Author's Biography
Firoozeh Dumas was born in Abadan, Iran and, in the 1972, moved to Southern California with her family. She grew up listening to her father, a former Fulbright Scholar, recount the many colorful stories of his life in both Iran and America. In 2001, with no prior writing experience, Firoozeh decided to write her stories as a gift for her children. Funny in Farsi was on the San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, and New York Times bestseller lists and was a finalist for the PEN/USA award in 2004 and a finalist in 2005 for an Audie Award for best audio book. She was also a finalist for the prestigious Thurber Prize for American Humor. She is the only Middle Easterner ever to be considered for this honor. In 2008, She was awarded the Spirit of America Award by the National Council of Social Studies. She shares this honor with Jimmy Carter, Rosa Parks and Mr. Rogers.
Firoozeh Dumas’s second memoir, entitled Laughing without an Accent, was published in May 2008 is a New York Times bestseller. Alexander McCall Smith had this to say, “These stories, like everything Firoozeh Dumas writes, are charming, highly amusing vignettes of family life. Dumas is one of those rare people–a naturally gifted storyteller.”
Firoozeh’s books are a gateway to many conversations, including shared humanity, immigration, language, family and identity.
Biography adapted from https://www.barclayagency.com/speakers/firoozeh-dumas/.
Welcome Weekend Schedule of Events
The Distinguished Lecture Committee has invited Bruce Feiler to address our students
as our 22nd Summer Reading keynote speaker.
This event kicks off the new school year and all MTSU students, parents, alumni, faculty
and staff are invited to attend.
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Murphy Center, 2pm
Meet the author for a book signing at the President's Back to School Bash.
Friday, August 25, 2023
Student Union Commons, 7pm