“Arvin Ahmadi has written a novel that is authentic, hilarious, and heart-wrenching all at once. A unique point of view combined with riveting storytelling, How It All Blew Up will grab you from the first page and won’t let go.” —ANGIE THOMAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE HATE U GIVE and ON THE COME UP

“I was so stunned and moved and absolutely gobsmacked by this mas­terpiece of a story. Every single beat was perfect, and oh, how it blew me away. I truly believe we’ll be talking about this book decades from now as a classic.” —BECKY ALBERTALLI, New York Times bestselling author of SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA

“Arvin Ahmadi’s dazzling and ingenious new novel crackles with the terrifying exhilaration of facing up to who you are—and who you want to be. Amir’s journey leads him from the confines of the closet to the bacchanal of Rome, to an airport interrogation room, and, ultimately, to his true self.” —GAYLE FORMAN, #1 New York Times bestselling author of IF I STAY

“Arvin Ahmadi’s finest hour is here with How It All Blew Up. The compel­ling cast, heart-in-your-throat tension, eye-opening joy, and epic discoveries count down to a dramatic ticking time bomb of a finale that will leave read­ers astonished.” —ADAM SILVERA, New York Times bestselling author of THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END

“Filled to the brim with heart, wit, tenderness, and hope, How It All Blew Up had me savoring every page. Like a fine Italian meal, it left me so utterly satisfied, I don’t know how anything can compare. This book is perfect.” —ADIB KHORRAM, award-winning author of DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY

“A story brimming with honesty, passion, and strength.”—SARA FARIZAN, award-winning author of IF YOU COULD BE MINE

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About the book:

Eighteen-year-old Amir Azadi always knew coming out to his Muslim family would be messy–he just didn’t think it would end in an airport interrogation room. But when faced with a failed relationship, bullies, and blackmail, running away to Rome is his only option. Right?

Soon, late nights with new friends and dates in the Sistine Chapel start to feel like second nature… until his old life comes knocking on his door. Now, Amir has to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth to a US Customs officer, or risk losing his hard-won freedom.

At turns uplifting and devastating, How It All Blew Up is Arvin Ahmadi’s most powerful novel yet, a celebration of how life’s most painful moments can live alongside the riotous, life-changing joys of discovering who you are.