Authentics - Abdi Nazemian

The Authentics is a fresh, funny, and insightful novel about culture, love, and familythe kind we are born into and the ones we create.Daria Esfandyar is Iranian-American and proud of her heritage, unlike some of the Nose Jobs in the clique led by her former best friend, Heidi Javadi. Daria and her friends call themselves the Authentics, because they pride themselves on always keeping it real.But in the course of researching a school project, Daria learns something shocking about her past, which launches her on a journey of self-discovery. It seems everyone is keeping secrets. And its getting harder to know who she even is any longer.With infighting among the Authentics, her mother planning an over-the-top sweet sixteen party, and a romance that should be totally off limits, Daria doesnt have time for this identity crisis. As everything in her life is spinning out of controlcan she figure out how to stay true to herself?An Adoption Story: A school genealogy project leads to a shocking discovery: Daria isnt who she thinks she is, and her family has been hiding the truth her entire life.A Witty Iranian-American Heroine: Navigating the Persian community of Tehrangeles, Daria prides herself on being realbut staying authentic is harder than ever when your whole identity is a lie.Unbreakable Bonds and Teen Rivalries: While Darias friend group, The Authentics, is her rock, infighting and a rivalry with her former best friend, Heidi, threaten to tear everything apart.An Off-Limits Crush: On top of everything, Daria finds herself falling for a guy she absolutely shouldnt wanta connection that complicates her search for the truth even more.Mother-Daughter Conflict: From over-the-top sweet sixteen plans to clashing values, Darias relationship with her perfectly put-together mother, Sheila, is at a breaking point.