Funny in Farsi : A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America
Registered by florafloraflora on 1/18/2004
49 journalers for this copy...
This is a poignant, funny coming-to-America story.
I've got something in mind for this book.
I've got something in mind for this book.
I'm sending this out today to weeblet. I noticed that like me, you've been on a Persian reading kick. If you can stand to read one more, here it is. I enjoyed this and I hope you will too.
thank you! i love suprises! i'll read and pass as soon as i can.
BTW- i stuck a little something into tha package i sent you today. not as exciting as a book, but hey :) synchronistic!
BTW- i stuck a little something into tha package i sent you today. not as exciting as a book, but hey :) synchronistic!
funny! i needed to read a fluffy book~ how'd you know, sugarkane? :)
i was easily able to spot one of my relatives in there in the guise of kazem...my uncle bud. really funny. i think i'll sneak this over to kristamd in the spirit of happy suprises :)
i was easily able to spot one of my relatives in there in the guise of kazem...my uncle bud. really funny. i think i'll sneak this over to kristamd in the spirit of happy suprises :)
A surprise RABCK from my fellow Persian-obsessed BC buddy weeblet. I've had the good fortune to read this book - a lighthearted look at growing up in an Iranian family - already, so I will be passing this book along, with pleasure. Thank you for thinking of me!
Going to be a bookray! Here is the mailing order for participants:
mlbish, Illinois (read and released)
alarob, Alabama (read and relased)
EMA375, California (read and released)
newk, Australia (read and released)
katayoun, Iran (read and released)
Mymlan, Finland (read and released)
Candy80, Finland (read and released)
quizgirl, UK (read and released)
bookczuk, South Carolina (read and released)
KarenZero, New York (read and released)
spaceystacey, New Jersey (read and released)
Rampallion, Illinois (read and released)
JDT, California (read and released)
PokPok, California (read and released)
rhythmbiscuit, Colorado (read and released)
airyaa, Iran (read and released)
Soongsis2, Singapore (read and released)
mrsordonez, Missouri (read and released)
SqueakyChu, Maryland (read and released)
lilysmom, Washington (read and released)
Lobodyke, Kentucky (read and released)
illinicheme, New Jersey (read and released)
Amusedbythis, Illinois (read and released)
gussy916, India (read and released)
LyzzyBee, UK (read and released)
dotdot, Finland (read and released)
littledragon, UK (read and released)
Hollydolly, Canada (read and released)
carriehhh, UK (read and released)
stellidaura, Sweden (read and released)
IslayGirl, UK (read and released)
Hedieh, Iran (read and released)
azuki, Florida (read and released)
Fireflywishes, Michigan (read and released)
Bluestocking88, Washington (read and released)
missprisy, Massachusetts (read and released)
valerief, New York (read and released)
musume, Ukraine (read and released)
okyrhoe, Greece (read and released)
Cross-patch, UK (read and released)
AnglersRest, UK (read and released)
birmingham-rose, UK (read and released)
martaenmichiel, Netherlands (has possession)
add: Tuttasb, Norway
add: AllSmiles, Massachusetts, USA
add: sunflowergirl, UK
add: Tubereader, UK
add: celeritas2, New Zealand
add aetm, Ireland
Bookray on the road! 107,893 miles traveled to date (12/11/08). New participants welcome, but will be added to the end of the list and must be willing to ship anywhere.
mlbish, Illinois (read and released)
alarob, Alabama (read and relased)
EMA375, California (read and released)
newk, Australia (read and released)
katayoun, Iran (read and released)
Mymlan, Finland (read and released)
Candy80, Finland (read and released)
quizgirl, UK (read and released)
bookczuk, South Carolina (read and released)
KarenZero, New York (read and released)
spaceystacey, New Jersey (read and released)
Rampallion, Illinois (read and released)
JDT, California (read and released)
PokPok, California (read and released)
rhythmbiscuit, Colorado (read and released)
airyaa, Iran (read and released)
Soongsis2, Singapore (read and released)
mrsordonez, Missouri (read and released)
SqueakyChu, Maryland (read and released)
lilysmom, Washington (read and released)
Lobodyke, Kentucky (read and released)
illinicheme, New Jersey (read and released)
Amusedbythis, Illinois (read and released)
gussy916, India (read and released)
LyzzyBee, UK (read and released)
dotdot, Finland (read and released)
littledragon, UK (read and released)
Hollydolly, Canada (read and released)
carriehhh, UK (read and released)
stellidaura, Sweden (read and released)
IslayGirl, UK (read and released)
Hedieh, Iran (read and released)
azuki, Florida (read and released)
Fireflywishes, Michigan (read and released)
Bluestocking88, Washington (read and released)
missprisy, Massachusetts (read and released)
valerief, New York (read and released)
musume, Ukraine (read and released)
okyrhoe, Greece (read and released)
Cross-patch, UK (read and released)
AnglersRest, UK (read and released)
birmingham-rose, UK (read and released)
martaenmichiel, Netherlands (has possession)
add: Tuttasb, Norway
add: AllSmiles, Massachusetts, USA
add: sunflowergirl, UK
add: Tubereader, UK
add: celeritas2, New Zealand
add aetm, Ireland
Bookray on the road! 107,893 miles traveled to date (12/11/08). New participants welcome, but will be added to the end of the list and must be willing to ship anywhere.
Thanks, Krista! I'll read this one next and pass it on right away. Thanks for starting the ray.
Finished yesterday. What an endearing little book! Funny in Farsi was indeed funny. Not in a hilarious way, but in a way that made me smile and say, "Ah, families. You gotta love 'em." One of my favorite chapters was the one about Firoozeh and her husband's trip to the Bahamas. It was outrageous!
Thank you, KristaMD for sharing this poignant, happy family book with us. I enjoyed it very much!
Will forward to Alarob upon receipt of his address.
Thank you, KristaMD for sharing this poignant, happy family book with us. I enjoyed it very much!
Will forward to Alarob upon receipt of his address.
Mailed out today. Funny in Farsi is coming your way, Alarob!
This book arrived while I was facing a deadline and had to wade through some history tomes; nevertheless I read more than 40 pages before setting it aside. (My wife read it in the meantime and loved it.) I think I enjoyed this book even more because Firoozeh Dumas and I are about the same age, so we were similarly imprinted by such deathless cultural products as Love, American Style (now the theme music is stuck in my head again) and The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. It’s a sunny book that will make Americans feel good about themselves, and even manages to treat our wild spate of post-1979 Iran-hating with a light heart. In fact, the book’s only flaw IMO is that it treats our country too gently. President Mossadegh wasn’t simply “ousted” (as Ms. Dumas puts it) while “foreign powers” worked “behind the scenes.” The United States was instrumental in his overthrow — an inexcusable offense. Between us and the British, who teamed with Russia to bring down the first Iranian constitutional regime in 1909, it’s a wonder to me sometimes that any Iranian can stand to be within earshot of the English language — much less settle in the United States.
Right now my favorite chapters (these are not plot spoilers) are the ones about wee Firoozeh getting lost at Disneyland and about abetting her father's jambon-eating adventures back in Abadan.
I received the book today. I'm looking forward to reading it. Thx!
It has been a tough couple of weeks for me recovering from two surgeries! But this book was so charming and witty that it really put a smile on my face. Thanks kristamd for starting this bookring! The next person on the list has been PM and I'm sending it off to her early next week.
Arrived today, very quickly from the USA. I read the first few pages walking to the puter and while waiting for it to boot up. I can tell I am going to like it. Can you Iranian interested people please recommend some other books as I too would like to read more about these a-o-e people (an in joke with Katayoun sorry...it is short for axis of evil).
And looko I get to pass it on the the gal herself next. Hiya K.
I have another ring book about half done and should get this finished easily within two weeks. All things going well.
Thanks to those who have gone before me. I think it is important that these cross cultural experiences take place (ie both like in the book AND in BXing) and that they are documented (ie again as in both the book and BXing).
I have a much greater understanding of Iran and its culture from my PM "chats" to Katayoun. And maybe I can add even more to this still very small base by reading this book.
And looko I get to pass it on the the gal herself next. Hiya K.
I have another ring book about half done and should get this finished easily within two weeks. All things going well.
Thanks to those who have gone before me. I think it is important that these cross cultural experiences take place (ie both like in the book AND in BXing) and that they are documented (ie again as in both the book and BXing).
I have a much greater understanding of Iran and its culture from my PM "chats" to Katayoun. And maybe I can add even more to this still very small base by reading this book.
Anyone with the necessary talent (and that doesn't mean that there are many of these people) could write a book similar to this about their family.
This book however adds another layer...the story of an Iranian family moving to the USA. It is a really delightful story that I enjoyed greatly. In it is a rich tapestry of Iranian life, food, culture and family values.
I enjoyed so much that it is unfair to single out just one story. But I liked the wedding story..."we invited 140 people. 163 accepted; 181 showed up." And the description of the sofreh, a traditional part of the wedding ceremony.
I laughed at the children in the USA that asked the family about their camels and then realised my own ignorance when beach holidays and tunnels through mountains were mentioned as being part of Iranian life and engineering.
Twenty five years or so ago I had some friends who did the overland trip to Europe. They country they enjoyed most? Iran. Marvellous hospitable people they said. It is time that this perception returned and we all realised that a bad regime does not mean bad people. (I do realise that this could well apply to other countries too)
And finally Katayoun to whom I will post this book tomorrow (it's gone) will be greatly amused that the iranian post office gets a mention in the book. The Iranian post office blokes are a great source material for several of Katayoun's forum posts!
Let's hope that Iranian PO can combine with the Australian post office to get this book to her.
I intend to continue my education about Iran. Thanks for the suggestions about other books. I am happy if you PM me with more.
And finally thanks to the ring/ray organisers and the readers before me. It is one of the great joys of bookcrossing that we can read and discuss books like this. I doubt that I would have picked this book up otherwise.
This book however adds another layer...the story of an Iranian family moving to the USA. It is a really delightful story that I enjoyed greatly. In it is a rich tapestry of Iranian life, food, culture and family values.
I enjoyed so much that it is unfair to single out just one story. But I liked the wedding story..."we invited 140 people. 163 accepted; 181 showed up." And the description of the sofreh, a traditional part of the wedding ceremony.
I laughed at the children in the USA that asked the family about their camels and then realised my own ignorance when beach holidays and tunnels through mountains were mentioned as being part of Iranian life and engineering.
Twenty five years or so ago I had some friends who did the overland trip to Europe. They country they enjoyed most? Iran. Marvellous hospitable people they said. It is time that this perception returned and we all realised that a bad regime does not mean bad people. (I do realise that this could well apply to other countries too)
And finally Katayoun to whom I will post this book tomorrow (it's gone) will be greatly amused that the iranian post office gets a mention in the book. The Iranian post office blokes are a great source material for several of Katayoun's forum posts!
Let's hope that Iranian PO can combine with the Australian post office to get this book to her.
I intend to continue my education about Iran. Thanks for the suggestions about other books. I am happy if you PM me with more.
And finally thanks to the ring/ray organisers and the readers before me. It is one of the great joys of bookcrossing that we can read and discuss books like this. I doubt that I would have picked this book up otherwise.
an entry to document that it has been sent to Katayoun. Posted May 7
12 days!!!! seems that postal workers are laughing so hard!! :) i can't wait to read and think that am going to sneak it in and read it this weekend(have another book on hand, but one day more or less won't make a difference, will it?)
newk the journal's on it's way, hee hee hee, sorry couldn't help it, you live in a most beautiful world (they call it country to fool us, HUH!)and so we on this other planet have the right to tease you and be evil whenever we're able to. the cards and brochure is just great, it says "a place like nowhere else on earth" yup it look like it, beautiful and there are too many smiling people about.... a-o-e thoughts :) .... thanks alot.
newk the journal's on it's way, hee hee hee, sorry couldn't help it, you live in a most beautiful world (they call it country to fool us, HUH!)and so we on this other planet have the right to tease you and be evil whenever we're able to. the cards and brochure is just great, it says "a place like nowhere else on earth" yup it look like it, beautiful and there are too many smiling people about.... a-o-e thoughts :) .... thanks alot.
finished and i had to stay up all night, really you people. ok so i don't know where to start...first off the book was really funny and quite compelling and light read. at first when i was reading this or that, i was thinking oh this is sooo totally not true (usually the parts that kinda showed us as 30 years behind technology wise) and i must point this out and then i began thinking that maybe some other cultures that she showed were also stereo typed and or not really showed the whole culture and i knew that and didn't go on thinking that all french are unfeeling monsters or out looking for husband, or that all catholics are really crazy and so please keep in mind that this is not ALL iranians and only mrs. dumas' family and her account and also she's writing something funny (and nope no camels in the backyard!:)) so that said, the book was lovely. funny yes and also so filled with love. mrs. dumas' love for her family and her father just shined through the book and i think that's what really touched me.
also please remember that books are one person's view of the country, depending on the experiences of her/him and also the person's own culture and characteristics. go with a friend to a vacation, come back and compare notes, you'd see so many differences, the books are also written by people, with their own issues and agendas, don't judge a whole country and culture by someone's book.
and ooooooooooooh all the good stuff written by mrs dumas (even the hidden ones) about iranians are TOTALLY true, REALLY :)
well i haven't slept all night and so i tend to talk a bit, so thanks alot kristamd for the book, i had the most enjoyable time and anyone of you who is intrigued and wanna come and take a look, please remember that you can count on me to help and also you can stay at my place in tehran. also if you want anything from here just pm. and newk so when are you coming and seeing for yourself?
mailed today to Mymlan, thanks again for a very fun book. hengameh is buried under books, not to say anything about work and visiting uncles! :)
Thank you Katayoun, the book arrived in 10 days and with a beautiful postcard!
Well, I did like it, it was funny and witty, and having been an exotic foreigner myself I did identify with quite a lot (only I'm not asked about camels but polar bears - but less and less so, and actually most people abroad find it hard to believe that actual brown bears roam the Finnish forests). And living with a Frenchman I can justify that the French are not only adored in America, it goes for most countries, maybe especially Russia - I haven't taken him to England though, I don't know if that could be the exception.
I found the morality of the book sometimes a bit too easy though, I know it is not easy to be critical of the country you have chosen to live in without seeming ungrateful, but the "land of opportunity" mentality was sometimes a bit too obvious. Well, Ms.Dumas doesn't just shower praise over her new homeland either, which made the book an enjoyable experience.
I'd just like to see something similar about the Iraqi or Arab culture in general - being an Iraqian immigrant probably isn't too rosy at the moment.
I'll pass the book along to Candy.
Well, I did like it, it was funny and witty, and having been an exotic foreigner myself I did identify with quite a lot (only I'm not asked about camels but polar bears - but less and less so, and actually most people abroad find it hard to believe that actual brown bears roam the Finnish forests). And living with a Frenchman I can justify that the French are not only adored in America, it goes for most countries, maybe especially Russia - I haven't taken him to England though, I don't know if that could be the exception.
I found the morality of the book sometimes a bit too easy though, I know it is not easy to be critical of the country you have chosen to live in without seeming ungrateful, but the "land of opportunity" mentality was sometimes a bit too obvious. Well, Ms.Dumas doesn't just shower praise over her new homeland either, which made the book an enjoyable experience.
I'd just like to see something similar about the Iraqi or Arab culture in general - being an Iraqian immigrant probably isn't too rosy at the moment.
I'll pass the book along to Candy.
Got the book today! Thanks! Will read it as soon as possible!
I loved this book! It was very interesting and funny. I especially loved the chapter "The F Word", I laughed so hard I was crying. The book was never boring, even though the author mostly told us about her family's everyday life. Her family seemed pretty liberal, compared to my good friend's family. They're also from Iran, but they are Kurds. It was interesting to read about different experiences.
I sent the book today to quizgirl.
I sent the book today to quizgirl.
Received today. Having read all the other journal entries I can't wait to start and am sure I will enjoy it.
Journal Entry 24 by quizgirl from Chesterfield, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Saturday, July 24, 2004
Firoozeh's account of growing up in America was very entertaining. I love her father and the sense of a large, caring family comes over very strongly. Her husband sounds a lovely man too. I also loved the story about a young Firoozeh getting lost in Disneyland.
Thanks to kristamd for this bookray.
Posting off to bookczuk on Monday.
Thanks to kristamd for this bookray.
Posting off to bookczuk on Monday.
Oh I'm being a very, very good bookczuk. I have not even allowed myself the pleasure of reading the previous journal entries so as not to delay letting you know that this lovely little book turned up safe and sound in my post box this afternoon. My mail carrier knows me and knows about bookcrossing. (One of her big regrets in life is that she once saw a bookcrossing book in the wild and didn't pick it up. When she went back to get it, it was gone.)"Oh look! We got one from England!" (That was her, not me- she's started keeping track of where things come from. I imagine that she has a map with little pins in it representing the originating places of mail she has carried to the bookczuk household.) (Did I ever mention to you I have a vivid imagination?)
So, hello to all you old friends of Funny in Farsi and to anyone who I've corresponded with courtsey of bookcrossing (to date, that's about 8 of you on this list). I am sending you a postcard from Charleston- well, really from Folly Beach, where I spent the day. That is the famous Morris Island light in the background- Which completely stands in the inlet between Morris and Folly islands.
Hi chucky. I must work out how to get those litle photographs up on the journal entries!
In my excitement in getting the book, two things I forgot to add.1) I heard about this book via an author interview on NPR (National Public Radio) when it forst came out, but was too cheap to spend the $23 for the hardback.
2) Quizgirl sent the most amasing postcard of Derbyshire Well Dressings,, which I have since looked up and found a website explanation. Newk has inspired me to put an html link in my journal entry, which hopefully I did successfully, but won't know for sure until I click "submit journal entry" and go back to check. The picture here is one of those really fascinating well dressings. Thanks, quizgirl!
I really enjoyed reading this book. My family, by birth and by marriage, is a family of immigrants. Heavily accented english is not strange to my ear, and while the accents I have heard may have been yiddish and Ukrainian (and most recently, Southern drawl here in Charleston), it is not that far a stretch to Farsi. Things I enjoyed? The evident love and humor that pervades this family, the descriptions of traditions and foods, the opportunity to look at America through different eyes. I found myself telling my fifteen year old son about "Fritzy DumbAss" and we both really could relate- given the last name we have. Z in a name really throws people off; take my word on that. (My favorite massacare of our name "Romanczuk" was "Romannawhiskey". Makes one pause and wonder.) I also told him the story of her aunt who didn't go to college, but figured out how to cure the chickens that were dying. I told my mother (both her parents immigrated in the early 1900s) some of the stories involving thick accents and the fractured English. (One of my Grandmother's famous sayings was when she said in anger "In hell mit you!".
Anyhow, I'm gonna post a picture of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, lend the book for today to bumma, and then pass it on tomorrow. I have KarenZero's address.
Thanks all for the wonderful glimpse into another family's life.
I'm so glad bookczuk gave me this book to read, even though I had only a day to read it, and I did it!I was most interested in the immigrant family angle.
Both my parents were immigrants. I didn't have sense enough to ask them much about their youth and experiences here and in the old country. The stories I remember are gentle, sweet stories that could have happened anywhere. Now my parents, aunts, uncles,and siblings are gone and there is no one to ask. I recently read "The World of our Mothers" which moved me very much and gave me a hint of what my parents might have gone thru. You young people, get the older folk to tell of the "good, old days" while you can.
I enjoyed "Funny in farsi" very much because I know only one Iranian and he doesn't talk about Iran at all. This gave me an imae of one family, living here in the USA and in Iran. I'm glad to be reminded that there are people all over the world having the same kind of lives and expectations.
Both my parents were immigrants. I didn't have sense enough to ask them much about their youth and experiences here and in the old country. The stories I remember are gentle, sweet stories that could have happened anywhere. Now my parents, aunts, uncles,and siblings are gone and there is no one to ask. I recently read "The World of our Mothers" which moved me very much and gave me a hint of what my parents might have gone thru. You young people, get the older folk to tell of the "good, old days" while you can.
I enjoyed "Funny in farsi" very much because I know only one Iranian and he doesn't talk about Iran at all. This gave me an imae of one family, living here in the USA and in Iran. I'm glad to be reminded that there are people all over the world having the same kind of lives and expectations.
I spent a quiet time after reading this book, flipping through a lovely book of pictures of Iran, sent to bumma by our pal in Tehran, Katayoun, herself. Then I, once again, flipped through a cookbook she sent me to be more tantalized by dreams of Persian cooking. We have toyed with ringing these books... Haven't yet, because they are very special and we'd be sad if they were lost.
Off in the mail tomorrow to KarenZero.
Off in the mail tomorrow to KarenZero.
Just received the book a couple of days ago (sorry for the delay in entering - no comp. access past couple of days) and have already started reading!
I will probably breeze through this one, and it will be off to the next reader!
Thank you very much for sharing the book!
CAUGHT IN BROOKLYN NY USA
I will probably breeze through this one, and it will be off to the next reader!
Thank you very much for sharing the book!
CAUGHT IN BROOKLYN NY USA
Whoops, that was meant to be from me, not "AnonymousFinder". Sorry!
I really enjoyed this book - a great, quick read about the loveof a family!
It will be off to the next reader as soon as I get her address...
thanks for sharing the book!!
It will be off to the next reader as soon as I get her address...
thanks for sharing the book!!
Journal Entry 34 by KarenZero at Post Office, see notes in New York City, New York USA on Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Released on Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at Post Office in New York, New York USA.
Released today for Saturday delivery (according to the USPS!). Thanks again for sharing the book - I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Released today for Saturday delivery (according to the USPS!). Thanks again for sharing the book - I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Received in the post within the last two weeks. Neglected to journal at the time sorry. What a hilarious read! thoroughly enjoyed this one. Will be mailing off tomorrow to the next reader. Enjoy!
Arrived today! Thanks!
I love the idea that a six-year-old Iranian girl would consider America to be the land of Barbie clothes.
I love the idea that a six-year-old Iranian girl would consider America to be the land of Barbie clothes.
This is really wonderful so far--I've laughed out loud a few times. I was sad to read that the author got no job interviews when her résumé listed her first name as "Firoozeh" and lots when it listed her name as "Julie." But I found her father's explanation of the differences between religions quite touching. And I can't believe he got to meet Albert Einstein!
"My parents are highly evolved worriers. My mother once called me in the middle of the day to tell me to make sure I wear shoes when cleaning the attic because she had just heard about a woman who, while cleaning her attic barefoot, was bitten by a rare brown spider whose venom cut off the circulation to her extremities. Consequently, the woman's nose fell off. It was pointless for me to remind my mother that I do not have an attic."
Delightful. I think my favorite parts were the earthquake and the beauty contest. Thanks for sharing this wonderful book--I probably would never have heard of it if it wasn't for BookCrossing.
Delightful. I think my favorite parts were the earthquake and the beauty contest. Thanks for sharing this wonderful book--I probably would never have heard of it if it wasn't for BookCrossing.
No answer from silentdormouse or JDT. I'll keep trying.
I never did get an answer from silentdormouse, so I sent this to JDT today.
Journal Entry 41 by rampallion at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Released 19 yrs ago (10/20/2004 UTC) at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Sent today via first class mail. Should arrive in 3 to 4 days. Delivery Confirmation number is 0304 1070 0001 5977 4097 . Check www.usps.com for updates.
Sent today via first class mail. Should arrive in 3 to 4 days. Delivery Confirmation number is 0304 1070 0001 5977 4097 . Check www.usps.com for updates.
Happy to receive this well-travelled book in the mail today.
Looking forward to reading it and moving it along.
Thanks to all before me!
Looking forward to reading it and moving it along.
Thanks to all before me!
A wonderful read: light, humorous, yet conveying real insights - into cultural differences and universals.
Appreciated Firoozeh's great sense of humor and ability to write humorously - yet also maintain a balance of the serious: the chapter about her dad's love of ham, concluding with real wisdom.
Sending to PokPok!
Appreciated Firoozeh's great sense of humor and ability to write humorously - yet also maintain a balance of the serious: the chapter about her dad's love of ham, concluding with real wisdom.
Sending to PokPok!
I rec'd this today, thanks!! I am drowning in bookrays, ahhhh, so it will likely be pushing 6 weeks before I actually get to pass it on. I will update you within 4 weeks of its status, or if it's longer.
Newk (and others), since you asked for similar subject matter, I would VERY highly recommend reading "Tales of Two Cities: A persian memoir" by Abbas Milani. It's on my bookshelf. I rated it a 9 star, and liked it much more than "Reading Lolita in Tehran.
PokPok
Newk (and others), since you asked for similar subject matter, I would VERY highly recommend reading "Tales of Two Cities: A persian memoir" by Abbas Milani. It's on my bookshelf. I rated it a 9 star, and liked it much more than "Reading Lolita in Tehran.
PokPok
I loved this, as did my husband, who read it while it was on my TBR. I'm about 3 years younger than Firoozeh, and grew up about 15 miles from her, so I could very much relate to the cultural things she was discussing. I didn't have an Iranian acquaintances, but at the time, I remember everyone being fascinated by Lolita, the Indian girl in my class. I wasn't sure how to describe this book, until I got to the wedding chapter--then it all hit me. I think its sense of humor and tone, are very similar to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". She absolutely loves her family, yet some of their, ah, uniqueness she can find a bit annoying, if in a loving way. My favorite parts were prepping for her wedding (which my husband can almost recite from memory, so he must have loved that part, too!) and her dad going to time-share sales weekends. Even parts that are about sad topics, namely the 1979 revolution/hostage taking, and her mother-in-law not speaking to her due to prejudice, were dealt with in a pretty light hearted manner. I definitely remember being shocked, as a 10 year old, by bumper stickers saying "F*** the Ayatollah", but not knowing an Iranian, it never occurred to me that some were in this country, and were as angered as anyone else. The concomitant firing of her father, and his inability to find a job saddened, but did not suprise, me.
I really liked this book. I gave it 8 stars only b/c ultimately it's a light read--I tend to reserve the top 2 stars for heavier topic books. I'm going to pop on her website and wish her well.
I PMed the next person in line, but haven't heard from them. I'll send this out as soon as I can.
I really liked this book. I gave it 8 stars only b/c ultimately it's a light read--I tend to reserve the top 2 stars for heavier topic books. I'm going to pop on her website and wish her well.
I PMed the next person in line, but haven't heard from them. I'll send this out as soon as I can.
Journal Entry 46 by PokPok at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, November 20, 2004
Released on Monday, November 22, 2004 at about 7:00:00 AM BX time (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada) at Controlled Release in Controlled release, to another bookcrosser Controlled Releases.
RELEASE NOTES:
Mailing as soon as I get an address...
RELEASE NOTES:
Mailing as soon as I get an address...
Naughty newk pushing in.
Firstly it is *just great* to see a book travelling so far through so many people. Well done all.
Secondly I enjoyed your review pok pok.
Bye all from sunny Adelaide.
Firstly it is *just great* to see a book travelling so far through so many people. Well done all.
Secondly I enjoyed your review pok pok.
Bye all from sunny Adelaide.
OK, I might as well push in too. When I bought this book on a whim last January (in fact, I bought it right after being stood up for a Bookcrossing Meetup) and then sent it on another whim to my friend weeblet, I had no idea how far it would go. Thank you all so much for sending this book around the world. I've loved reading all your comments over the past year and I'm looking forward to more.
Journal Entry 49 by PokPok at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, November 28, 2004
Released on Sunday, November 28, 2004 at about 11:00:00 AM BX time (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada) at Controlled Release in Controlled release, to another bookcrosser Controlled Releases.
RELEASE NOTES:
PokPok here pushing in...
I finally got an address from rhythmbiscuit, but it missed the mailing I did last week. With the holidays, it might be a little bit before I can mail it, but it will be done as soon as possible. If there are any questions, feel free to PM me... Thanks everyone, and happy holidays.
RELEASE NOTES:
PokPok here pushing in...
I finally got an address from rhythmbiscuit, but it missed the mailing I did last week. With the holidays, it might be a little bit before I can mail it, but it will be done as soon as possible. If there are any questions, feel free to PM me... Thanks everyone, and happy holidays.
I received the book yesterday. Thank you! Look at all the journal entries; how exciting!
I look forward to reading this book, and I will journal again when I have.
I look forward to reading this book, and I will journal again when I have.
I enjoyed this book, especially Dumas' descriptions of her father and his role in her stories. I think he would be very proud that his daughter's book is being passed around as a bookray.
I will mail this book tomorrow to airyaa in Iran.
I will mail this book tomorrow to airyaa in Iran.
Released 19 yrs ago (3/4/2005 UTC) at
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
I will mail this book to airyaa.
I will mail this book to airyaa.
Received today. :)Thanks rhythmbiscuit for sending it and kristamd for the ray. :)
---
(April 5 05)
Yes, I admit it was funny but hey... she lived in Iran yearS ago... so lots of things have changed. And as she said herself, don't judge a nation by the act of few people. :)
It's packed and ready to go and visit Singapore.
Journal Entry 54 by airyaa at another bx'er in Bookray, Controlled Release Singapore on Tuesday, April 5, 2005
Released 19 yrs ago (4/5/2005 UTC) at another bx'er in Bookray, Controlled Release Singapore
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Came in the mail today. Thanks!
Update: 16 April 2005
This book is a breeze to read! Enjoyed the stories and the father of the author is especially delightful. I'm glad to have a chance to get a glimpse into the life of an Iranian family.
Update: 18 April 2005
Mailed this off to msordonez today via air. Enjoy!
Update: 16 April 2005
This book is a breeze to read! Enjoyed the stories and the father of the author is especially delightful. I'm glad to have a chance to get a glimpse into the life of an Iranian family.
Update: 18 April 2005
Mailed this off to msordonez today via air. Enjoy!
This has been a long-awaited book. I will look forward to reading it. I have only one book in line in front of it. :) Thanks for including me!
Updating 5.30.05
Just updating that this book is still in good hands. The "other book" is really long, but I'm finishing it soon. I haven't forgotten about this one. :) Thanks for your patience.
Updating 5.30.05
Just updating that this book is still in good hands. The "other book" is really long, but I'm finishing it soon. I haven't forgotten about this one. :) Thanks for your patience.
So, so funny! I got caught laughing aloud by my husband and at work. My husband is also an immigrant, so I could understand some of the situations on a personal level. I usually don't read previous journal entries until I finish (to avoid spoilers and avoid biasing myself) and after now reading everything that has been said, I have little to add, I guess. My last name, Ordóñez, usually ends up Árdens, or sometimes, including my daughter's very ignorant preschool teacher, Hernandez. I work in customer service, and my first name gets botched up as well... Anything from Leslie to Wendy to Nancy usually. I just roll with the punches. When I have to get people off the phone in 262 seconds, you can call me any name you want. Sorry I went off topic, but all has been said about this wonderful little book. I mailed it on June 8th to the next reader.
Got your book in the mail today. We do have a Iranian member of our family, so I'm expecting to read at least a few things that sound familiar. :-)
I'm very excited to be participating in this long-standing bookray. I wish this little book a long and happy journey.
I'm very excited to be participating in this long-standing bookray. I wish this little book a long and happy journey.
Great little book which is laugh-out-loud funny!
I found many things in Funny in Farsi about Iranian-Americans that were *very* familiar to me, particularly the parts about tons of people (particularly relatives) always visiting and arriving to overflow parties.
Here's my favorite line from the book (about the author's wedding): "We invited 140 people, 163 accepted; 181 showed up." :-)
This book is light, easy-to-read, and very entertaining. The author has a way with words that make her wry sentences make you want to burst into laughter. Unfortunately for my husband, I was reading this book on a car trip, and my outbursts of laughter annoyed him. To resolve that, I read some chapters to him out loud.
Thanks, kristamd and florafloraflora, for sharing this delightful book with me. I enjoyed it immensely.
Today Funny in Farsi is off in the mail to lilysmom in Washington state.
ETA: 11/4/2009 - This book is #18 on Bookcrossing's 100 Most Travelled Books list.
I found many things in Funny in Farsi about Iranian-Americans that were *very* familiar to me, particularly the parts about tons of people (particularly relatives) always visiting and arriving to overflow parties.
Here's my favorite line from the book (about the author's wedding): "We invited 140 people, 163 accepted; 181 showed up." :-)
This book is light, easy-to-read, and very entertaining. The author has a way with words that make her wry sentences make you want to burst into laughter. Unfortunately for my husband, I was reading this book on a car trip, and my outbursts of laughter annoyed him. To resolve that, I read some chapters to him out loud.
Thanks, kristamd and florafloraflora, for sharing this delightful book with me. I enjoyed it immensely.
Today Funny in Farsi is off in the mail to lilysmom in Washington state.
ETA: 11/4/2009 - This book is #18 on Bookcrossing's 100 Most Travelled Books list.
I enjoyed reading this book and being part of the bookray. I am finally sending it off to Lobodyke in KY.
Journal Entry 61 by lilysmom at US Mail in -- Mail or by hand-ring, RABCK, meetings, Washington USA on Friday, September 23, 2005
Released 18 yrs ago (9/23/2005 UTC) at US Mail in -- Mail or by hand-ring, RABCK, meetings, Washington USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
I am mailing this book off to the next person in the bookray-Lobodyke in Bardstown KY. Enjoy! and stay in touch.
I am mailing this book off to the next person in the bookray-Lobodyke in Bardstown KY. Enjoy! and stay in touch.
Thanks, KristaMD, for setting up this ray. It'll be a week or so before I get to this book because I have another ray to read before it, then it'll be on its way.
I really enjoyed this book - it was by turns funny, poignant, sad, and downright hilarious! It was an interesting look into another culture about which I only knew a little, PLUS I think anyone with a family can relate to some of the funny stories she relates in the book. I highly recommend this book, and thanks! KristaMD for starting the bookray. I'm going to recommend that my local public library get the book, too. As soon as I get illinicheme's address, it will be on its way.
Sorry - just realized I never journaled this book when it arrived!
Loved this little book. Don't have anything to add that hasn't already been said. Glad I had it along for the airplane rides over the holidays.
Will send along when I get the next address.
Loved this little book. Don't have anything to add that hasn't already been said. Glad I had it along for the airplane rides over the holidays.
Will send along when I get the next address.
Found this book waiting for me when I returned to work from my vacation. Have heard great things about it so I am looking forward to reading it.
Polished this book off in one evening. It was so delightful! Only when I finished it did I realize how many readers this particular volume has reached.
This is the lovely memoir of an Iranian immigrant growing up in the United States. Although it is her particular story, it is universal. Thanks for sharing!
This is the lovely memoir of an Iranian immigrant growing up in the United States. Although it is her particular story, it is universal. Thanks for sharing!
Polished this book off in one evening. It was so delightful! Only when I finished it did I realize how many readers this particular volume has reached.
This is the lovely memoir of an Iranian immigrant growing up in the United States. Although it is her particular story, it is universal. Thanks for sharing!
This is the lovely memoir of an Iranian immigrant growing up in the United States. Although it is her particular story, it is universal. Thanks for sharing!
Journal Entry 68 by Amusedbythis at US Postal Service in Chicago, Illinois -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, January 12, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (1/12/2006 UTC) at US Postal Service in Chicago, Illinois -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Dospescados was MIA, so this book was mailed to India today. Enjoy!
Dospescados was MIA, so this book was mailed to India today. Enjoy!
Yay! I got it! This is my next book in line after my current read.
I adored this book! It's funny, hilarious, insightful and so true!I'm part persian and so it was even more exciting for me to read about a culture that very nearly was part of mine..(thats a long story....)
I loved the bit about the wedding...and the F-word!hahaha....still cant stop laughing when I think about it.
Oh I could go on..but work calls...
Have PM'd Liz for her address....
Journal Entry 71 by gussy916 at mail in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, February 12, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (2/12/2006 UTC) at mail in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
This book has been delightful! I'm glad it stopped over in India for a bit..its now on its way to the UK .
Safe travels little book! and hope you enjoy it Lyzzybee.
Thank you Kristamd for starting this ring..it was really lovely!
This book has been delightful! I'm glad it stopped over in India for a bit..its now on its way to the UK .
Safe travels little book! and hope you enjoy it Lyzzybee.
Thank you Kristamd for starting this ring..it was really lovely!
Journal Entry 72 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, February 25, 2006
Arrived today - along with a note and another book too - so kind! Really looking forward to this one and will start it on Monday. Wow - how many people has it been to already!!
Journal Entry 73 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Wow - just reading through all the other JEs - I think this is the most-travelled book I've held yet! And so many familiar names on the list, as well as new ones!
As to the book - well, I really enjoyed it. Wish it had been longer and a little less disjointed - she mentions that she started writing "stories" in the final chapter, which I guess explains that aspect. I've read quite a lot of "immigrant experience" books, fiction and non-fiction, and many share aspects - the parents' accents, trying to fit into two cultures, etc. I've not read one about an Iranian family before - it's very interesting to see all the similarities, and then also to see her love of her individual family shine through.
A good book which would have been better if longer - and who can complain about a review like that! Also very interesting to read of the other readers' experiences in their own lives and with friends from different nations. My point to add to this - I found out I know more about Islam and Hinduism than Judaism when my Jewish bf managed to fool me good and proper by telling me a big whopper about his birth faith - I'm so dashed liberal that I believed it and respected it without wondering if it was true or looking behind the facade! Is this just as bad as thinking everyone from a hot country has a pet camel??! [how did I type that wrong the first time? Doh!]
I have DotDot's address and will send the book on (airmail - don't wanna lose it!) tomorrow or Thursday.
Thanks for adding me to the ring, and thanks gussy916 for sending it all that way!
As to the book - well, I really enjoyed it. Wish it had been longer and a little less disjointed - she mentions that she started writing "stories" in the final chapter, which I guess explains that aspect. I've read quite a lot of "immigrant experience" books, fiction and non-fiction, and many share aspects - the parents' accents, trying to fit into two cultures, etc. I've not read one about an Iranian family before - it's very interesting to see all the similarities, and then also to see her love of her individual family shine through.
A good book which would have been better if longer - and who can complain about a review like that! Also very interesting to read of the other readers' experiences in their own lives and with friends from different nations. My point to add to this - I found out I know more about Islam and Hinduism than Judaism when my Jewish bf managed to fool me good and proper by telling me a big whopper about his birth faith - I'm so dashed liberal that I believed it and respected it without wondering if it was true or looking behind the facade! Is this just as bad as thinking everyone from a hot country has a pet camel??! [how did I type that wrong the first time? Doh!]
I have DotDot's address and will send the book on (airmail - don't wanna lose it!) tomorrow or Thursday.
Thanks for adding me to the ring, and thanks gussy916 for sending it all that way!
Released 18 yrs ago (3/1/2006 UTC) at
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Posting to Dotdot on Wednesday.
Posting to Dotdot on Wednesday.
Book is in Finland again. It waited in my letter box when I went to work after spending three days in a seminar. Thanks to all 30 (?) of you for passing it on.
Wonderful stories! They were full of love but lacked all sentimentality. I really liked the way the author wrote about peoples' follies and foibles with only humor, not sarcasm.I didn't find "the land of opportunity" mentality so obvious as some earlier journalers did. The reality of job seeking was very clearly shown.
Thanks to kristamd for letting me join in this bookray and LuzzyBee for sending the book to me. I found out about this book when I was browsing BC bookshelves. So I should thank BookCrossing, too.
Hollydolly wanted to change places with littledragon. Book starts it's journey to UK tomorrow.
Thanks to kristamd for letting me join in this bookray and LuzzyBee for sending the book to me. I found out about this book when I was browsing BC bookshelves. So I should thank BookCrossing, too.
Hollydolly wanted to change places with littledragon. Book starts it's journey to UK tomorrow.
The book is safely in the Uk again, I'm looking forward to reading it asap and will then send it on to hollydolly
Whoo Hoo, the book arrived from Littledragon in the UK today. Thank You. Good timing as I have just finished a book and can jump into this straight away. Will PM the next person on the list for addie, so as not to hold the Ray up.....
June 15/06
I just loved this book.I read it rather slower than usual as I was really enjoying it.
On it's way to next BCer today
June 15/06
I just loved this book.I read it rather slower than usual as I was really enjoying it.
On it's way to next BCer today
I got this in the post today... thank you Hollydolly for the pretty card! Will read it ASAP. Can't wait!
I thought this book was brilliant; entertaining and also quite moving in places, especially when the author was talking about her dad and the Fulbright scholarship. I think it's great that this book has travelled so far and I can't wait to pass it on. PMing for the next address today!
Posted this on today! 5/7/06
Recieved the book Friday, July 7. Got half way and am enjoying it!
I've now read the book. It was very easy-reading and funny, but perhaps not a book that I will remember. I could relate to what it is like to be in a foreign culture, as I've lived in Russia and Azerbaijan for a few years, and I liked how she described that. With a lot of love. As opposed to books that I have read by iranian immigrants in Sweden, Ms. Dumas seems to be very keen on her new country. I have heard that integration works out better in the US than in Europe, and to judge from this book, that might be true!
I will pass it on as soon as I get IslayGirls address. And thanks to all who have been before me, I would never have found this book if it wasn't for you.
I will pass it on as soon as I get IslayGirls address. And thanks to all who have been before me, I would never have found this book if it wasn't for you.
The book has now been sent to Scotland. Wanted to buy IslayGirl a nice postcard, but I forgot - sorry!
Journal Entry 85 by IslayGirl from Isle of Islay, Scotland United Kingdom on Sunday, August 20, 2006
Thank you Stellidaura, for sending the book on with the good wishes. Sorry I forgot to make an entry when I received it! It has taken me a while to read because I found the writing style, and the short, stand-alone chapters, difficult to get into. Nevertheless, it was interesting from a cultural point of view and had some laugh-out-loud bits. I thought the chapter about the beauty pageant was particularly funny. I am now sending it on another journey to Iran, for Hedieh to read.
I have received the book and I would like to thank Islay Girl for sending it to me. Thanks a lot for the lovely postcards.
As Charlenemartel (Canada) does not want to be on the bookray anymore, I have sent a PM to musume (Ukraine) to ask for her mailing address.
As Charlenemartel (Canada) does not want to be on the bookray anymore, I have sent a PM to musume (Ukraine) to ask for her mailing address.
I really enjoyed the book. It was full of humor.
I just sent the book to azuki. I hope it gets to her soon.
It took longer than we expected, but I finally got the book! Would hate for this well traveled book to just got lost in the mail. Thanks Hedieh. And thanks kristamd for arranging the ring. I have three bookrings ahead but this shouldn't take long to read.
This is a very enjoyable read. Not so much specificly about Iranian, but more about the crazy people whom you have to live with because you are related by blood, whether you are American, Italian, Korean or Iranian.
I am delighted to find that Iranian, like Chinese, has eight words for cousin (though it appears Chinese still wins the contest for the variety ncle and aunts), and that the Iranian New Year celebration is quite similar to a Chinese one. (And we wonder at Americans' hassle of buying and returning gifts when crisp new bills work so much better.) It was also interesting to read her father's comment on eating ham. (okay, I know this is just one Iranian...)
Farewell little book, continue on your fabulous journey!
I am delighted to find that Iranian, like Chinese, has eight words for cousin (though it appears Chinese still wins the contest for the variety ncle and aunts), and that the Iranian New Year celebration is quite similar to a Chinese one. (And we wonder at Americans' hassle of buying and returning gifts when crisp new bills work so much better.) It was also interesting to read her father's comment on eating ham. (okay, I know this is just one Iranian...)
Farewell little book, continue on your fabulous journey!
This book arrived today which is great because today was the first day of my Christmas vacation from college! Yay! I actually get time to read a book! I'm really looking forward to this one - I need a light read lately! Thanks so much for sending it to me and to kristamd for starting the ring and to flora for sending it out into the world in the beginning!! :)
Oh! What's funny, is that I am currently reading Reading Lolita in Tehran. Just an odd coincidence that both books are about Iran! Maybe I am supposed to be learning more about Iran or what? :)
Oh! What's funny, is that I am currently reading Reading Lolita in Tehran. Just an odd coincidence that both books are about Iran! Maybe I am supposed to be learning more about Iran or what? :)
Wow, I like a few others didn't realize how far this book has really traveled! Now I am a little bit self-conscious about my journal entry because I feel like there are going to be a million eyes reading it! haha :)
Ok now to my completely unprofessional, laid back review:
I loved Firoozeh's easy manner of writing, very laid back and kind of soft like butter (I know that sounds weird, but that just is how it felt!) :P
For me the book was VERY hard to get into because I am not really a short-story type of girl. I like novels and this was pretty disjointed, she went back and forth in time a lot it seemed and I think it would have been better if she kept the stories more together. While this is considered a memoir, I wouldn't really call it a memoir more like a few funny stories from her life.
I think the author does have a tremendous talent and she would do really well if she would take the current book and use it as an outline to write one that has more depth and detail. That is mainly why I gave the book a 7, it is a good book but it was just like skipping the surface of the water and never really looking underneath to find all the living things. There were a few poignant moments but I don't think this is a book that is really going to 'stick' with me.
I don't usually laugh out loud with books (even funny ones) but the chapter about her uncle trying to lose weight just cracked me up! Especially the part about him wearing the so-called space suit!
I feel fortunate to be able to read a book that has been passed from so many hands into mine; I am still fairly new to BookCrossing and I love reading all the journal entries.
I'll be contacting the next reader shortly and sending it on its way! Thanks everyone for sending it on so it could get to me!
-April
Ok now to my completely unprofessional, laid back review:
I loved Firoozeh's easy manner of writing, very laid back and kind of soft like butter (I know that sounds weird, but that just is how it felt!) :P
For me the book was VERY hard to get into because I am not really a short-story type of girl. I like novels and this was pretty disjointed, she went back and forth in time a lot it seemed and I think it would have been better if she kept the stories more together. While this is considered a memoir, I wouldn't really call it a memoir more like a few funny stories from her life.
I think the author does have a tremendous talent and she would do really well if she would take the current book and use it as an outline to write one that has more depth and detail. That is mainly why I gave the book a 7, it is a good book but it was just like skipping the surface of the water and never really looking underneath to find all the living things. There were a few poignant moments but I don't think this is a book that is really going to 'stick' with me.
I don't usually laugh out loud with books (even funny ones) but the chapter about her uncle trying to lose weight just cracked me up! Especially the part about him wearing the so-called space suit!
I feel fortunate to be able to read a book that has been passed from so many hands into mine; I am still fairly new to BookCrossing and I love reading all the journal entries.
I'll be contacting the next reader shortly and sending it on its way! Thanks everyone for sending it on so it could get to me!
-April
This book has washed ashore at the Lost Book Island after not being heard from for many months. This new arrival will be shown to a room and be allowed a bit of rest before being introduced to the many fun things to do here at the island.All around there are books sipping cool drinks under shady palms while other books participate in a wide variety of beach sports. There is plenty of sand, surf and sun here for all of the lost and wayward books to enjoy.
It is hoped that very soon a new journal entry will come to rescue this book from the island and send it back out into the BookCrossing world so that it may continue on its journey. It is hoped that the new journal entry will tell all the interested parties where this book has been this long time and where it will be traveling to next.
Journal Entry 94 by Bluestocking88 from -- Wild released somewhere in the state, Washington USA on Monday, October 1, 2007
Yawn, stretch--well, as lovely as Lost Book Island was, I decided my true calling was to be read and enjoyed by more readers. I have managed to catch a ride to the home of Bluestocking88 and will now cozy up to some books on her TBR shelf, and eventually I will take another journey to continue my amazingly long ring. Thanks for everyone that helped get me to this point--and thanks to Fireflywishes for sending me along.
Journal Entry 95 by Bluestocking88 from -- Wild released somewhere in the state, Washington USA on Wednesday, October 3, 2007
I really enjoyed this book. While reading it last night I would read bits aloud to my husband and he snorted he was laughing so hard.
I loved how food found its way into almost every story, sort of a timeline of where they were in the assimilation process. As a person from an ethincially food obsessed family, I completely relate. Uncle Nematollah and his various weight loss outfits and contraptions were wonderful, and the humor and honesty in the book made me wish--like other journalers--that it was longer.
I finished it today and have mailed it off to missprisy. Thank you to everyone for sharing and passing it along. Kristamd has asked me to remove the written list in the front as it needed some changes, but it was so cool so see everyone listed and where they live that I am going to send it to Kristamd as a momento of all travels to date.
I just looked on amazon.com, Firoozeh Dumas has a second book due out in May 2008 called "Laughing Without an Accent: Adventures of an Iranian American, at Home and Abroad" Hope to catch everyone on a ring with that book next.
I loved how food found its way into almost every story, sort of a timeline of where they were in the assimilation process. As a person from an ethincially food obsessed family, I completely relate. Uncle Nematollah and his various weight loss outfits and contraptions were wonderful, and the humor and honesty in the book made me wish--like other journalers--that it was longer.
I finished it today and have mailed it off to missprisy. Thank you to everyone for sharing and passing it along. Kristamd has asked me to remove the written list in the front as it needed some changes, but it was so cool so see everyone listed and where they live that I am going to send it to Kristamd as a momento of all travels to date.
I just looked on amazon.com, Firoozeh Dumas has a second book due out in May 2008 called "Laughing Without an Accent: Adventures of an Iranian American, at Home and Abroad" Hope to catch everyone on a ring with that book next.
This well traveled book reached me today. I will read this book after the one I'm reading now and send on.
Great book! I read this in less then two days. The author did a great job writing about growing up in America as an Iranian. I have valerief's mailing address and will get this in the mail soon! I'm so glad this bookray was finally moved on to the next particpant.Release #67 for Guinaveve's Keep Them Moving 2007 Challenge.
Yeay! Really excited to read this book and be a part of this ring. I have read several other books about women in Iran (Persepolis, Persepolis 2, Reading Lolita in Tehran, My Life with the Shah), and it's a topic that is especially timely and relevant now.
Journal Entry 99 by valerief at By Mail in Mail, Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, November 25, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (11/24/2007 UTC) at By Mail in Mail, Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Enjoyed this funny account of the writer's experience growing up. I think anyone who identifies strongly with an ethnic background can relate to this book. The pages just flew by.
RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to musume
RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to musume
Arrived today with post. Thanks valerief! Will try to read it at the high speed and then forward it South.
