Why Did I Listen To Perfectly Parvin by Olivia Abtahi?
Perfectly Parvin by Olivia Abtahi was an excellent choice via audiobook. I decided to give it a shot as it had popped up on the Volumes app reviewer section. You see, I love reading diverse young adult contemporary books. Perfectly Parvin was the first book I’ve read starring a main character who is half Iranian. Friends, I loved this book SO much. I am so glad that this book exists and is such a delight to listen to.
What’s The Story Here?
Olivia Abtahi’s Perfectly Parvin opens up on summer beach vacation where Parvin clearly had herself a blast. She’s so excited because she’s just obtained her first boyfriend, Wesley, and cannot wait to get back to school to start her freshman year with a boyfriend. You see, Parvin and Wesley both live in DC and will be attending the same high school. Only, when school starts Parvin is dumped by Wesley. She has a plan though to get another boyfriend, a sophomore named Matty. You see, Parvin has been told that she’s too much. So, she tones it down and becomes demure and not her loud, vivacious, wonderful self. The plan is working, but she’s also finding she really likes this guy from her Farsi class, Amir. Also, Parvin is looking forward to her aunt visiting from Iran. She’s in college and can help Parvin with makeup, etc unlike Parvin’s white mom.
How Did I Like Perfectly Parvin?
I loved Perfectly Parvin. Parvin is such an endearing, wonderful main character. This whole book made me feel like it is the Georgia Nicholson for this generation — with a main character of color, side characters who are LGBTQ, and Parvin’s experience of adolescence and romance. Parvin makes various missteps throughout the way and it just feels so refreshingly normal and relatable. You’ll find yourself rooting for her to find her voice the entire time and be proud of who she is. I really genuinely believe this is such a wonderful book for teens looking for younger YA to read.
How’s The Narration?
If audiobooks are your jam, I think you will enjoy listening to Perfectly Parvin. It is wonderfully narrated by Mitra Jouhari who infuses the narration with so much personality and character. Further, listening to this meant I can now perfectly pronounce Parvin without sounding ignorant. The audiobook is 6 hours and 57 minutes long, easy to understand while sped up and an absolute must listen.
Latest posts by April (Books&Wine) (see all)
- 5 More Audiobooks I’ve Recently Listened To - March 25, 2023
- Five Books I Recently Read - March 12, 2023
- 5 Mini Reviews - January 12, 2023
