The Authentics

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

A pitch perfect blend of drama and comedy, this engaging novel set in Los Angeles employs a light touch in its exploration of issues of ethnicity, class, sexual orientation and more.

Soon to be sixteen year old Daria dreads the huge birthday party that her parents insist she must have, with all its status symbol trappings and the inclusion of many of her Persian American peers who disdain her rejection of these image-conscious norms. After a falling out with her ex-friend Heidi, who is now part of a clique Daria refers to as "The Nose Jobs," Daria is part of a tight knit group of friends who refer to themselves as "The Authentics." Though she dislikes the custom of the massive, phony sixteenth birthday bash (as the novel opens, she is forced to attend Heidi's, where the pink color scheme carries through to the hors d'ouvres and dyed pink goldfish in bowls that are part of the decor), Daria loves her Iranian heritage. When a school project on family history brings long concealed information about her own history to light, she searches for answers and must rethink her own identity even as she has a romance with a new guy, becomes an aunt when her brother and his husband’s new baby is born and learns that the other Authentics have secrets of their own. Daria’s wit and poignantly portrayed emotions will keep readers firmly in her corner as she navigates many complicated questions and this realistic novel features both mystery and romance that will keep them engrossed. Secondary characters are well imagined and historical details about the 1979 Iranian revolution are woven seamlessly into the narrative. A smart, very funny family and friend drama that is filled with heart, this should appeal widely to teens who favor contemporary fiction.

Overall Book Score: excellent