LAUGHING WITHOUT AN ACCENT

Author: Firoozeh Dumas ISBN: 9780345499561 5/2008 FICTION Publisher: VILLIARD (RANDOM HOUSE)

Firoozeh Dumas was born in Abadan, Iran, but moved with her family to California when she was seven. Two years later, her family returned to Iran, only to come back to the United States just a few years later. Perhaps it was this early yo-yo travel experience that sharpened her sense of cultural identity. Dumas's Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America established her reputation as a humorist; in fact, it made Dumas the first American of Middle Eastern heritage to be nominated ever for a James Thurber Award. Laughing Without an Accent brings us up to date on her life on both sides of the hyphen. Humorous, introspective musings.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

What to say about LAUGHING WITHOUT AN ACCENT by Firoozeh Dumas? When I sat down to write this review, all I could think of was that this book personifies the three w's—warm, witty and wonderful. I inhaled this small volume. My only regret? That it wasn't longer. That's it. I was displeased because the book ended—it was that good.

This isn't a romantic novel, so please don't look for that here. While it does have some romantic elements to it, this is basically a series of stories about the author, her family and their Iranian American experiences. Although these delightful tales are told, of course, from a certain perspective they are, in fact, tales of humanity. Any of us, regardless of ethnicity, could see ourselves and our families in this book. Fun, and funny, it examines what it is, essentially, to be human in American society. Dealing with neighbors, introducing one culture and its traditions to another, bargain shopping, ugly cars and bringing up children—these are experiences we share.

What makes this so heartwarming and wonderful is this author's voice. I felt as if I was visiting with an old friend, and the stories were told with humor, honesty and warmth across a kitchen table. I love the way Ms. Dumas brings the reader right into her family, and makes that same reader feel a part of the family—even if only for a short time. I think anyone who enjoys learning about different cultures or just getting a glimpse past the front door of a neighbor's home, will take pleasure in this small volume. It is well written and insightful. But be forewarned, it ends all too quickly. I hope Ms. Dumas considers writing another book like this one. I can't wait to hear more from her!

Kay James