Best Nonfiction Finalist, Stanford University– William Saroyan International Prize.
"Moving memoirs, every student should read." –OnlineCollege

"A story of hope, determination, and forgiveness, Solacers is a remarkable tale of resilience and optimism, with lessons for us all. Golmakani gives voice to children everywhere who long for nurturing and hunger for security. "–Hans J. Massaquoi, retired managing editor of Ebony Magazine and the author of the best-selling book Destined to Witness: Growing Up Black in Nazi Germany.

Solacers is a poignant memoir set in pre-revolution Iran, where a young boy, reeling from his parents' divorce, roams the streets of Mashhad in search of belonging amidst despair. On the verge of giving up, an unexpected bond with a wise teenager sparks a glimmer of hope. This richly layered narrative captures the essence of resilience, with evocative characters, powerful dialogue, and a vivid portrait of a city in transition. More than just a memoir, it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to find light in the darkest moments. Immerse yourself in this heartwarming story of faith, hope, and the promise of brighter horizons.

"The boy’s relationship with any one of the people in his life would be the stuff of awards-nominated novels and Oscar-bait films."–Anthony R. Cardno, Author.

"He was neither an orphan nor a street kid, but life dealt him such a hand that now, those who hear the story of his childhood in Iran consider him an Oliver Twist in the streets of Mashhad."–BBC

"If you devoured “The Glass Castle,” vividly remember “Angela's Ashes,” and were fascinated by “Destined to Witness,” if you loved the colorful descriptions, the oriental storytelling, and the ornate language of Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner,” you will definitely get your money’s worth reading “Solacers,” by the American author Arion Golmakani."–J. Brocker, Westfälische Nachrichten.

"Congratulations on writing such a first-class book."–Ehsan Yarshater, Author of Encyclopedia Iranica, founder, and director of The Center for Iranian Studies, and Emeritus Professor of Iranian Studies at Colombia University.