The truths about Iran—quite different truths from versions put forward by Washington, Tehran, and the media. Afshin Molavi, a rising young writer born in Iran and fluent in Farsi, traveled his homeland for over a year. Along the way, he met with students of the right and left, bazaar merchants, Islamic clerics, pro-democracy writers, Islamic hard-liners, feminists, government officials, and kids hooked on anything western. All opened their hearts to the young Molavi, speaking candidly about issues that matter to them: unemployment, freedom, religion, poetry, history, love, marriage, the Internet, the ruling clerics, and green cards. Throughout his journey, Molavi weaves the tale of nearly 3,000 years of Iranian history through pilgrimages to important historical sites and monuments. Few books have penetrated the soul of Iran as deeply as this exceptional report on one of the world's most important nations. Persian Pilgrimages is a journey to remember.

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It is very rare that you can find such an informative, well-balanced book on Iran. Afshin Molavi's book (the same book is also confusingly titled as "Soul of Iran" in paperback) is an excellent history, travelogue, diary, and collection of dialogues and anecdotes with and about Iranians. This is a rare book that I feel truly gives a fair and balanced presentation of the country and its people. This is neither a repudiation of Islam/glorification of the Shah as most books about Iran seem to be, nor is it a panegyric for Khomeini or justification for the revolution. This book gives us a good introductory history of Iran, Persian poetry, and Islam, and includes informative dialogues and anecdotes about Iran that shows their relevance today. If you have any interest in Iran, the Middle East, or Shi'a Islam, this book is a must read.

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