Reviews for Joyful Trek: A Texan's Times and Travels

The average rating for Joyful Trek: A Texan's Times and Travels based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2021-02-25 00:00:00 Scotty McDonald Honeymoon in Tehran is the kind of book I would encourage most Americans to read, especially since it provides so much insight into a country that so many Americans view as a dangerous enemy. Moaveni is an American journalist born to Iranian immigrant parents but who still feels a distinct connection to the land of her heritage. She worked for many years as a foreign correspondent for Time magazine, investigating everything from Iranian pop culture to politics to human rights issues. Her latest memoir, after Lipstick Jihad, chronicles her move to Iran from Lebanon when she meets the man she will eventually marry. Moaveni, perhaps because of her American/Iranian heritage, is particularly effective at describing Iranian life from a perspective that resonates with American readers. She reflects the disconnect between the Iranian people, who often hold very modern views about everything from diplomacy to romance, and the Iranian government of religious dictators. Although her story is obviously unique, and filtered through her own perspective, Honeymoon in Tehran nevertheless offers us all an opportunity to better understand a country and a people who, for better or worse, will continue to factor greatly into the American political landscape for years to come. A fascinating book about a very important region.

Review # 2 was written on 2014-07-11 00:00:00 Dean Lettera This book is a truly excellent memoir. If you're looking for a memoir that details the struggles and censorship that modern Iranians (particularly women) are facing, it delivers. It is chock full of complicated patriotism, scathing social observations and balanced political commentary. But if contemporary romance is your thing, it has that too. The novel spans two years as President Ahmadinejad rises to power, and the author meets the love of her life. I won't spoil the ridiculous and creative ways in which she is oppressed and frankly harassed, but to say it isn't easy to start a family in Tehran. It's obviously well-written, as Moaveni is an accomplished journalist and author. And for me, the best parts of Azadeh Moaveni's Honeymoon in Tehran are when her journalistic approach to her tale slips, and we are treated to her voice as a woman and a mom delivering the story's most powerful moments. Highly recommended!