Authentic Identity: A Journey by Epic Reads

The Authentics is an engaging, humorous, and thought-provoking novel exploring themes of culture, love, and family—both by blood and choice. Daria Esfandyar, an Iranian-American, is proud of her heritage, unlike some in Heidi Javadi's clique, whom she and her friends, the Authentics, consider 'Nose Jobs'. While working on a school project, Daria uncovers a surprising truth about her past, sparking a journey of self-discovery. As secrets emerge, Daria struggles to understand her own identity.

• ['A Life-Changing DNA Test: Daria has always been a proud Iranian-American. But a school project reveals a truth that changes everything: she's biologically half-Mexican.', 'A Forbidden Crush: As she searches for answers, she meets a boy who should be completely off-limits. But the more she gets to know him, the harder it is to stay away.', 'Found Family and Frenemies: She has her ride-or-die friends, The Authentics. But her former best friend, Heidi, and the catty "Nose Jobs" clique won't make her identity crisis any easier.', 'One Epic Sweet Sixteen: On top of it all, her mother is planning an over-the-top party that Daria doesn't even want, forcing her two worlds—high school and Tehrangeles—to collide.']