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Tehrangeles
Meet the Milanis: fast-food heiresses, L.A. royalty, and your newest reality TV obsession.
Iranian-American multimillionaires Ali and Homa Milani have it all—a McMansion in the hills of Los Angeles, a microwaveable snack empire, and four spirited daughters. There’s Violet, the big-hearted aspiring model; Roxanna, the chaotic influencer; Mina, the chronically online overachiever; and impressionable health fanatic Haylee. On the verge of landing their own reality TV show, the Milanis realize their deepest secrets are about to be dragged out into the open before the cameras even roll. Each of the Milanis—even their aloof Persian cat Pari—has something to hide, but the looming scrutiny of fame also threatens to bring the family closer than ever. Dramatic and biting yet full of heart, Tehrangeles is a tragicomic saga about high-functioning family dysfunction and the ever-present struggle to accept one’s true self.
Iranian-American multimillionaires Ali and Homa Milani have it all—a McMansion in the hills of Los Angeles, a microwaveable snack empire, and four spirited daughters. There’s Violet, the big-hearted aspiring model; Roxanna, the chaotic influencer; Mina, the chronically online overachiever; and impressionable health fanatic Haylee. On the verge of landing their own reality TV show, the Milanis realize their deepest secrets are about to be dragged out into the open before the cameras even roll. Each of the Milanis—even their aloof Persian cat Pari—has something to hide, but the looming scrutiny of fame also threatens to bring the family closer than ever. Dramatic and biting yet full of heart, Tehrangeles is a tragicomic saga about high-functioning family dysfunction and the ever-present struggle to accept one’s true self.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2024
213 people are currently reading
11674 people want to read
About the author
Porochista Khakpour
21 books508 followersPorochista Khakpour is the author of the memoir Sick (Harper Perennial, June 2018)—a “Most Anticipated Book of 2018,” according to HuffPost, Bustle, Bitch, Nylon, Volume1 Brooklyn, The Rumpus, and more. She also authored the novels The Last Illusion (Bloomsbury, 2014)—a 2014 "Best Book of the Year" according to NPR, Kirkus, Buzzfeed, Popmatters, Electric Literature, and more — and Sons and Other Flammable Objects (Grove, 2007)—the 2007 California Book Award winner in “First Fiction,” a Chicago Tribune’s “Fall’s Best,” and a New York Times “Editor’s Choice.” Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, Al Jazeera America, Bookforum, Slate, Salon, Spin, CNN, The Daily Beast, Elle, and many other publications around the world. She’s had fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the University of Leipzig (Picador Guest Professorship), Yaddo, Ucross, and Northwestern University’s Academy for Alternative Journalism, among others. She has taught creative writing and literature at Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Bard College, Sarah Lawrence College, Wesleyan University, Bucknell University, and many other schools across the country. Currently, she is guest faculty at VCFA and Stonecoast's MFA programs as well as Contributing Editor at The Evergreen Review and The Offing. Born in Tehran and raised in the Los Angeles area, she lives in New York City’s Harlem.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 427 reviews
June 19, 2024
I really wanted to like this book. Reality TV, sisterly bonds, satire and comedy - I was all in. Unfortunately this one was not for me.
Things I liked about this book:
The cover.
Things I hated about this book:
Even though this book is satire, for me the writing about eating disorders was problematic. It's one thing to tell a story about teen/ young adult women who struggle with body image and eating disorders, but it crosses the line when the writing seems to glorify it and give how-to step by step instructions.
It's a no for me. 🤷🏼♀️
Things I liked about this book:
The cover.
Things I hated about this book:
Even though this book is satire, for me the writing about eating disorders was problematic. It's one thing to tell a story about teen/ young adult women who struggle with body image and eating disorders, but it crosses the line when the writing seems to glorify it and give how-to step by step instructions.
It's a no for me. 🤷🏼♀️
December 16, 2025
Violet ♓
Roxanna ♊
Mina ♑
Haylee ♎
I loved everything about this. I hated nearly everyone in it.
I didn't realize this was an extremely loose LITTLE WOMEN retelling. Of the four sisters, the two air signs are the most delulu and annoying. I would also ask for zodiac reassignment if I were a Gemini.
Set during the peak of COVID, which Haylee doesn't believe is real, this is a story about an Iranian American family that is whitefishing as an Italian American family.
Violet is a model that only eats fatty sweets. Roxanna is going through crises of her own making. Mina is a confused baby queer. Haylee goes full MAGA.
This has been out for quite some time, so I won't get too into it, but I haven't had this much fun since CRAZY RICH ASIANS.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Pantheon
Roxanna ♊
Mina ♑
Haylee ♎
I loved everything about this. I hated nearly everyone in it.
I didn't realize this was an extremely loose LITTLE WOMEN retelling. Of the four sisters, the two air signs are the most delulu and annoying. I would also ask for zodiac reassignment if I were a Gemini.
Set during the peak of COVID, which Haylee doesn't believe is real, this is a story about an Iranian American family that is whitefishing as an Italian American family.
Violet is a model that only eats fatty sweets. Roxanna is going through crises of her own making. Mina is a confused baby queer. Haylee goes full MAGA.
This has been out for quite some time, so I won't get too into it, but I haven't had this much fun since CRAZY RICH ASIANS.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Pantheon
August 3, 2024
Everyone who gave this a low rating because it "glorifies eating disorders and drug abuse" missed the point. This book was fun and silly while handling heavy topics. It's obviously satire and leans into it pretty heavily but the topics still felt well explored. Identity and reality tv is an intersection I'm so interested in and so this book was really fascinating to me.
June 18, 2024
My eyes are wide... and I'm just sitting here confused. Trying to decide if I'm out of touch with 'reality', or this was just....... a waste of time.
(insert eyes emoji)
And the best tip I can give... is to listen to the audiobook. Sped-up. Feels very authentic that way.
(insert eyes emoji)
And the best tip I can give... is to listen to the audiobook. Sped-up. Feels very authentic that way.
June 12, 2024
So, I admit the cover is what drove me to pick up this book. I was hesitant at first because it contains the covid lockdown and reality TV, which don’t really interest me in the literary world, but I gave it a chance when I saw the author call it her own version of Little Woman. The story follows an Iranian American family living in their millionaire’s gilded cage in Los Angeles on the cusp of filming their own reality TV show. The father Ali is an Iranian immigrant and the inventor of the popular microwave treat, Pizzabomme. His wife Homa is his rock but spends a lot of time trapped in her head by her emotions, missing a home country she fears she will never see again. Their four daughters all have completely different personalities and quirks. The eldest, Violet is a model with a sugar problem, Roxanna is a chaotic influencer, Mina is an overachiever with a strong online presence, and Halee is an impressionable health fanatic. Everyone in the family has secrets they wish to remain hidden from the looming presence of fame, but then COVID happens and turns everything upside down. I had a lot of fun reading this book and I actually found myself getting caught up in the reality TV like tone of the novel. There is a mix of humor and serious subjects that are presented perfectly for consumption and stay with you long after you turn the last page. You are given this rare intimate insight into the inner workings of each of the characters’ lives and the state of the world in 2020 sets the perfect backdrop for their inner turmoil. This is a perfect look at an American family that’s struggling with their identity and trying to find a way to belong in a mixed-up world.
May 23, 2024
When I read the book synopsis, I knew I had to treat this as a light reading. The plot revolves around social media, influencer (wannabe) life, materialism, and cringeworthy moments. It centers on a wealthy Iranian-American family who is about to be featured in a reality TV show... then COVID happens.
Here I am, four years after the first outbreak of the pandemic, I was finally able to digest pandemic-related “jokes” in fiction. Just. Barely.
That said, the author has a flair for writing about dramatic, attention-seeking characters with distinct personalities. I’d be interested in reading the author’s next work.
Many thanks for the ARC I received in a Goodreads giveaway. The book’s expected publication date is June 11, 2024.
Here I am, four years after the first outbreak of the pandemic, I was finally able to digest pandemic-related “jokes” in fiction. Just. Barely.
That said, the author has a flair for writing about dramatic, attention-seeking characters with distinct personalities. I’d be interested in reading the author’s next work.
Many thanks for the ARC I received in a Goodreads giveaway. The book’s expected publication date is June 11, 2024.
June 19, 2024
2.5 because I love the cover.
June 1, 2024
Usually, I love a good satire, subtly poking fun at society and pointing out how ridiculous we humans can be, but I was not ready for the Persian Kardashians and their exploits as they tried to become reality show famous. I also think this book needs to have a bit of a flag on it warning readers that a significant portion of the book takes place during the covid-19 lockdown. I was not prepared, and the actions of several of the characters made me beyond uncomfortable.
What I liked--I am a big fan of the book Little Women, and there were distinct parallels between the characters in both books. I felt like the characters were actually quite realistic, sadly, and behaved much like we have seen other reality show celebrities act. Like many financially well-off people, the idea that their wealth made them somehow beyond reproach seems to be prevalent in some circles.
I did not appreciate the glorification of drug use and bulimia, realistic though it might be. I also felt like the characters were not developed as more than caricatures, and even the characters that I might have had empathy for had few redeeming qualities.
If you are a fan of reality shows (like The Kardashians or The Osbournes), you may enjoy this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Pantheon Books for the digital ARC of Tehrangeles by Porochista Khakpour. The opinions in this review are my own.
What I liked--I am a big fan of the book Little Women, and there were distinct parallels between the characters in both books. I felt like the characters were actually quite realistic, sadly, and behaved much like we have seen other reality show celebrities act. Like many financially well-off people, the idea that their wealth made them somehow beyond reproach seems to be prevalent in some circles.
I did not appreciate the glorification of drug use and bulimia, realistic though it might be. I also felt like the characters were not developed as more than caricatures, and even the characters that I might have had empathy for had few redeeming qualities.
If you are a fan of reality shows (like The Kardashians or The Osbournes), you may enjoy this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Pantheon Books for the digital ARC of Tehrangeles by Porochista Khakpour. The opinions in this review are my own.
August 27, 2024
The author hated Little Women and wanted to hate-write her way through a book about a retelling of Little Women with the most insufferable family known to man. Now, despite that, I did enjoy the four main characters, all purposely unlikeable. What I didn’t know was this book took place during covid, so 95% of the book is stagnant as they’re literally at home. Covid is not something I like reading/watching about, and while I felt low so know why she included it, I wish she could’ve done something different instead of it.
Sometimes the book felt too long, other times it felt fine. This is a very down-the-road type of book rating. The play on rich idiots was actually funny and I did laugh out loud at some parts.
Sometimes the book felt too long, other times it felt fine. This is a very down-the-road type of book rating. The play on rich idiots was actually funny and I did laugh out loud at some parts.
Read
May 8, 2024I struggled to get into this one. The plot sounded really good but maybe the writing style just wasn’t for me. Dnf at page 50. Thanks to Goodreads for the chance to review.
June 7, 2024
Wildly entertaining and unapologetically LA 🌴. Audiobook is 🔥
July 7, 2024
Remember that part in Little Women where the family hires a cat psychic? No? Me neither.
What is promoted as a modern-day re-telling of Alcott's beloved masterpiece is nothing of the kind. There are 4 sisters living through a time of uncertainty...that is where the parallels end. If you enjoy Little Women's plot, characters, and themes about sisterhood, creativity, and charity, you will be sorely disappointed with this book. Khakpour proudly proclaims in the acknowledgements that she hates Alcott's book, and, yeah, it shows. She's entitled to her opinion, of course, I just wish she had put that in an author's note at the start to save time.
I don't understand the point of this book, and reading the acknowledgements at the end just confused me more. It's not an homage or a retelling, it's not satire, it's...what? As shallow and mindless as the main characters? Hate-written and intended to be hate-read? Just...why?
I rarely give books one-star reviews, I usually chalk it up to "not my bag, but others might like it." But to end on a 'Ulysses'-esque final chapter, to deliberately draw comparisons between that revered classic and this...to put it as one of her characters might, what in, like, the actual f***?
What is promoted as a modern-day re-telling of Alcott's beloved masterpiece is nothing of the kind. There are 4 sisters living through a time of uncertainty...that is where the parallels end. If you enjoy Little Women's plot, characters, and themes about sisterhood, creativity, and charity, you will be sorely disappointed with this book. Khakpour proudly proclaims in the acknowledgements that she hates Alcott's book, and, yeah, it shows. She's entitled to her opinion, of course, I just wish she had put that in an author's note at the start to save time.
I don't understand the point of this book, and reading the acknowledgements at the end just confused me more. It's not an homage or a retelling, it's not satire, it's...what? As shallow and mindless as the main characters? Hate-written and intended to be hate-read? Just...why?
I rarely give books one-star reviews, I usually chalk it up to "not my bag, but others might like it." But to end on a 'Ulysses'-esque final chapter, to deliberately draw comparisons between that revered classic and this...to put it as one of her characters might, what in, like, the actual f***?
Read
August 30, 2024this book could not have been dumber. it made me feel insane. i should’ve judged it by its cover after all….
May 11, 2025
like if my year of rest and relaxation had sloppy sex with the secret history…… another freakishly messy book with only one endearing character….. some parts fun and symbolic but mostly shambolic!!!
also, i need to stop reading and get a job and some awareness that my exams r imminent! feel free to remind me of this in passing.
also, i need to stop reading and get a job and some awareness that my exams r imminent! feel free to remind me of this in passing.
September 16, 2024
Porochista Khakpour, do you read my reviews? If you do, please note. I NEED a series. I need to follow the ongoing soap opera which is the lives of the Milani Family.
Admittedly, this book is not for everyone, but this book IS for me. It's messy, unabashed, hilarious, satiric, heartfelt, and SO. RIDICULOUSLY. PERSIAN.
I admit, this post may put me in danger of being canceled, not unlike the superficial narcistic anti-hero, Roxanna-Vanna. This book is full of negative stereotypes, cringe moments, and spoiled heiresses. No doubt, that is what many will take away from the book, and if a person does, this novel would be worthy of a two-star review at best.
That said, just beneath the surface, this novel is a beautiful and unparalleled depiction of being Persian American in the post-Bush, post-Trump era. Each character is complex and messy; each is a complex gestalt of the cross-sectionalism of navigating wealth, near-fame, and life in a world where Iranians are not looked upon kindly.
It's a story of being NOT Iranian, but American; it is a story of being American, but having a connection to Iran, regardless of whether or not you choose to identify with it. It is a story of coping with self-expression, connection to others, outward appearances, joy, grief, and survival.
It is a story of family. It is a satire of Little Women.
And above all, it's a story of a trainwreck family I cannot stop reading.
Porochista Khakpour, if you're reading this, please note, you almost lost a star on this review for
Porochista, you cannot leave me hanging here. I need this book to be a series. A long, dramatic series that will line my library shelves one volume at a time.
I'm hardly rich or influential like a Milani, but I PROMISE that if you make it happen, I will send you a DoorDash gift card the next time you visit Tehrangeles. Your chelo kebab and shir berenj will be on me.
Thanks in Advance,
Ami
Admittedly, this book is not for everyone, but this book IS for me. It's messy, unabashed, hilarious, satiric, heartfelt, and SO. RIDICULOUSLY. PERSIAN.
I admit, this post may put me in danger of being canceled, not unlike the superficial narcistic anti-hero, Roxanna-Vanna. This book is full of negative stereotypes, cringe moments, and spoiled heiresses. No doubt, that is what many will take away from the book, and if a person does, this novel would be worthy of a two-star review at best.
That said, just beneath the surface, this novel is a beautiful and unparalleled depiction of being Persian American in the post-Bush, post-Trump era. Each character is complex and messy; each is a complex gestalt of the cross-sectionalism of navigating wealth, near-fame, and life in a world where Iranians are not looked upon kindly.
It's a story of being NOT Iranian, but American; it is a story of being American, but having a connection to Iran, regardless of whether or not you choose to identify with it. It is a story of coping with self-expression, connection to others, outward appearances, joy, grief, and survival.
It is a story of family. It is a satire of Little Women.
And above all, it's a story of a trainwreck family I cannot stop reading.
Porochista Khakpour, if you're reading this, please note, you almost lost a star on this review for
Porochista, you cannot leave me hanging here. I need this book to be a series. A long, dramatic series that will line my library shelves one volume at a time.
I'm hardly rich or influential like a Milani, but I PROMISE that if you make it happen, I will send you a DoorDash gift card the next time you visit Tehrangeles. Your chelo kebab and shir berenj will be on me.
Thanks in Advance,
Ami
July 3, 2024
Tehrangeles, California - the home to the Iranian-American community in Los Angeles and to the main characters of this novel, the Milani family.
In ’Tehrangeles’ by Porochista Khakpour, we follow the Milani family, Iranian-American multimillionaires [thanks to their hot-pocket adjacent empire], preparing to embark on a new journey of reality TV. However, due to the pandemic and potential war with Iran, we see how the Milanis are forced to confront issues ranging from their individual secrets and ties to their Iranian identity to cancel culture, mental health, and sexuality.
This was fun, satirical, and absurd, which are some of my favorite stories to read. The Milani’s are not for the faint of heart or those easily offended. Ali and Homa Milani, with their four daughters Violet, Roxanna, Mina, and Haylee, give you elements of the Kardashians, Crazy Rich Asians, and Little Women.
To kick off the story, one of the sisters is calling a very serious family meeting because she needs her zodiac reassigned before the show starts because she cannot risk her reputation being associated with the notable Geminis - Kanye and Trump [completely sane and understandable if you ask me! Not everyone can have the wonderful camaraderie of Gandhi and Serena Williams #GoLibras]
This story is mainly character-driven, and we switch POVs between every character. So, the best way to give you what to expect is to go through the family.
Homa - mom, least interested in the TV show and struggles with her mental health.
Ali - dad, creator of their wealth, loves fame and being an American
Violet - oldest, a model with a diet solely dictated by her sweet tooth
Roxanna- an influencer, star of the show, think Kim Kardashians of the group
Mina - arguably the most sensible, KPOP Stan, suffers from chronic illness, and we see her navigate her sexuality
Haylee - youngest, spends 4 hours in the gym a day and has turned into a right-wing conspiracy theorist
This story highlighted all the fun to not-so-fun & absurd parts of the pandemic — the baking, doom scrolling, isolation, superspreader parties, and political discourse. Each member brings in their own distinct personality and chaos to the plot while also touching on elements of navigating place, culture and identity.
As someone who loves satire and is guilty of being chronically online and a lover of reality TV and pop culture, this was right up my alley!
Thank you pantheon for the gifted copy!
TW: eating disorders
In ’Tehrangeles’ by Porochista Khakpour, we follow the Milani family, Iranian-American multimillionaires [thanks to their hot-pocket adjacent empire], preparing to embark on a new journey of reality TV. However, due to the pandemic and potential war with Iran, we see how the Milanis are forced to confront issues ranging from their individual secrets and ties to their Iranian identity to cancel culture, mental health, and sexuality.
This was fun, satirical, and absurd, which are some of my favorite stories to read. The Milani’s are not for the faint of heart or those easily offended. Ali and Homa Milani, with their four daughters Violet, Roxanna, Mina, and Haylee, give you elements of the Kardashians, Crazy Rich Asians, and Little Women.
To kick off the story, one of the sisters is calling a very serious family meeting because she needs her zodiac reassigned before the show starts because she cannot risk her reputation being associated with the notable Geminis - Kanye and Trump [completely sane and understandable if you ask me! Not everyone can have the wonderful camaraderie of Gandhi and Serena Williams #GoLibras]
This story is mainly character-driven, and we switch POVs between every character. So, the best way to give you what to expect is to go through the family.
Homa - mom, least interested in the TV show and struggles with her mental health.
Ali - dad, creator of their wealth, loves fame and being an American
Violet - oldest, a model with a diet solely dictated by her sweet tooth
Roxanna- an influencer, star of the show, think Kim Kardashians of the group
Mina - arguably the most sensible, KPOP Stan, suffers from chronic illness, and we see her navigate her sexuality
Haylee - youngest, spends 4 hours in the gym a day and has turned into a right-wing conspiracy theorist
This story highlighted all the fun to not-so-fun & absurd parts of the pandemic — the baking, doom scrolling, isolation, superspreader parties, and political discourse. Each member brings in their own distinct personality and chaos to the plot while also touching on elements of navigating place, culture and identity.
As someone who loves satire and is guilty of being chronically online and a lover of reality TV and pop culture, this was right up my alley!
Thank you pantheon for the gifted copy!
TW: eating disorders
January 18, 2025
Bamboozled by yet another cute cover
March 26, 2024
Was I skeptical about a book about influencers about to land a reality show? Of course! Was I pleasantly surprised? You bet!
In Tehrangeles we meet the Milani family, multimillionaires from a microwave snack empire, on the cusp of launching a reality TV show all about their family. Of course there are secrets being kept that threaten to surface, especially with cameras about to roll.
But, the pandemic happens, and here is what I loved about Porochista Khakpours book. It cleverly puts a magnifying glass on the state of the world, and the state of this country during that time, and captures it brilliantly. Between the 4 Milani daughters and the parents, Khakpour was able to showcase the different, shall we say, personality types that seemed to have emerged during quarantine in this country. Complete with super spreader events.
Don't let the reality TV part sway you, give this one a read for a portrait of America, of family belonging and most importantly, identity and what that means for this Iranian-American family, and the rest of us. I laughed as much as my heart broke for these kids. Don't let me forget...there's a cat with a wild part of the story too!
In Tehrangeles we meet the Milani family, multimillionaires from a microwave snack empire, on the cusp of launching a reality TV show all about their family. Of course there are secrets being kept that threaten to surface, especially with cameras about to roll.
But, the pandemic happens, and here is what I loved about Porochista Khakpours book. It cleverly puts a magnifying glass on the state of the world, and the state of this country during that time, and captures it brilliantly. Between the 4 Milani daughters and the parents, Khakpour was able to showcase the different, shall we say, personality types that seemed to have emerged during quarantine in this country. Complete with super spreader events.
Don't let the reality TV part sway you, give this one a read for a portrait of America, of family belonging and most importantly, identity and what that means for this Iranian-American family, and the rest of us. I laughed as much as my heart broke for these kids. Don't let me forget...there's a cat with a wild part of the story too!
July 14, 2024
3.5/5 — I wasn’t sure if it was still too soon to read a lockdown-era satire, but I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed doing just that. I liked the portrayal of the worst types of influencer culture/rich people behaving badly in a global pandemic. Yet, pairing that with the identity struggles many immigrant families experience, to an absurd hyperbolic extent, made the story still lighthearted and the characters humanized enough to want to read about them.
The one drawback for me is not all the Milani family felt equally engaging. I almost feel Roxi and Hayley could have been conflated into one, but still a good novel.
The one drawback for me is not all the Milani family felt equally engaging. I almost feel Roxi and Hayley could have been conflated into one, but still a good novel.
July 8, 2024
Love the cover, enjoyed the couple of chapters that were from the parents’ perspectives and also how it captures what the pandemic was like through the lens of social media. But overall the satire fell a bit flat for me.
July 27, 2024
A standard beach read: silly, satirical, summer fun, laden with current topical issues, the story of four super-rich Iranian-American sisters, ages 14 to 20ish, and their unique problems. Daddy founded a very successful junk food empire, so their lives in West Los Angeles are a bit rarefied, in addition to the usual teenage drama that age group is heir to. The family is in discussions about getting their own reality show when COVID hits and plans for the show are put on hold. Sisterly and societal struggles abound.
Violet: the oldest, a reluctant, sweets-loving model
Roxanna: the outgoing, somewhat bossy influencer
Mina: the sickly, nerdy, emerging lesbian
Haylee: the youngest, a fitness nut and conspiracy theorist
Bored to death, Roxanna decides they must have a huge party, for their “mental health,” in spite of the danger of the family getting bad press and possibly being “cancelled” for holding a super-spreader event. So there is plenty of opportunity for conflict, but in a loving way. The story manages to work in ethnic identity issues, eating disorders, conspiracy theories, ayahuasca, social media and influencer culture, fashion, food, and fame, and a pet psychic.
Don’t expect too much of this and you won’t be disappointed.
Violet: the oldest, a reluctant, sweets-loving model
Roxanna: the outgoing, somewhat bossy influencer
Mina: the sickly, nerdy, emerging lesbian
Haylee: the youngest, a fitness nut and conspiracy theorist
Bored to death, Roxanna decides they must have a huge party, for their “mental health,” in spite of the danger of the family getting bad press and possibly being “cancelled” for holding a super-spreader event. So there is plenty of opportunity for conflict, but in a loving way. The story manages to work in ethnic identity issues, eating disorders, conspiracy theories, ayahuasca, social media and influencer culture, fashion, food, and fame, and a pet psychic.
Don’t expect too much of this and you won’t be disappointed.
September 2, 2024
The Milanis are a very rich Iranian-American family thanks to father Ali's invention of a fast-food snack. They live in a mansion in Los Angeles and are currently preparing for the filming of their own reality series when the pandemic hits. The four Milani daughters all react to these circumstances in various ways, most of which are the result of secrets they have been keeping from their family.
First, smashing cover. It definitely drew me right to this book. Second, I'm not the audience for this book. The story, while quite readable, focuses on aspects of the girls' characters with ample descriptions of the clothes they wear, the pop culture they consume, and their often silly conversations with one another. For me, the most interesting parts of the book were the parents meeting and the origin story of the product that made them rich. Even the use of the pandemic as a backdrop which I kind of have a weakness for fell flat.
The story is plainly meant to be satire but I'm afraid it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
First, smashing cover. It definitely drew me right to this book. Second, I'm not the audience for this book. The story, while quite readable, focuses on aspects of the girls' characters with ample descriptions of the clothes they wear, the pop culture they consume, and their often silly conversations with one another. For me, the most interesting parts of the book were the parents meeting and the origin story of the product that made them rich. Even the use of the pandemic as a backdrop which I kind of have a weakness for fell flat.
The story is plainly meant to be satire but I'm afraid it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
April 29, 2025
It's truly so hard to believe that somebody had the idea for this book, and then wrote it, and then somebody else read it and said, let me publish this. I don't even fully mean that in a bad way (there's a non-bad way to mean it, I swear), I'm just shocked
This is, at best, a 2.5 star book, but I'm rounding up because I'm so here for COVID literature and I want people to keep writing it. Still.......last I checked, satire is supposed to be funny not make you want to die
This is, at best, a 2.5 star book, but I'm rounding up because I'm so here for COVID literature and I want people to keep writing it. Still.......last I checked, satire is supposed to be funny not make you want to die
July 9, 2024
I was excited to read this book as it pokes at reality television, and for the first few chapters I was enjoying it. Once I was further along, I began noticing some plot gaps and was left wondering if I'd missed something, so had to go back and reread. I usually enjoy books that are told in multiple voices, but the author had multiple voices for each character and it got a bit draining (e.g. - Roxi's last chapter). I so wanted it to pick up, but alas it did not.
July 5, 2024
I really wanted to like this book but it was difficult to get through. I was excited to read this since it was the author’s first official foray into fiction, a departure from the her usual memoir/semi-autobiographical style.
While there were a lot of interesting elements like the intense detail on the glitz and glamour of rich Iranians in LA and
the satirical detail that came with it, the plot seemed to drag on and on. I never found myself particularly hooked to the story or drawn to any of the characters and found myself not finding the ending particularly special.
Based on what I know about the author, I definitely saw elements of her own life and interests incorporated into one of the characters which was interesting. The time period that the novel took place, the various topics it addressed, and how those were all weaved together was really interesting but could’ve been executed better.
I also wouldn’t have listened to it again, because the audio narration annoyed me because of the pronunciations of Iranian names and things. But maybe that was the point?
All that to say - mildly amusing at times but all in all meh.
While there were a lot of interesting elements like the intense detail on the glitz and glamour of rich Iranians in LA and
the satirical detail that came with it, the plot seemed to drag on and on. I never found myself particularly hooked to the story or drawn to any of the characters and found myself not finding the ending particularly special.
Based on what I know about the author, I definitely saw elements of her own life and interests incorporated into one of the characters which was interesting. The time period that the novel took place, the various topics it addressed, and how those were all weaved together was really interesting but could’ve been executed better.
I also wouldn’t have listened to it again, because the audio narration annoyed me because of the pronunciations of Iranian names and things. But maybe that was the point?
All that to say - mildly amusing at times but all in all meh.
November 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ : 5 stars for the cover
⭐️: 1 star for the content which strives to be razor-sharp commentary but instead ends up slashing rather than slicing in its approach.
This book tries to be deeply satirical, and is obviously a sendup of the Kardashians, along with influencer culture, but in order for a book like this to be successful, it needs to have at least a single likable, or even sympathetic, character, and it really doesn’t, not even the cat. There’s a lot of potential landscape to plumb here about identity and belonging but Khakpour could never really decide which direction she wanted to take it in, or it all got so trimmed out in the editing that what was left was nonsensical. The last chapter with Roxanna’s unhinged hysteria is what sent it into 2 star territory for me after slowly losing steam because just…. What?
⭐️: 1 star for the content which strives to be razor-sharp commentary but instead ends up slashing rather than slicing in its approach.
This book tries to be deeply satirical, and is obviously a sendup of the Kardashians, along with influencer culture, but in order for a book like this to be successful, it needs to have at least a single likable, or even sympathetic, character, and it really doesn’t, not even the cat. There’s a lot of potential landscape to plumb here about identity and belonging but Khakpour could never really decide which direction she wanted to take it in, or it all got so trimmed out in the editing that what was left was nonsensical. The last chapter with Roxanna’s unhinged hysteria is what sent it into 2 star territory for me after slowly losing steam because just…. What?
August 22, 2024
As a reality tv lover, I was really excited about this book! But dang, it fell so flat for me. It all felt very vapid and pointless and not in a fun way. Throw in the disturbingly detailed eating disorder stuff, and I’m out. A disappointment for sure!
June 29, 2025
When the Kardashians begin to lose relevance and consider canceling their show, a wealthy Iranian-American family attempts to step into the spotlight with their own reality show. The Milanis made their fortune by pretending to be Italian and launching the wildly successful Pizzabun chain. Now, the family has four TV-licious daughters: a bulimic model who only eats sweets and is considering transitioning into plus-size modeling; an orthorexic fitness enthusiast obsessed with conspiracy theories; a clueless and problematic influencer; and a K-pop fan grappling with her gender and sexual identity. When COVID-19 delays the launch of their show, the influencer daughter throws a massive party in a desperate bid to keep their momentum going… in the middle of a pandemic. What could go wrong?
This is satire and honestly, it wasn’t bad-bad. It was kind of annoying in the same way reality TV itself is annoying. But it was entertaining. That said, the way eating disorders were portrayed was really uncomfortable, even triggering. The book goes beyond satire at times: it shares actual purging tips (????), glamorizes and glorifies anorexia, and even suggests that bulimia might be “safer” than anorexia. That’s a huge problem. Satire doesn’t need to include TIPS of disordered eating, people get triggered from this or learn how to fall for it. There’s a reason this content is restricted on social media, people literally die from this shit.
The book was very superficial and relied too much on the satire bits (which I enjoyed, but it was like the book was actively trying not to be good). I did enjoy the bits where the dad and the family spoke about being Iranian/Persian and the politics, or missing the country.
This is satire and honestly, it wasn’t bad-bad. It was kind of annoying in the same way reality TV itself is annoying. But it was entertaining. That said, the way eating disorders were portrayed was really uncomfortable, even triggering. The book goes beyond satire at times: it shares actual purging tips (????), glamorizes and glorifies anorexia, and even suggests that bulimia might be “safer” than anorexia. That’s a huge problem. Satire doesn’t need to include TIPS of disordered eating, people get triggered from this or learn how to fall for it. There’s a reason this content is restricted on social media, people literally die from this shit.
The book was very superficial and relied too much on the satire bits (which I enjoyed, but it was like the book was actively trying not to be good). I did enjoy the bits where the dad and the family spoke about being Iranian/Persian and the politics, or missing the country.
June 29, 2024
“… when life gives you masks, throw a mask-erade.”
Wow what a wild ride with the Milani family! From pet psychics to pandemic parties to modeling and influencers, this family and their lives is so full on but deep down they all have their own issues and struggle to accept who they truly are.
The Milanis are Iranian-American multimillionaires who have it all. Their four daughters really live a life of luxury and they are all so different from each other. The family is planning to have their own reality show, but the show is postponed due to the pandemic. They don’t really cope with this very well and while reading this book it actually felt like a reality show!
Many themes are touched on throughout the book; body image, eating disorders, the pandemic, family stories, gender, sexuality, class, racism and loads more!
Their social media obsession had me giggling. These girls were something else!
Kevin Kwan described it perfectly…
“Like Little Women on an ayahuasca trip, Tehrangeles is delightfully twisted and heartfelt…”
Thank you to the wonderful team @ultimopress for sending me a copy.
Wow what a wild ride with the Milani family! From pet psychics to pandemic parties to modeling and influencers, this family and their lives is so full on but deep down they all have their own issues and struggle to accept who they truly are.
The Milanis are Iranian-American multimillionaires who have it all. Their four daughters really live a life of luxury and they are all so different from each other. The family is planning to have their own reality show, but the show is postponed due to the pandemic. They don’t really cope with this very well and while reading this book it actually felt like a reality show!
Many themes are touched on throughout the book; body image, eating disorders, the pandemic, family stories, gender, sexuality, class, racism and loads more!
Their social media obsession had me giggling. These girls were something else!
Kevin Kwan described it perfectly…
“Like Little Women on an ayahuasca trip, Tehrangeles is delightfully twisted and heartfelt…”
Thank you to the wonderful team @ultimopress for sending me a copy.
January 30, 2025
First off, I don’t think this book deserves that low of a Goodreads rating. It was often funny and clever, and I enjoyed most of the family’s voices. However, I do think there were some choices that did not help and I can see why they would be disqualifying for some.
I would say there is a major TW for eating disorders, to the point where there are literally just instructions, which was wholly unnecessary and honestly kinda upsetting. It was also hard to read from Haylee’s Covid conspiracy theorist point of view in a time where the country is being run by people who think exactly like her. This was fun at times but I wish it was more fun. I wanted more about the reality show!
I would say there is a major TW for eating disorders, to the point where there are literally just instructions, which was wholly unnecessary and honestly kinda upsetting. It was also hard to read from Haylee’s Covid conspiracy theorist point of view in a time where the country is being run by people who think exactly like her. This was fun at times but I wish it was more fun. I wanted more about the reality show!
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