Introducing New Books by Iranian American Authors
TOXIC THOUGHTS
By Jafar Farnam, MD
Throughout my medical career, I repeatedly observed a remarkable pattern: patients who maintained a positive outlook and seemed more engaged in the present often responded better to treatment, recovered faster, and appeared healthier and younger. In contrast, patients burdened by regrets about the past, worries about the future, anxiety, and unhappiness often seemed to struggle more with recovery and overall well-being. These observations inspired me to explore the powerful connection between our thoughts, emotions, and physical health.
Toxic Thoughts explains how dwelling on the past and worrying about the unborn future can affect our well-being—and how learning to live in the present may help us stay younger, feel happier, live healthier, perform better, and maintain a sharper memory.
What makes this book different? It doesn’t just tell you to live in the present—it shows you how. Through simple, step-by-step Rejuvenation Practices woven naturally into your daily routines, you learn to practice presence anytime, anywhere—without extra time, special conditions, meditation retreats, or travel. You practice presence while living your everyday life.
After a lifetime of following toxic thoughts, retraining the brain to focus on the present takes time. But every practice brings us one step closer.
Available on Amazon
TINY TIME TRAVELER
By Bahram Ghadiri, PhD
Tiny Time Traveler is a unique educational children’s book series created to introduce young readers (ages 3–12) to the ancient history and cultural heritage of Iran through fun and engaging stories.
This project is especially important because, despite the richness of Iran’s early history and archaeology, there are currently almost no children’s books dedicated to the period from the formation of the first villages in Iran up to the rise of the Median Empire. Our attempt is among the very first to present this extraordinary era to children in an accessible, exciting, and scientifically-grounded way.
All stories are inspired by real archaeological discoveries from ancient Iranian sites such as Susa, Tepe Sialk, Shahdad, Tepe Yahya, Chogha Golan, and many others. Through storytelling, children learn about:
● the first farmers and villages,
● early inventions and trade,
● ancient art and architecture,
● the beginnings of writing and accounting, and
● the roots of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Our goal is to help children—especially Iranian children living in the diaspora—develop a stronger connection with their cultural heritage while also encouraging curiosity, imagination, and historical awareness.
The first books in the series are now published, and we plan to release 12 titles this year.
More information, previews, and purchasing details are available on our website:
www.TinyTimeTraveler.com
EVERYTHING HAPPENS
A novel by Phil Heshmaty
When an American Marine is presumed dead after a devastating battle in Iraq, he awakens in a foreign hand with no memory of who he is. Guided only by his courage and kindness of strangers, he begins an extraordinary journey across countries and continents in search of the truth about his past.
Back home, a grieving wife struggles to rebuild her life, a young boy fights for survival, two brothers search for one another after decades apart, and a desperate father faces an impossible choice.
Though their lives seem unconnected, each is unknowingly part of a much larger story, one woven together by compassion, sacrifice, and hope.
Everything Happens is a moving novel about resilience, redemption, and the unexpected ways our lives intersect. It is a story that reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can change the course of another person’s life forever.
Published by Ordak Publishing
MY NAME IS HARRIET MANSOOR (NOT HAIRY MAN SUIT)
A novel by Dr. Haleh Massey
Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh
Hangameh “Harriet” Mansoor is having the worst month of her eleven-year-old life. It’s tough enough being the only Iranian in her blond, blue-eyed school. But then her bully starts dating her crush and renames her “Hairy Man Suit” in front of everyone after seeing her unshaven legs. Worst of all? Her parents say money trouble might force them to move back to Iran! Nope! Can’t happen. Harriet has always kept quiet to blend in, but now she’ll have to speak up if she’s ever going to fix these catastrophes!
Published by Tu Books
STORIES I HELD FOR YOU
A Black-and-White Grow-With-Me Book of Persian Stories for Babies and Beyond
Written and illustrated by Donya Rhymes
This book introduces 35 classic Persian stories through a single iconic illustration from each tale.
This book is a curated collection of Persian stories selected, adapted, written, and illustrated by Donya Rhymes. While many of the stories originate from Persian folklore, literature, oral traditions, or educational materials, the accompanying text, illustrations, book design, and overall compilation are original creative works protected by copyright. The illustrations were created by the author through hand-drawn artwork and digital refinement. Design software, AI-assisted creative and editorial tools, and licensed graphic resources were used during the creative process. Final creative direction, story selection, writing, illustration, editing, and design decisions are solely those of the author.
Every effort has been made to accurately identify the origins and authorship of the stories included in this collection. Because many traditional folktales exist in multiple versions and have been passed down through generations, some origins and attributions may vary.
Published by Dokon Collective LLC
The information presented here is selected from promotional texts and press releases or from the back cover of the books. — Peyk
