Sons and Other Flammable Objects

The Iranian-American authorâs award-winning debut examines an immigrantâs coming of age with âpunchy conversation, vivid detail [and] sharp humorâ (The New York Times Book Review). Growing up in the United States, Xerxes Adamâs understanding of ... Read more

The Iranian-American authorâs award-winning debut examines an immigrantâs coming of age with âpunchy conversation, vivid detail [and] sharp humorâ (The New York Times Book Review). Growing up in the United States, Xerxes Adamâs understanding of his Iranian heritage vacillates from typical teenage embarrassment to something so tragic it can barely be spoken. His father, Darius, is obsessed with his own exile, and fantasizes about a nonexistent daughter he can relate to better than his living son. His mother changes her name and tries to make friends. But neither of them helps Xerxes make sense of the terrifying, violent last moments in a homeland he barely remembers. As Xerxes grows up and moves to New York City, his major goal in life is to completely separate from his parents. But after the attacks of September 11th change New York forever, and Xerxes meets a beautiful half-Iranian girl on the roof of his building, he begins to realize that his heritage will never let him go. Winner of the California Book Award Silver Medal in First Fiction, Sons and Other Flammable Objects is a sweeping, lyrical tale of suffering, redemption, and the role of memory in making peace with our worlds. A New York Times Book Review Editorâs Choice Less