When Concord Reads selected Iranian-born Firoozeh Dumas’s memoirs about life in America (“Funny in Farsi” and “Laughing Without an Accent”), the committee kept their fingers crossed that they would be able to persuade the best-selling author to come to Concord during the New Hampshire Writers’ Project’s literary festival.
It didn’t take much convincing. Not only is Dumas a huge supporter of local literary projects like Concord Reads, she’s been itching to see autumn in the Granite State. The California author agreed to make not one appearance in Concord, but three.
We reached Dumas by phone last week to talk about her work, funny Middle Eastern women, and characters at Trader Joe’s.
How do you feel about coming to cold Concord from sunny California?
I am so excited. I have always wanted to see New Hampshire. About 15 years ago, I bought a VHS tape from PBS called “Over New England.”. . . My book has brought me a lot of places; I have been to Vermont, but never New Hampshire . . . I can’t believe I am actually coming in fall, I feel so lucky.
Any favorite places you have been in the country?
I have to say, one of the places that stands out to me, as far as beauty goes, is Maine. Having said that, my books have taken me to places that I normally would not have visited, like rural towns in the South and the Midwest. These places have opened my eyes to the perse cultures represented within this country. I don’t think anyone can claim they understand America without seeing its different regions, talking to the people and appreciating the different values embraced in different regions. And plus, I love places with names like Arkadelphia, Arkansas. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?
You have been selected for community reads multiple times. Why do you think that is?
First of all, my books are accessible to all generations. . . . It is hard to find books that have something for different generations. Whenever people read my book, they can relate to it. I think we are all outsiders in one way or another and it really resonates with readers.
Also, most memoirs aren’t funny. . . . It’s nice to read something that puts a smile on your face. No one expects (humor) from a Middle Eastern woman, let me tell you!
Why is that?
If you were to ask people to name 10 adjectives associated with Middle Eastern women, “funny” would not be one of them. Most people know the Middle East through the evening news, so the image of the victimized, oppressed woman is the one foremost in people’s minds. But in the same way that the images on the evening news do not represent all Americans, the same applies to Middle Easterners. There is a lot of joy and humor in the Middle East, too.
Why do you think programs like Concord Reads are important?
Whenever there is a community reads program, people come out of the woodwork that normally don’t . . . . I love that it builds a sense of a community and that neighbors will get together and talk to each other in a way they haven’t before. Plus, books are a safe topic. We’re not talking politics.
Why should people read about immigration?
We should all read United States history books about immigration. There used to be signs in windows saying NINA – No Irish Need Apply. Where would this country be without the Irish? They are woven into the fabric of this country, along with the Italians, Polish and Mexican. We need to be reminded that yes, this is a nation of immigrants, but immigrants must do their part to assimilate. It’s a two-way street.
Why do you think it’s important to maintain a sense of humor?
I personally don’t know how people get through life without a sense of humor. It helps us let things roll off our back. . . . I look at (humor) as a form of wisdom. It allows you to deal with things in a softer way.
What’s the funniest thing that happened to you today?
This happened to me last night. It was funny/weird. I was in Trader Joe’s with my 4-year-old and my husband. My 4-year-old had one of those miniature carts . . . (and) I’m thinking ‘Oh my God, she’s going to bump into people,’ so I tell her it isn’t working out. And then I hear this man’s voice say, ‘Oh, it’s not working out? Just like President Obama!’ I said to him, ‘I think this is the first time President Obama has been compared to a shopping cart.’
Dumas will speak at Bishop Brady High School, 25 Columbus Ave., on Oct. 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
On Oct. 21 from noon to 1:30 p.m., join Dumas for lunch at NHTI in the Dr. Goldie Crocker Wellness Center, 4 Institute Drive. Luncheon tickets are $25 and can be purchased at concordnhchamber.com or by calling 224-2508.
Also on Oct. 21, Dumas will speak at Concord High School, 170 Warren St., in the auditorium at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information about Concord Reads, visit concordpubliclibrary.net or call 225-8670. For more information about Firoozeh Dumas, visit firoozehdumas.com
