Sorry, Bro

By: Taleen Voskuni

Narrated by: Christine Mirzayan

An Armenian-American woman rediscovers her roots and embraces who she really is in this vibrant and heartfelt queer rom-com by debut author Taleen Voskuni.

When Nareh Bedrossian’s non-Armenian boyfriend gets down on one knee and proposes to her in front of a room full of drunk San Francisco tech boys, she realizes it’s time to find someone who shares her idea of romance.

Enter her mother: armed with plenty of mom-guilt and a spreadsheet of Facebook-stalked Armenian men, she convinces Nar to attend Explore Armenia, a month-long series of events in the city. But it’s not the mom-approved playboy doctor or the wealthy engineer who catches Nar’s eye—it’s Erebuni, a woman as immersed in the witchy arts as she is in preserving Armenian identity. Suddenly, with Erebuni as her wingwoman, the events feel like far less of a chore, and much more of an adventure. Who knew cooking up kuftes together could be so . . . sexy?

Erebuni helps Nar see the beauty of their shared culture and makes her feel understood in a way she never has before. But there’s one teeny problem: Nar’s not exactly out as bisexual. The clock is ticking on her double life—the Explore Armenia closing banquet is coming up, and her entire extended family will be there, along with Erebuni. Her worlds will inevitably collide, but Nar is determined to be brave and to claim her happiness: proudly Armenian, proudly bisexual, and proudly herself for the first time in her life.

©2023 Taleen Voskuni (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Here, since Explore Armenia was so central to the plot, Voskuni fills the book with details about food, history, dances, songs, etiquette, stereotypes, politics and even artistic motifs…The overall effect is celebratory and defiant, and it pairs beautifully with Nar’s journey to fully accept who she is.”—The New York Times Book Review

"As I read [Sorry, Bro], I kept cackling out loud and I would often pause to describe to my husband what was happening—or try to, anyway—I sometimes couldn't because I would be laughing so hard. But underneath the humor is such an important story of love between two women and the journey to rediscovering Armenian culture and heritage.”—Jesse Q. Sutanto, author of Four Aunties and a Wedding

"Taleen Voskuni's Sorry, Bro is one of my new favorite romances! Sharp, funny, and full of heart, it’s a love letter to Armenian culture and a thoughtful exploration of the ways our roots define us, all wrapped up in the most delightful romance. I couldn’t put it down!\"—Jenny L. Howe, author of The Make-Up Test and On the Plus Side

So Cute!

So many emotions! The main character is super relatable and I love it! ❤️

Just beautiful

This book is filled with honesty, humor and vulnerability. I’m so grateful to have read a book that was rich with Armenian culture. Such a beautiful love story with real ups and downs. Very well done 👍🏿 I can’t wait for more of your work, Taleen. Also the narration was immaculate Christine.

great

a well written story with twists and turns, and laughs the whole time. definitely recommend.

LOVED IT!!!!!!!

I absolutely loved it from beginning to end, from the story to the narration. It was a brilliant telling of a story of two women finding their way to each other despite the obstacles that come in their way. It’s a story of female empowerment and so much more. Coming from a diverse family background and also being gay, I found it so relatable and inspiring. This story finds a way of giving you hope in the darkest of times. There can be light at the end of the tunnel if you keep searching and embracing who you are in life.

In love

This story was so affirming and beautiful. I feel so seen. Especially as an Armenian.

Really beautiful love story along with self-exploration

I really enjoyed this one. I loved experiencing a queer love story that also involved exploring cultural issues. As someone from Southern California who went to college in Northern California and knows several Armenian-Americans, it also felt real and accurate when it comes to the Bay Area and just what people’s lives are like. The narrator did a great job. Loved hearing the Armenian pronounced and the changing of the voice for the characters. Her voice also sounded like a Northern Californian, so overall it felt right and real. Thank you so much for such a wonderful love story.

Lovely and heartwarming coming out story

Short version: it’s incredible, you should buy it.

This is such a beautiful and well-written story of a young woman and child of immigrants finding the courage to come out as bisexual and, more figuratively, come out as being proud of her cultural heritage. Every character is well-developed and the plot is so enjoyable and paced perfectly. I wish I had a group of friends like Erebuni and Nareh have. There is joy, there is humor, there is sadness, and there is undeniable hope. And the Armenian proverbs are *chef’s kiss*.

More than anything I can’t get over the INCREDIBLE performance by the voice actor, Christine Mirzayan. She is so dynamic and I wholeheartedly believe that she was having absolutely the most fun in the recording booth in a way that I don’t hear very often. I can’t wait to listen to whatever she reads next!

I truly felt seen by this author

I have read so many romances but I don’t think any has been so directly relatable. I’m not Armenian but I have been around Armenians for a long time and have walked many of the streets and beaches in this book, attended lectures at dwinelle, and felt the pull of mixed culture. The stress of career and family expectations mixed with negative self-talk and procrastination made perfect sources for drama.

Even though this book isn’t about me it really made me feel seen.

Amazing

An amazing story paired with amazing narration. It’s a sweet realistic romance set in an immersive culture experience. It has instantly become one of my new favorites.

A feel good, poignant story

I loved this story. I kept waiting for something tragic to happen, and it was a delight that the author chose to go a different direction.