Memoirs of a Gay Shah - by Reza Farahan (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Reza Farahan came to America at the age of four on vacation with his family. While soaking up the California sun, the revolution in Iran began, and Reza's family would stay on their vacation indefinitely, never able to return home again. Reza had revered the Shah in Iran, a man whom he saw as the embodiment of progressive ideals, opulence, and ambition. And watching from afar in America, Reza was horrified to see the Shah overthrown by the Ayatollah. The world he had always known would no longer exist, and now he was stuck in a new one where people saw him as a product of the new Iran. From that point on, Reza was the ultimate outsider. He was an Iranian immigrant living in an America that labeled his people as terrorists. He was half-Muslim and half-Jewish, with both sides of his extended family refusing to see him as wholly theirs. And to top it all off, he was a gay kid growing up in the '70s and '80s, afraid to be himself, even in his own Persian bubble. Emotional, funny, and raw, Memoirs of a Gay Shah is Reza's story of growing up as an outsider, who, in the face of constant rejection and isolation, diminished his presence and hid his true self for as long as possible. But eventually, Reza would come to learn that the things that make him an outsider are also what make him unique. His greatest assets are his differences, and with this newfound confidence, he began to pursue the life of a Shah-one of incredible luxury, progressive acceptance, unapologetic authenticity"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

He didn't fit the mold--so he made a throne instead.

At just four years old, Reza Farahan left Iran for what was supposed to be a quick family trip to Los Angeles. But while he was soaking up the California sun, revolution erupted back home, and Reza's short stay turned into permanent exile.

Caught between cultures, identities, and expectations, Reza was an outsider in every sense of the word. He was a half-Muslim, half-Jewish, gay Persian kid just trying to survive 1980s America--a place that saw him as a threat, even when all he wanted was to belong. But with an unapologetic spirit and bold personality, Reza was never destined to simply fit in. He was meant to shine.

Reza eventually became the larger-than-life, fan-favorite star of Bravo's Shahs of Sunset, where he served looks, shade, and cultural pride in equal measure. And now Reza is opening up about the journey that took him from closeted teen to reality TV royalty, from hiding his truth to owning every inch of his spotlight.

Heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply human, Memoirs of a Gay Shah is the story of how one outcast boy grew into a confident man by reclaiming every part of himself--his culture, his identity, his queerness--and decided to live not just authentically, but extravagantly.

Review Quotes

"Memoirs of a Gay Shah is equal parts fabulous and fearless--full of heart, hilarity, and heritage. Reza doesn't just tell his story; he owns it." -- Heather Gay, New York Times bestselling author of Good Time Girl and star of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

"After knowing Reza for over a decade, I am so excited for everyone to see in detail the kind-hearted, honest, sometimes dramatic, and flipping funny person he is! Memoirs of a Gay Shah is pure entertainment!" -- Shannon Beador, longtime star of The Real Housewives of Orange County and wellness entrepreneur

"From Beverly Hills drama to deep cultural trauma, Reza doesn't hold back. This book is a love letter to identity, survival, and saying YES to the most extra version of yourself." -- Cynthia Bailey, American model, actress, and longtime star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta

"Integrity, kindness, and grit. That's how I'd describe my friend Reza's story." -- Dorinda Medley, author of Make It Nice and former star of The Real Housewives of New York City

"Reza has always been bold, unapologetically authentic, and willing to share his truth with the world-and this memoir is a powerful reflection of that. He opens his heart in the most honest and vulnerable way. It's raw, inspiring, funny, and deeply moving, just like him. His voice has always broken barriers, and now his story will touch even more lives.

This book is more than a memoir--it's a gift to anyone who has ever struggled to be fully themselves. I feel so lucky to call him a friend and to witness him share his story with the world." -- Lilly Ghalichi, entrepreneur, attorney, and founder of Lilly Lashes

"Reza has always been honest to a fault and that makes for some very interesting stories to tell. Memoirs of a Gay Shah answers everything I've ever wanted to know about Reza--and a lot I didn't." -- Jeff Lewis, interior designer and star of Bravo's Flipping Out

"Reza invites us into both the glitzy and gritty chapters of his life. More than a reality TV star's memoir, this book is an anthem for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. It's entertaining, eye-opening, and unforgettable. Memoirs of a Gay Shah is equal parts entertaining yet deeply reflective." -- Dr. Wendy Osefo, star of Bravo's The Real Housewives of Potomac