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The Ayatollah Begs to Differ

The Paradox of Modern Iran

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The Ayatollah Begs to Differ

Written by: Hooman Majd
Narrated by: Hooman Majd
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About this listen

 A Los Angeles Times and Economist Best Book of the Year.

The grandson of an eminent ayatollah and the son of an Iranian diplomat, journalist Hooman Majd is uniquely qualified to explain contemporary Iran's complex and misunderstood culture to Western listeners. The Ayatollah Begs to Differ provides an intimate look at a paradoxical country that is both deeply religious and highly cosmopolitan, authoritarian yet informed by a history of democratic and reformist traditions.

Majd offers an insightful tour of Iranian culture, introducing fascinating characters from all walks of life, including zealous government officials; tough female cab drivers; and open-minded, reformist ayatollahs. It's an Iran that will surprise readers and challenge Western stereotypes.

©2009 Hooman Majd (P)2009 Audible, Inc. Anthropology Customs & Traditions International Relations Middle East Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences United States World

Critic Reviews

"Perhaps the best book yet written on the contradictions of contemporary Iran....It captures like no book in recent memory the ethos of the country, in elegant and precise prose." ( Los Angeles Times)
"Essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the paradox that is Iran (as well as America) in the post-Bush world." ( GQ)
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