The Ungrateful Refugee

I was torn on what rating to give to this story.
I will share a few things that made me give it three stars instead of four.

Listening to the audio-book narrated by the author is always a great way to get the proper emotion from a book. I felt Dina Nayeri's passion and concern as she tells her story. Dina seemed to initially be comfortable with who she was, until other kids (who can be really mean) gave her reason to question herself. Dina left Iran with her mother for a better life. She recalls all the terror and confusion of the departure, and recalls how she felt various emotions through this journey. She was able to get a home in the United States, but was always striving to be better than everyone at something (anything). I loved hearing her truthful tales and she made me feel compassionate about what she had to endure.

But what does a little girl really know about a better life? She seemed to always want something else. It almost seemed as if nothing was good enough for her. She wanted, almost expected, more than what she was given. I understand there were many, many reasons for her ungratefulness, but even as an adult, it seems as if she became more ungrateful instead of understanding how many people were giving or sharing what they felt was best for her. It may not have been the best, and I completely understand how this may have caused some anger an regret. I am not able to judge her too much, since I have never walked a mile in her shoes. But I did walk miles in my own. For me, as a young single mother, I was ever grateful for the help I received from many, and rather than be angry for what I didn't get, I made myself better in order to give to myself and not take from others.
Yet, I don't recall Dina ever once in this book saying that it was this giving and sharing that allowed her to become the person she is today. What would she have become if she had to stay in war-torn Iran? Would she have survived? She has so much anger. The latter part of the book she just became angrier and angrier. There are so many better ways to direct that energy. I hope she can get past the anger and be more compassionate toward herself, those that want to help her, and those that need help.