post I made on my blog–Daniela’s Updates. I Thank you for the kind offer. Daniela is eagerly anticipating your next publication.
Warmest Regards,
(Ken)
December 18th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Hi Ken,
If you email me again in May, I will get a signed copy to Daniela. Until then, I wish both of you the best.
Happy holidays!
Regards,
Firoozeh
June 22nd, 2008 at 1:17 am
Hi Firoozeh,
I heard the interview on NPR this morning and laughed out loud about your family and you again. I had read Funny in Farsi with tears of laughter rolling down my cheeks. I lived in Turkey for nearly 20 years and my two daughters were born there. Having had such a long history with the Turks, I could relate to your family here.
I immediately went out and bought your book Laughing w/o an Accent and I have given your first book to many poeple. My daughter is married to an Iranian and they live in Qater with my two granddaughters.
I live in the LA area and just returned from Doha and one day would like to go to Iran as well. Keep the stories coming you have such talent.
Best regards,
Linda
June 22nd, 2008 at 1:28 am
Hi Linda,
Guess what? I will be speaking in LA on June 28th and 29th. I hope you can come! The info is on my website.
The June 29th event is a fundraiser for the Whittier and inlcudes an amazing Persian dinner. My parents will also be there.
Thank you for all your support! I hope to meet you too.
Best,
Firoozeh