Everything Sad Is Untrue

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 1-104

Pages 105-214

Pages 215-278

Pages 279-352 and Author’s Note

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Compare and contrast the opening memory of Baba Haji with the version that Sima recounts to Daniel at the novel’s end. How are they similar and different? What does this say about the theme of storytelling as remembering and surviving?

What role do myths and legends play in this story? How does Daniel’s understanding of them change over the course of the book? Use at least three examples to support your argument.

How important is religion to the plot of this story? How does it help with understanding Sima as a character?

Compare and contrast Daniel’s parents. How do each of them shape who he is in the United States?

Consider Daniel’s role as the narrator of this story. What rhetorical devices does he use to keep his reader engaged? Use at least three examples from the text and make an argument about why he uses these.

Final Fantasy is mentioned several times throughout the novel. What might it symbolize?

Analyze Daniel’s relationship with his sister. What role does Dina play in this story?

How does Daniel grow and change over the course of this book?

What is the role of hope in this text? What does this suggest about the experience of refugees?

10.

What does “truth” mean within the context of this novel? Consider the title, Daniel’s opening about Persian poets, and the suggestions that Daniel makes in the author’s note as you make your argument.