For me, this book was a fascinating look into another culture. She skillfully intertwined her personal story into historical background and current politics. I finished the book (after many stops and starts--it did drag a little for me in the middle) with a strong appreciation of what the author loves about Iran, and a sympathy for her ambivalence about living there. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to understand more about the pull of different cultures. ( )

From Publishers Weekly
In her new memoir, American-born journalist Moaveni (Lipstick Jihad) returns to Tehran in 2005 to cover Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's election for Time magazine, hoping to make the city her permanent home. Her plans are complicated by the standoff with the U.S. over Iran's nuclear program, as well as several unexpected turns in her life. She falls in love, moves in with her boyfriend, becomes pregnant, gets married—in that order—in a country that has no word for boyfriend and no qualms about brutally beating unmarried pregnant women. Through her own experience, Moaveni reports on the growing apathy of the people of Iran, a society burdened by staggering inflation and tensions between religion, political oppression and secular life, the latter ever more enticing through ubiquitous, illegal satellite television. Gradually, the idealism and religious faith that characterized Moaveni's younger years wane. With the birth of her son, her misgivings come to a head, compounded by the spying, threats and intimidation she experienced at the hands of the Ministry of Intelligence. Moaveni, who now lives in London with her family, has penned a story of coming-of-age in two cultures with a keen eye and a measured tone. (Feb.)

A really interesting take on living in Iran written by an Iranian-American. The feeling of being 'sort of' at home in a place but 'sort of' a foreigner in equal measure resonates with anyone who has lived abroad. Her feelings about her religion and her love of country swing back and forth during her time there. It is not a one sided portrayal of Iran, like 'Not Without My Daughter' , not is it politically correct, as she takes swipes at things about Iran as well as views on the country westerners have.

The book gave me an expanded view on the country, its politics ( way more complicated than I had envisioned) and the very complicated life there.

On a lighter note, after reading about the wedding 'industry' in Iran, I think a film about it could give 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' a run for their money!

Rather boring and kind of useless insight on the Iranian society. Not worth all the fuss around it. For those who are not familiar with Iran and its complexity, it can be a good introduction to the daily life of a very specific cast of the Iranian population. It's not what Iran looks like though. I was a bit disappointed by this very politically correct book. Lipstick Jihad was much more interesting. ( )

I enjoyed this book as it tackled some taboo subject in the Islamic world; one of "zina" or having sex outside of marriage. The author ended up pregnant from her tryst, though all turned out fairly well for her. I also enjoyed the author, Azaden Moaveni's take on various political situations that were taking place during her visits to Iran.

The book describes the ever changing Islamic world. Attitudes and values are changing daily, and there seems to be a constant conflict between those ihabitants that want change and those who want to maintain the "old ways" at any cost.

If you are interested in Iran and the changes that it is expriencing, I would recommend this book. ( )