Older boys often asked me to teach them “some bad words in your language”. At first I politely refused. My refusal merely increased their determination, so I solved the problem by teaching them phrases like 'man kharam' which means “I'm… — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share Image
Without my relatives, I am but a thread; together, we form a colorful and elaborate Persian carpet. — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
“On our second day, my parents announced that Kauai was boring. “There’s nothing to look at, just plants and rainbows,” my father declared. “There… — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
Marriage, in my culture, has nothing to do with romance. It's a matter of logic. If Mr. and Mrs. Ahmadi like Mr. and Mrs.… — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
“I always made sure to put them back in the exact order in which I had found them, for fear of losing the privilege… — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
“The Japanese have a saying that for every new food we try, we gain seven days of life. I may be immortal by now.” — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
Most fruits, if left alone on a tree, eventually do ripen, especially if they're not being yelled at. — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
It's not what we eat or don't eat that makes us good people; it's how we treat one another. As you grow older, you'll… — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
For me, writing clarifies things. It gives meaning, and it makes me see the connections. — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
When people go to a new country, whether as refugees or immigrants, kids usually assimilate easily, but it's much harder for the grownups. Especially,… — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
“... even though we belong to three different religions. We are alike in so many more ways than we are different.” — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
“At some point, someone must have yelled “Good job, Kaz!,” which my father interpreted as “You should go on television and win a fortune!”… — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
My father's motto has always been 'Room in the heart, room in the house.' As charming as this sounds, it translates into a long… — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
“. . . to deny someone an education is not just a crime but a sin, because you are denying that person the opportunity… — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
“Is that boy from your country?” she asked me. “Why, yes,” I wanted to tell her. “In my country, which I own, this is… — Firoozeh Dumas Copy Share
