Jan
18
Posted on 01-18-2008
Hello everyone,
LAUGHING WITHOUT AN ACCENT will be in bookstores on April 29, 2008. You can already order it on the internet.
What do you think of the cover design? I love it. (I had nothing to do with it. Random House has its own designers.) The color is called “cinnamon.” I hope it’s as popular as those Cinnabons in airports. The book won’t smell like glaze though. (If you have walked through an American airport lately, you know what I’m talking about!)
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January 19th, 2008 at 4:26 am
What!!! I exclaimed to myself and to you in the opening pages of your book Funny in Farsi, WHY didn’t she/you name this book Laughter Has No Accent??? Of course, I thought of it because you wrote it, but since you didn’t use it I wrote it down to use myself someday or suggest to someone for a comedy show. So very pleased to arrive here, at your site, and see you have a second book and used your best title. Even if I thought of it second. I’ll buy it for the friend that brought me your Funny In Farsi, which is also a great title. Loved the book and LOVE your writing. I’m a ‘white girl’ who moved to Hawaii at age 12 and can relate to being from a ‘different culture’. Mahalo Nui Loa for the smiles and the laughter and the enlightenment about Iranian Moms, Dads, Uncles, Aunties, and you.
Pamela Chilton - Now A California Woman Like You, I Think.
January 19th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Aloha Pamela! Thank you for your sweet message.
Yes, I am in California also. Perhaps I will have an author event near you this coming year. If so, I hope you come by and say hello.
Thanks again for your support. I hope you enjoy LWAA. (At least you already like the title.)
Best,
Firoozeh
January 19th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Salam.
Fekr konam site shoma zabane Farsi ghabool nemikone.
Be onvane projeye payane term, ketabe shoma ro daram az nazare Post cloniali naghd mikonam.
Mikhastam biographye shoma ro az sitetoon benevisam.
Ey kash sitetoon be zabane farsi ham bood (hatta Funny Farsi ham bood bazam khoub boud!!)
Shad bashid.
January 24th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your book! It made for a couple of late nights as I just couldn’t put it down. My grandmother gave it to me and I was so surprised and delighted to discover my hometown of Newport Beach in your book. I grew up in a small beach house near Five Crowns on PCH. Spent my growing up years running around Little Corona and Big Corona with my half-Iranian cousins. I also spent a lot of time wanting to be Iranian! That’s a whole different story. Hope you’ve had the delight of a Balboa bar from Dad’s on Balboa Island. Can’t be beat! I just relocated to the North Bay and am hoping to come down on 2/5 when you’re at USF. All the best to you and I look forward to your next book. You have a wonderful writing style! Thanks for sharing it with us.
January 24th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Hi Kimberly,
First of all, you have a very cool grandmother.
And yes, I have had many Balboa bars. In fact,I have a framed drawing of Dad’s in my family room. I bought it from an artist on Balboa. I just loved that place because it was so simple and authentic. Marine Avenue is still really cute and charming, and full of good looking people! There must be something in that water…
I hope to see you on Feb. 5th! Thanks again for your support. I hope you enjoy the North Bay. I think you will.
Best,
Firoozeh
January 29th, 2008 at 3:35 am
Dear Firoozeh:
Since December 20, I have been at home recovering from an accident I was involved in (car vs. pedestrian – I was the pedestrian). I have two terrific friends who are avid readers – one of which gave me your book, “Funny in Farsi”, to read and cheer me up. To say the least, it did the trick.
I spent the day today reading the book and had to write you and tell you how much I enjoyed it. Although I am a native Californian and not Iranian (I am of Swedish/Irish descent), your book was so engaging and funny. I could relate to a lot of what you wrote about. I, too, was born in 1965, attended Holy Names College in Oakland at the time you were attending Berkeley and grew up in Southern California. I can remember babysitting as a teenager for a dollar an hour and watching “Bowling for Dollars” with my parents.
I really enjoyed reading about you, your large close family, and how food figured so prominently throughout your life and the stories — from the $3.99 Vegas buffets and your dad sampling at Price Club to the lamb carcass at your wedding.
When I found your website, I was delighted to find that you have another book coming out in April! I am excited to read more from you. Thanks for a terrific read and a nice trip dowwn memory lane.
Blessings,
Laura
January 29th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Holy Moly Laura! Car vs. pedestrian does not sound good. I am glad you lived to tell the tale!
If you can make it to one of my upcoming book events in May and June, let me know. If not, I will send you a signed copy of LAUGHING WITHOUT AN ACCENT. It doesn’t come out till April 29 so email me again then.
I am glad you have nice friends who supply you with books. (And they have such FINE taste!) I hope you recover fully soon and can continue with whatever else you dream of doing.
Thanks again for your email,
Firoozeh
January 30th, 2008 at 2:40 am
Hi Firoozeh-joon!
I actually just wanted to say hi and hope all is well. This is maybe going to sound silly but if you’re trying to figure out “who the heck is Haleh?”, my parents are Reza and Haeideh. If you still need more info beyond that, please let me know. =) I read Funny in Farsi several years ago(it was an actual autographed copy!) and finished it in a weekend. I LOVED IT!! I thought it was a riot! And I can’t wait til this new one comes out! Please keep them coming! Take good care and God bless you and your family!
January 30th, 2008 at 5:03 am
Thank you Haleh jan. I hope I see you at one of my book events in May or June. Bring your parents!
Best,
Firoozeh
PS I am assuming you are Haleh from Orange County. If I’m wrong, let me know!
January 30th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Yes, ma’am, you are absolutely correct about the OC assumption! =) Living in Tustin, married to my wonderful husband Daniel since ‘95 and blessed w/ a beautiful baby girl named Tatiana who just so happens to be celebrating her first birthday today!! And yes, I would LOVE to see you at one of your book events this Spring! And I’ll be sure to tell my parents about it too. I’m thrilled you remembered me! If you have access to the email address I keyed in in the “mail” field, I’d love to either get your email address or snail mail address and send you a couple pictures and correspondence from us from time to time—if it’s not a problem for you to disclose that info, that is. If so, I complete understand and respect that. Really look forward to seeing you!!
February 1st, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Hello dear Firoozeh,
Happy new book… Congratulations!
when does it come out in Iran?
we’re waiting…
every succes in your new book.
Best,
Armin
PS I think the cover design is fine… It has a harmony with your last book Funny in Farsi. I love it!
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Join to Firoozeh Dumas Fan Club and enjoy it:
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/firoozehdumasfc
February 2nd, 2008 at 2:14 am
Thank you Armin!
I have no idea when the translation will be in Iran. That is a very complicated process!
I’m so glad you like the cover design. I like your comment about the harmony with the last book. They are like family members!
Ghorbanat,
Firoozeh
February 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Salam,
In your opinion, for “Laughing Without an Accent”, what is the best translation in persian?
“Atr-e-Sonbol, Atr-e-Kaaj” was a good persian name for “Funny in Farsi”. as you know, Sonbol is the symbol of Norouz and Kaaj is the symbol of Christmas, it’s realy a wise choice
So, what do you prefer for your new book’s persian name?
Thanks again,
Armin
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Join to Firoozeh Dumas Fan Club:
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/firoozehdumasfc
February 8th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Firoozeh:
Thank you for you kind reply. I especially appreciate the encouragement to continue with whatever else I dream of doing. The biggest lesson I have taken from my recovery is that I have a second chance to live my life they way I want to (or dream to).
I will definitely make it to one of your Bay Area book events in May or June with my two “book-loving” friends. What a delight it will be to meet you in person.
Cheers!
Laura
February 11th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
The design is lovely! After my book group enjoyed “Funny in Farsi,” I’m sure they’ll be very excited to read your next book.
March 6th, 2008 at 6:59 am
I just wanted to tell you that you have inspired me not only in my writing career, but also in the academic aspect of your life. As a current freshman in high school I admired your intelligence while reading the book and was maybe even a little jealous. You made my far-fetched dream of someday attending Harvard seem possible through your many accomplishments. I really appreciate that you allowed me to see the hatred towards Iranians through your eyes because it caused me to have a new-found respect for any people facing such racism.
As a hopefully future lawyer I always love a good argument; therefore, my favorite line in Funny in Farsi is, “Have you noticed how all the recent serial killers have been Americans? I won’t hold it against you.”
Being from a place that most people do not know exists, Croatia, I can relate to the love and pride in your culture. I especially love the INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS desserts which you should definitely someday try. I especially recommend frite and those tasty peach things that I can never remember the name of.
P.S. Another thing that I have in common with you is that computers always seem to think our names are spelled wrong.
March 6th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Hi Ciara,
I promise that the next time I see Croatian desserts somewhere, I will try them, especially “those tasty peach things that Ciara recommends” Can’t wait!
I’m sure you will make a wonderful lawyer. It’s great that you are aiming high but even if you don’t get into Harvard, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream. There are lots of successful people out there who did not get into Harvard (me, my husband, my brother, my friend Liz, I could go on). But hey, there are LOTS of great schools in the US that would be happy to have you.
I hope you reach your dreams, regardless of the road you end up taking. And don’t forget to take some of those tasty peach things with you.
Best,
Firoozeh
March 19th, 2008 at 5:42 am
Greetings Firoozeh from your Leffingwell Classmate, Carie. My Iranian girlfriend, Nusheen, told me about your book. As she explained the story, I asked if the author is Firoozeh? Sure enough, I knew it had to be you. I read Funny in Farsi over the weekend. You are very talented and it is a delight to find out what happened to you after grade school. “Carrie’s Mom” remembers you from Brownies and couldn’t believe you would remember her. I can’t wait to read your next book. All the best to you, Carie
March 19th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Wow! What a GREAT surprise!
Thank you for writing to me. Where are you living now? (If you email my blog again, I will answer you privately. Just make sure you give me your email.)
I have so many fond memories with Browinies and your mom. I remember you had a pool and a sign that said, “We don’t swim in your toilet. Please don’t pee in our pool.” Very clever indeed. (That was your house, wasn’t it?)
Let me know if you want Mrs. Sandberg’s contact info. I bet she would love to hear from you.
best,
Firoozeh
March 24th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Dear Firoozeh
I’ve just finnished your book and I really enjoyed it.
For me it was not just funny, but so informative especially about my some countrymates’ lives in US. In spite of all difficulties you and your family’s achievements are quite admirable. As an Iranian I feel proud of you, but more important… I wish you continue your way in humanity road more successfull than before.
Best wishes
Farnoush
March 31st, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Thank you Farnoush! Your kind words mean a lot to me.
Best,
Firoozeh
May 11th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Dear firoozeh
Today i bought your book from tehran book fair and i’ve just finished it and then tried to find your website. it was very very very funny and interesting. i really enjoyed it. i just wanted to say thank you. i don’t whether i can find your original book in tehran or not.can you help me? thanks and hope to read your next book
May 14th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Merci Zainab!
I don’t think you can find the original English version in Iran. I’m so sorry but I can’t think of any way to get you a copy. (I doubt it would make it in the mail.)
If you know of anyone visiting the States, you can ask him or her to buy you a copy and bring it back. Other than that, I don’t know what else to suggest. I’m so sorry.
Thank you for your email,
Firoozeh
May 26th, 2008 at 11:09 am
DEAR FIROOZEH,
YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT WE,A GROUP OF BOOKWORM WOMEN, READ YOUR BOOK AS IT WAS INTRODUCED TO US BY ONE OF THE MEMBERS.WE LIVE IN ZANJAN,AND WE HAD A DISSCUSSION ABOUT THE BOOK LAST WEEK.I ENJOYED YOUR BOOK VERY MUCH,BUT IT WASN’T PLEASANT FOR ME THE WAY IT WAS FOR AN AMERICAN READER.I ENJOYED THE BOOK FOR I FELT EVERY SINGLE PART OF IT MYSELF.IT BROUGHT TEARS IN MY EYES AS WELL AS SMILE ON MY LIPS.THERE WAS A BITTER FACT HIDDEN IN THE STORY.IT WAS BEING HUMILIATED WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING WRONG.AS WE BELONG TO THE SAME GENERATION I EXPERIENCED YOUR FEELING TOO.
WE ALL WISH YOU LUCK AND HAPPINESS IN YOUR LIFE,
ROZA
May 26th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Firoozeh Jan,
You did a great job in your book “funny in farsi”, which i read the farsi version” Atre Sonbol, Atre Kaaj”. It’s amazing how you used your delicate sense of humor and at the same time not insult anyone. i loved it..especially when you talked about your Mom, i somehow found it similar to mine,and congratulations, it is 13th publishing series in Iran, which means after such a long time outside Iran, you still have your audience in the new generation which everyone, even parents, find impossible to understand,
Good luck
May 26th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Thank you Roza. I love the idea of a book club in Zanjan! If I lived there, I would be a member of that club. I am definitely a book worm.
Thank you to you and to your book club for your kind wishes. I am very touched.
Best,
Firoozeh
May 26th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Merci Bahareh jan. I am so happy that readers in Iran are enjoying my stories. My book is much more popular there than in America!
Thanks again for taking the time to write to me.
Best,
Firoozeh
June 6th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Hello,
I just wrote a review on Amazan.com on ‘laughing without an accent’ and I thought why not drop a few lines here too.
I love your writing and your mini stories are Hilarious! Frankly, I can’t think of many writers that can describe an experience as neat as you…. My favorite one is when you spoke before a bunch of evangelicals at Palm Spring. (It totally reminded me of my parents dealing with the Jehovah witness’s knocking on their door every other day. So they decided to get rid of them by telling then that they do not speak any English, well, they came back a week later with the Farsi translation of Jehovah’s book!)
I just couldn’t put it down until the short story ends and then next one is even better than the last ones…..so, I was caught reading “Laughing without an accent” skipping my lunch and laughing hysterically in my office!! (Not recommended before merit reviews :-)…
What a fantastic follow-up to “Funny in Farsi”….Can’t wait to more of your books.
Best wishes to you & your family
Cheers,
Banafsheh Dehdashtian
June 10th, 2008 at 4:09 am
Thank you SO much for taking the time to write a review, and such a lovely one! I really, really appreciate it.
I’m not writing a book at the moment, thanks to a very active toddler, but I will again eventually. In the meantime, I hope to meet you at an author event somewhere.
Thank you again for your kind words!
Best,
Firoozeh