Review of An American in ... Tehran

Post by **Seetha E** » 24 Sep 2023, 12:02

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "An American in ... Tehran" by Marianne Lauren.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Marianne Lauren is the author of An American in ... Tehran. Marianne is one of three children born to her parents. Like her mother, Ava, she has an independent mindset. She has learned various skills, such as singing, acting, and painting, from her mother. Her father's liberal upbringing and her mother's pearls of wisdom have helped shape her free-spirited nature, enabling her to stand up for herself, love and care for her family, and live life to the fullest. Although she was born in a hospital near Hollywood with aspirations of becoming a performer, she decided to change her path due to the love and promise she saw in Amir.

In 1979, after the revolution had ended, the author traveled to Tehran because Amir had proposed marriage and assured her that Iran was now safe. After being apart for eight months, she was excited to finally reunite with Amir, meet his family, and begin their life together. The book consists of 47 chapters, detailing every encounter from the day she arrived at the airport. The chapters explore her impression of Amir in Iran as compared to the Amir she knew in the States. Additionally, she shares insights into the daily lives of women in Iran and what Amir and his family expected of her. While she patiently and bravely deals with the typical challenges of marriage, she also has to navigate differences in lifestyle, eating habits, social norms, language barriers, and cultural and religious discrepancies.

Iran was just out of a revolution and on the cusp of new beginnings. The unrest caused by the revolution affected both public and private behavior, exacerbating her problems. While still considering various aspects of her situation, Marianne learned of a potentially terrible event that could occur in Iran. Follow her story to discover how things turned out. Did she connect with Amir's family? Could Amir and Marianne maintain their marriage? How did they navigate cultural and religious differences? And did Marianne ultimately choose to stay in Iran after hearing the news?

I appreciated the author's straightforward yet potent writing approach. It aids in highlighting every emotion she experiences. The reader will easily relate to her and empathize with her. It can be challenging to settle into a marriage. Religion cannot be a barrier to loving and caring for one another. I am impressed by the author's skillful and persuasive articulation of these issues. For instance, the connection she created with all the people she met is heartwarming. I appreciate how she defends herself in various circumstances. By upholding the values she was raised with, she demonstrated that there are some things she will not compromise on.

She never gave up and did everything she could to learn, accept, adjust, and still enjoy herself. She made new friends, traveled to new places, and learned the what, why, and how of things as she went along, forging strong bonds in the process. I love that her experiences were not the only part of the story. The author stayed in touch with all the people who helped her, and she gave a brief account of their life journeys. Many lessons can be learned, such as showing respect and concern for other people and their faiths, advocating for oneself, maintaining integrity, and ultimately not giving up. She detailed various incidents with flashbacks of how they might be handled back in the States or by her mother, which I found especially compelling. It improves the reader's perspective on the same circumstance.

I noticed a couple of errors in the book, but they were minor and didn't take away from the overall quality. Therefore, I don't think the book deserves a lower rating. The editors did an excellent job, and I have no complaints about the book. For these reasons, I give it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars.

With a few mentions that are sexual in nature and profanity, this non-fiction memoir, I am afraid, will have to be restricted to mature adults. This book will provide valuable insights to those struggling souls who may have crossed national, cultural, or religious boundaries with the belief that they have found love. It will surely assist in weighing and assessing situations with an objective mind, which is rather challenging in matters of love and family.

******
An American in ... Tehran
View: on Bookshelves

Chandrakant Patel · Post by **Chandrakant Patel** » 11 Oct 2023, 07:19

Your review offers a detailed insight into Marianne Lauren's book, "An American in ... Tehran," outlining the author's background and the journey she embarked on after deciding to marry Amir. You discuss the book's structure, character development, and the challenges the author faced as she navigated cultural and religious differences in Iran. Your appreciation for the author's writing style and her ability to connect with readers is evident. Additionally, you emphasize the importance of respect, integrity, and not giving up as some of the key takeaways from the book. This review provides a comprehensive overview and engages readers with the story's core themes and the author's experiences.

Post by **Seetha E** » 11 Oct 2023, 22:13

Chandrakant Patel wrote: ↑11 Oct 2023, 07:19 Your review offers a detailed insight into Marianne Lauren's book, "An American in ... Tehran," outlining the author's background and the journey she embarked on after deciding to marry Amir. You discuss the book's structure, character development, and the challenges the author faced as she navigated cultural and religious differences in Iran. Your appreciation for the author's writing style and her ability to connect with readers is evident. Additionally, you emphasize the importance of respect, integrity, and not giving up as some of the key takeaways from the book. This review provides a comprehensive overview and engages readers with the story's core themes and the author's experiences.

I would like to thank you Chandrakant for stopping by. I appreciate your comments.

Cara Wilding · Post by **Cara Wilding** » 13 Oct 2023, 10:14

Seetha E wrote: ↑24 Sep 2023, 12:02 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "An American in ... Tehran" by Marianne Lauren.]

Marianne Lauren is the author of An American in ... Tehran. Marianne is one of three children born to her parents. Like her mother, Ava, she has an independent mindset. She has learned various skills, such as singing, acting, and painting, from her mother. Her father's liberal upbringing and her mother's pearls of wisdom have helped shape her free-spirited nature, enabling her to stand up for herself, love and care for her family, and live life to the fullest. Although she was born in a hospital near Hollywood with aspirations of becoming a performer, she decided to change her path due to the love and promise she saw in Amir.

In 1979, after the revolution had ended, the author traveled to Tehran because Amir had proposed marriage and assured her that Iran was now safe. After being apart for eight months, she was excited to finally reunite with Amir, meet his family, and begin their life together. The book consists of 47 chapters, detailing every encounter from the day she arrived at the airport. The chapters explore her impression of Amir in Iran as compared to the Amir she knew in the States. Additionally, she shares insights into the daily lives of women in Iran and what Amir and his family expected of her. While she patiently and bravely deals with the typical challenges of marriage, she also has to navigate differences in lifestyle, eating habits, social norms, language barriers, and cultural and religious discrepancies.

I appreciated the author's straightforward yet potent writing approach. It aids in highlighting every emotion she experiences. The reader will easily relate to her and empathize with her. It can be challenging to settle into a marriage. Religion cannot be a barrier to loving and caring for one another. I am impressed by the author's skillful and persuasive articulation of these issues. For instance, the connection she created with all the people she met is heartwarming. I appreciate how she defends herself in various circumstances. By upholding the values she was raised with, she demonstrated that there are some things she will not compromise on.

This title very much grabbed my attention! I immediately though of how unusual an American would be in Tehran (especially if not in the military)...but more so a woman! Her upbringing and path to a love from another culture and religion sounds like a fascinating story. I was particularly intrigued by your mention of Marianne's impression of Amir in Iran vs. the States. I appreciate people with courage who face potential adversity head on, and Marianne seems to be the very essence of that! I can only imagine the differences in lifestyle, eating habits, and social norms alone that would be onerous. The lessons you took away have profound value in today's world and I love that she was unwilling to compromise on her own. I want questions to ALL the questions you posed! I guess I'll have to add this one to my bookshelf for later! I really enjoyed reading your review, it was very compelling. Thanks so much for sharing it!

Post by **Seetha E** » 13 Oct 2023, 13:05

Cara Wilding wrote: ↑13 Oct 2023, 10:14
Seetha E wrote: ↑24 Sep 2023, 12:02 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "An American in ... Tehran" by Marianne Lauren.]

Marianne Lauren is the author of An American in ... Tehran. Marianne is one of three children born to her parents. Like her mother, Ava, she has an independent mindset. She has learned various skills, such as singing, acting, and painting, from her mother. Her father's liberal upbringing and her mother's pearls of wisdom have helped shape her free-spirited nature, enabling her to stand up for herself, love and care for her family, and live life to the fullest. Although she was born in a hospital near Hollywood with aspirations of becoming a performer, she decided to change her path due to the love and promise she saw in Amir.

In 1979, after the revolution had ended, the author traveled to Tehran because Amir had proposed marriage and assured her that Iran was now safe. After being apart for eight months, she was excited to finally reunite with Amir, meet his family, and begin their life together. The book consists of 47 chapters, detailing every encounter from the day she arrived at the airport. The chapters explore her impression of Amir in Iran as compared to the Amir she knew in the States. Additionally, she shares insights into the daily lives of women in Iran and what Amir and his family expected of her. While she patiently and bravely deals with the typical challenges of marriage, she also has to navigate differences in lifestyle, eating habits, social norms, language barriers, and cultural and religious discrepancies.

I appreciated the author's straightforward yet potent writing approach. It aids in highlighting every emotion she experiences. The reader will easily relate to her and empathize with her. It can be challenging to settle into a marriage. Religion cannot be a barrier to loving and caring for one another. I am impressed by the author's skillful and persuasive articulation of these issues. For instance, the connection she created with all the people she met is heartwarming. I appreciate how she defends herself in various circumstances. By upholding the values she was raised with, she demonstrated that there are some things she will not compromise on.

This title very much grabbed my attention! I immediately though of how unusual an American would be in Tehran (especially if not in the military)...but more so a woman! Her upbringing and path to a love from another culture and religion sounds like a fascinating story. I was particularly intrigued by your mention of Marianne's impression of Amir in Iran vs. the States. I appreciate people with courage who face potential adversity head on, and Marianne seems to be the very essence of that! I can only imagine the differences in lifestyle, eating habits, and social norms alone that would be onerous. The lessons you took away have profound value in today's world and I love that she was unwilling to compromise on her own. I want questions to ALL the questions you posed! I guess I'll have to add this one to my bookshelf for later! I really enjoyed reading your review, it was very compelling. Thanks so much for sharing it!

Hi Cara,
I am glad that the review has you invested in Marianne and her journey. Happy reading!
Thanks a ton for taking the time to read and share your comments. Appreciate it

Marina Flisvou · Post by **Marina Flisvou** » 28 Oct 2023, 17:21

Your review provides a comprehensive overview of the book's content and your insights into the author's experiences and writing style. You commend the author's straightforward and potent writing approach, which effectively conveys her emotions and allows readers to relate to her experiences and empathize with her.

Bettny Andrade · Post by **Bettny Andrade** » 04 Nov 2023, 14:43

Although you mention that the book has a simple approach, it seems to have a very deep theme and many experiences of the protagonists. Thanks for the review.

Kirui Collins · Post by **Kirui Collins** » 19 Nov 2023, 13:41

I would like to know about Marianne and Amir's life afterwards. Thanks for the review.

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 05 Jun 2025, 10:50

Seetha E wrote: ↑24 Sep 2023, 12:02 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "An American in ... Tehran" by Marianne Lauren.]

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

Marianne Lauren is the author of An American in ... Tehran. Marianne is one of three children born to her parents. Like her mother, Ava, she has an independent mindset. She has learned various skills, such as singing, acting, and painting, from her mother. Her father's liberal upbringing and her mother's pearls of wisdom have helped shape her free-spirited nature, enabling her to stand up for herself, love and care for her family, and live life to the fullest. Although she was born in a hospital near Hollywood with aspirations of becoming a performer, she decided to change her path due to the love and promise she saw in Amir.

In 1979, after the revolution had ended, the author traveled to Tehran because Amir had proposed marriage and assured her that Iran was now safe. After being apart for eight months, she was excited to finally reunite with Amir, meet his family, and begin their life together. The book consists of 47 chapters, detailing every encounter from the day she arrived at the airport. The chapters explore her impression of Amir in Iran as compared to the Amir she knew in the States. Additionally, she shares insights into the daily lives of women in Iran and what Amir and his family expected of her. While she patiently and bravely deals with the typical challenges of marriage, she also has to navigate differences in lifestyle, eating habits, social norms, language barriers, and cultural and religious discrepancies.

Iran was just out of a revolution and on the cusp of new beginnings. The unrest caused by the revolution affected both public and private behavior, exacerbating her problems. While still considering various aspects of her situation, Marianne learned of a potentially terrible event that could occur in Iran. Follow her story to discover how things turned out. Did she connect with Amir's family? Could Amir and Marianne maintain their marriage? How did they navigate cultural and religious differences? And did Marianne ultimately choose to stay in Iran after hearing the news?

I appreciated the author's straightforward yet potent writing approach. It aids in highlighting every emotion she experiences. The reader will easily relate to her and empathize with her. It can be challenging to settle into a marriage. Religion cannot be a barrier to loving and caring for one another. I am impressed by the author's skillful and persuasive articulation of these issues. For instance, the connection she created with all the people she met is heartwarming. I appreciate how she defends herself in various circumstances. By upholding the values she was raised with, she demonstrated that there are some things she will not compromise on.

She never gave up and did everything she could to learn, accept, adjust, and still enjoy herself. She made new friends, traveled to new places, and learned the what, why, and how of things as she went along, forging strong bonds in the process. I love that her experiences were not the only part of the story. The author stayed in touch with all the people who helped her, and she gave a brief account of their life journeys. Many lessons can be learned, such as showing respect and concern for other people and their faiths, advocating for oneself, maintaining integrity, and ultimately not giving up. She detailed various incidents with flashbacks of how they might be handled back in the States or by her mother, which I found especially compelling. It improves the reader's perspective on the same circumstance.

I noticed a couple of errors in the book, but they were minor and didn't take away from the overall quality. Therefore, I don't think the book deserves a lower rating. The editors did an excellent job, and I have no complaints about the book. For these reasons, I give it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars.

With a few mentions that are sexual in nature and profanity, this non-fiction memoir, I am afraid, will have to be restricted to mature adults. This book will provide valuable insights to those struggling souls who may have crossed national, cultural, or religious boundaries with the belief that they have found love. It will surely assist in weighing and assessing situations with an objective mind, which is rather challenging in matters of love and family.

******
An American in ... Tehran
View: on Bookshelves

With this book, readers can understand what life in Iran feels like. Definitely more nuanced than how it is usually portrayed on TV.

Post by **Anu Anand** » 05 Jul 2025, 06:18

This sounds like such a powerful and impactful read. I admire how she stood her ground on things she wouldn't compromise on. Marianne’s story sounds inspiring and worth reading. Really enjoyed your review, thank you for sharing. @Seetha E