Category

Title

EDITORIAL ReviewS

Pom Rating

nonfiction & History Books

A fascinating book describing what went on behind the scenes when Mossadegh tried to make Iran a democratic country and the CIA interevened. A must read for all Iranians and Americans who want to uncover secrets of the American government which were recently released.

In this memoir, Farah Diba writes about her life with the former Shah of Iran. She describes in great detail the Shah's good work, yet glosses over (or forgets to mention) many other deeds that made him not so popular among many Iranians of his generation. Interesting read if you want to a different perspective on the royal family and learn more about her personal life story and the struggles she faced as the beloved and popular Queen of Iran.

A very thin and brief book that left me bored. The descriptions of the Shah were inaccurate and there was no detail or insight that made this book special or worth reading.

At first the title of this book seems a bit insulting, like it was some sort of science experiment: "observe the animals in their natural habitat". The book is actually well written and quite insightful providing strong and accurate facts about Iranian culture and its modern history. I recommend this book to novices and those who want a quick history lesson.

A great inside story of the oil debacle in Iran told by Manoucher Farmanfarmaian, who worked in that industry. At times the story drags and is too much about his personal life rather than more general politics of oil. While, Farmanfarmaian style can be some what convulted and hard to follow, the book is insightful and eye-opening.

A look at the status quo in Iran. This book examines the clergy, and the roots of uprising that brought them to power.

The story of Hoveyda is told in this descriptive and academic biography which at times gets too research-based. It is a great book if you want to know everything about him but I felt that it did not tell me a great deal about how he was really liked and how naive and idealistic a prime minister he really was.

A historical account of Reza Shah and the foreign influences that brought him to power in Iran. An interesting and well-written book covering 1919-1926 with great detail.

This historical book recounts the story of the Qajar dynasty and their fall through to the Pahlavi Dynasty. A good read if you want to become familiar with this era. The book has a cultural and social aspect to it that may explain sides of the Qajar dynasty we may not know of.

One of the only books I have come accross that explains the extent of foreign, especially British, influence on the state of politics in Iran. From Reza Shah, to providing him with millions of dollars in Swiss and US Bank accounts, this book documents how the west truly plundered oil and national treasures of Iran in the guise of reform and progress.

Novels and life Stories

Collection of short stories and essays by those who left Iran during or after the revolution. Also includes writings by first generation Iranian-Americans.

Exiled Memories is a reconstruction of memory and identity through diasporic narratives. The stories delve into the issues of identity as Iranian-Americans struggle to survive in the new environment. Americas rather than on Iran.

The story of a little girl who comes to America with her parents during the revolution. A funny, heart-felt rendition which is true to Iranian culture and tradition. It's a fast read and a good ride.

One of the best Childhood books of our generation. The story of Marjane Satrapi is depicted in simplistic cartoon format and shows us a glimpse of her life as a child during the revolution. A fantastic and quick read for kids, parents and Americans who want a glimpse of real Iranians. I loved the book so much I ordered the sequels #3 and #4 from FNAC which are in French.

A personal story of a strong woman, who lived in Iran and in America. Interesting in its history and heart-warming in making us understand the women of her generation and background.

A well told story of a family that moves to America. Like so many other families, Taras family moves to America after the 1979 revolution. The story brings back a lot of sweet childhood memories and describes rich aspects of Iranian culture. Tara opens her world to us in a kind and endearing manner.

A short fictional novel by Nahid Rachlin about the journey of an Iranian-American biologist who goes back to Iran to visit her religious family. The story doesn't give much detail about Iran, and draws a very dark and claustrophobic view of her family.

A decent book written by a female American journalist who has been to Iran many times over the years and give us another perspective on what Iranians look like to foreigners. Especially after the revolution.

A descriptive and fascinating story of a child growing up in pre-revolutionary Iran. The story takes place in a traditional home and is one of an older generation.

A well written and interesting book by Idries Shah, illustrating how we are through the fascinating and funny short stories of our favorite mulla. This precious collection of Sufi teachings is eloquent, entertaining and the perfect companion for a short trip or a night by the fireplace.

A Iranian woman's book club gathers to read literature together. Interesting stories about the women unfold. A fantastic book written with passion and deliberation. It's a must read for everyone.

persian LITERATURE & poetry

Among the masterpieces of world literature, perhaps the least familiar to English readers is the Persian Book of Kings (Shahnameh, in Persian). This prodigious national epic, composed by the poet Ferdowsi between 980 and 1010, tells the story of ancient Persia, beginning in the mythic time of Creation and continuing forward to the Arab-Islamic invasion.

A great starter book for those who love Persian poetry and would like to become familiar with this great Persian poet. Rumi is one of the most well-known and praised poets of Iranian culture among many others of his time.

A glorious book with some of Rumi's best work, including some powerful imagery, and text. This book is a work of art and flows like a good Rumi poem. A great gift and an absolute must for any Rumi lover.

Just like the Rubaiyat itself, this book is simple and clean. It contains some of the best of Khayyam including great drawings that evoke the essence of life just like the master himself. The book is reflective of Khayyam, so simple, yet so powerful and capable of capturing the passions and pleasures of life. It is an absolute must for novices and lovers of Khayyam alike.

A more comprehensive book containing the poems of Khayyam as beautifully translated by the master Edward Fitzgerald. This is one of the greatest masterpieces of poetry to date, full of compassion, love, stories of life and Khayyam's view of our existance in this world.

This ultimate book contains beautiful pictures and a complete selection of poems of Khayyam. It is a larger volume fully devoted to this great poet. If you are a serious Khayyam lover, then this is the book for you. It is an absolute must-have classic that belongs in every library.

The famous Golestan or Gulestan (Garden of flowers) of Saadi. This is a concise piece of work and as famous and revered as all the other great poets of the times. A great pleasure if you have read the others and want more. Some meaning is always lost in translation but this is true classic.

The translation and visualization of this book is incredible. It captures the great words of Hafez in a beautiful and thought-provoking manner. A great set of poems that can also be used for your Faleh Hafez.

A smaller volume translated nicely by Gertrude Bell. The book contains poems in Farsi and in English. At times the poems seem like they are trying too hard. Overall, the great masterpiece of Hafez shines through once again.

persian CookBooks

The best Persian Cookbook out there. The names of the dishes are written in Farsi and in English. The recipes are easy to follow and understand. There are nice poems, photographs and cultural information added as a bonus. If you are going to have just one Persian cookbook, this would be it.

A healthier alternative look at cooking dishes by using low-fat and low-calorie ingredients.

A complete guide for the modern Persian kitchen.

persian ART & Photography

Shirin Neshat is one of the most provokative and modern photographers of our time. She always searches for art in the most unusual places. In this book, there are many pictures taken in Iran that are nostalgic, religious, and make the audience take a harder look at the Iranian society.

In this hard cover book, Shirin expands her art and uses religion as a focal point in her photography. While her photos are slow and deliberate, there is an element of reality that is very gripping. This book makes a wonderful gift for those who can appreciate the reality of life in Iran today.

An inspiring book filled with images of gardens, palaces and flower beds all over Iran. This would make a great gift and makes you really want to visit Iran. If you get a chance, do go and visit.

There is truly nothing more historic and stunning that the palaces of Iran and old Persia. Tucked away in fragrant gardens, these jewels are marvelous to look at. The structures are truly from a forgotten era that come to life in this vivid and imaginative work of art.

persian movies & DVDs

All Googoosh fans should get this. This movie is the life story of Googoosh, and her rise to be the most beloved and famous pop singer of all time in Iran.

A great story of a brother and a sister and their love for each other and their family. Brilliantly shot and directed. The scenery and photgraphy in this movie shows the beauty of Iran.

This Winner of Best Film at the Montreal Film Festival, is a heart-warming story about two people who fall in love unexpectedly and under unusual circumstances. It's a funny and simple story that everyone will enjoy. The film is in Farsi with subtitles. "Barab" means rain.

This is a heart-warming film that the whole family will enjoy. The story is about a little blind boy who has a loving family but for a father who views him as a burden. The first film to be nominated for an Oscar, this is a must-see.

The intertwined story of a young American woman and an immigrant Iranian family, the House of Sand and Fog is a movie about old generation, new generation, and different customs and culture coming together under very heavy and dramatic circumstances. With a star cast Ben Kingsley, Jennifer Connelly and the oscar-nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, this movie is a must-see.

Engagement & Wedding Books

This is a great book to read if you are looking for ideas and want to read about some creative ways to pop the question.

A romantic book, covering many different ideas that are fun and over-the-top. Definitely get this book if you love reading about other people's great marriage proposal moments.

A handy, yet comprehensive little book that will guide you through buying a diamond better than any other book. The book has great pictures and is a great investment for gaining valuable knowledge considering the amount of money you will be spending on jewelry.

Obviously this is not our first choice for a Persian Wedding planner. If we had it our way, we would write our own book! Until then, this is the best of the lot that is out there right now and in comparison it is very detailed and will help you stay organized for your wedding.

Again, not the best choice for a Persian Wedding, but this book is one of the best Wedding books out there with lots of nice photos and ideas to inspire any blushing bride. For more Persian related themes for favors, Sofreh ideas, caterers and music, be sure to consult our online wedding guide.

This is an eye-catching book fit for any kind of wedding. Vera Wang has such a refreshing approach to weddings and she is sure to get you excited about yours. From the dress to the reception, the holistic approach will dazzle your mind's eye and you will treasure the book long after you taste the honey at your Sofreh.

Farsi Language & Learning

This is a comprehensive phrase book which includes audio. It is recommended for beginners and those who are new to the language. The book is intended for adults.

A quick phrase book for those who want to learn Farsi quickly and painlessly. The book contains useful, everyday phrases that will come in handy if you are visiting Iran.

A fun book for young adults and beginners who want to improve on their basic Farsi. This book features games, puzzles and pronunciation tips. Best to use it with someone who can guide you through it.

A basic book good for those who want to learn Farsi using audio and visual aids. The book contains grammar lessons, useful vocabulary and tapes to help with pronunciation.