While Farizan deals with LGBT issues in this book, she also is writing about the choices all young adults must face. “A convincing portrait of everyday life in post-revolutionary Iranian society. Within a rigid societal structure, her fleshed-out characters wrestle with depression, hope, complacency, and risk.” - Publishers Weekly Throughout this strong debut, Farizan weaves in details of daily Iranian life. An intimate look at life in modern-day Iran and its surprising Westernization, even though much of this culture is clandestine.' - Booklist, starred review A groundbreaking, powerful depiction of gay and transsexual life in Iran. Highly recommended.' - School Library Journal Rich with details of life in contemporary Iran, this is a GLBTQ story that we haven't seen before in YA fiction. Also a compelling story about class and the purpose of marriage.” - The Boston Globe An interesting look at gender identity and gay culture in Iran. “This beautifully crafted young-adult novel offers timely insight into the struggles of those who must be their authentic selves no matter where they live.” - Ms. And her secondary storylines ring out memorably.” - The New York Times Book Review

“Farizan’s prose is frank, funny and bittersweet, enjoyable. Sahar will never be able to love Nasrin in the body she wants to be loved in without risking their lives, but is saving their love worth sacrificing her true self? Then Sahar discovers what seems like the perfect solution: homosexuality may be a crime, but to be a man trapped in a woman’s body is seen as nature’s mistake, and sex reassignment is legal and accessible. So they carry on in secret until Nasrin’s parents suddenly announce that they’ve arranged for her marriage. But Iran is a dangerous place for two girls in love–Sahar and Nasrin could be beaten, imprisoned, even executed. They’ve shared stolen kisses and romantic promises. Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. This Forbidden Romance Could Cost Them Their Lives Winner of the Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Children’s/Young AdultĪ Booklist Top 10 First Novels for Youth 2013Ī Chicago Public Library “Best of the Best” 2013

If you could be mine by sara farizan