This compelling debut follows one spirited young woman from the confines of Iran to the intoxicating freedom of America--where she discovers not only an enticing new country but the roots of her own independence. . . . Tamila Soroush wanted it all. But in the Islamic Republic of Iran, dreams are a dangerous thing for a girl. Knowing they can never come true, Tami abandons them. . . . Until her twenty-fifth birthday, when her parents give her a one-way ticket to America, hoping she will "go and wake up her luck." If they ...
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This compelling debut follows one spirited young woman from the confines of Iran to the intoxicating freedom of America--where she discovers not only an enticing new country but the roots of her own independence. . . . Tamila Soroush wanted it all. But in the Islamic Republic of Iran, dreams are a dangerous thing for a girl. Knowing they can never come true, Tami abandons them. . . . Until her twenty-fifth birthday, when her parents give her a one-way ticket to America, hoping she will "go and wake up her luck." If they have their way, Tami will never return to Iran . . . which means she has three months to find a husband in America. Three months before she's sent back for good. From her first Victoria's Secret bra to her first ride on a motor scooter to her first country line-dance, Tami drinks in the freedom of an American girl. Inspired to pursue her passion for photography, she even captures her adventures on film. But looming over her is the fact that she must find an Iranian-born husband before her visa expires. To complicate matters, her friendship with Ike, a young American man, has grown stronger. And it is becoming harder for Tami to ignore the forbidden feelings she has for him. It's in her English as a second language classes that Tami finds a support system. With the encouragement of headstrong Eva, loyal Nadia, and Agata and Josef, who are carving out a love story of their own, perhaps Tami can keep dreaming--and find a way to stay in America.
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Recently I finished Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is about Tamila, a 27 year old Iranian women who comes to America for 3 months on a birthday Visa from her parents to find a husband and stay in the States.
She stays with her older sister and her sister's husband, takes an English class, goes to Starbucks, and falls in love with America, her freedom and an American.
I liked this book for a couple of reasons. Tamilia is likable, the characters are interesting, the story witty, her potential husbands comical but the biggest reason is that I was reminded of how much I love my freedom. As an American I know we take this for granted. I try not to but I don't think we realize just how lucky we are to live in a Country where we have choices.
It was interesting looking through the eyes of someone who never knew freedom and watching her amazement as she acquaints herself with the freedom she and everyone should have if they so desire.
Her reactions to police, her friends, a free sample at Starbucks and sneakers were uplifting, humorous and captivating.
The ending was somewhat predictable and I wish that the conclusion I was hoping for, played out longer than the last 4 pages. I was happy with the ending and reminded of how "free" we really are.
DoodlinThis
Jun 28, 2007
I told everyone about this book!
The cover of this book is what originally attracted it to me but as soon as I read the summary I knew I was hooked and couldn't put it down till the last page. I was never bored by parts in the story as it kept a swift page-turning plot. The main character is someone you can really relate to and end up loving. I liked how the story wan't so unbeliveable...it's about an average woman's predicaments and success. It's a book that leaves you happy and satisfyed yet wishing for another. Modern and chic, all my girlfriends loved it!
SouthernFemme
Apr 29, 2007
I couldn't put this book down!
I purchased this book on a Monday after work and finished it that same night.. Once I started reading this I couldn't go to bed until I'd gotten to the end. As a lover of romance novels, contemporary fiction, and chick-lit, this book had all the important elements of all three genres. It was uplifting, heartbreaking, and just so very touching. It's definitely a book that every woman, and man, should read.
