Roya Hakakian's 'Journey from the Land of No' is a poignant memoir that captures the tumultuous years of the Iranian Revolution through the eyes of a young girl. Growing up in a middle-class Jewish family in Tehran, Hakakian witnesses the gradual erosion of freedom and the rise of religious fundamentalism. The book vividly portrays the transformation of Iranian society and the personal struggles of a young girl coming of age amidst political upheaval. It explores themes of identity, displacement, and the search for belonging in a world turned upside down. Through evocative prose, Hakakian offers a deeply personal and insightful account of a life forever changed by revolution.
In this book, Roya Hakakian provides a candid and humorous account of the immigrant experience in America. She explores the complexities of American life, discussing topics such as race, love, and consumerism, while offering practical advice for newcomers. The book is divided into two halves, the first focusing on the initial challenges of arrival, and the second delving into deeper cultural and historical contexts.
In 'Enlightenment Now', Steven Pinker presents a comprehensive argument that the values of the Enlightenment—reason, science, and humanism—have been instrumental in the progress of human society. He challenges the prevailing pessimism in modern discourse by presenting empirical evidence that life, health, prosperity, safety, peace, knowledge, and happiness are on the rise globally. Pinker uses data and graphs to illustrate improvements in various aspects of human life, such as increased life expectancy, reduced child and maternal mortality, and advancements in medicine and technology. He also addresses the psychological biases that lead people to underestimate these improvements and emphasizes the importance of continuing to uphold Enlightenment ideals to ensure further progress.
Ron Chernow's biography of Ulysses S. Grant provides a detailed and nuanced portrait of Grant's life, from his humble beginnings to his rise as a Union general and his presidency. The book corrects many misconceptions about Grant, portraying him as a complex figure who was both a skilled military commander and a progressive leader in terms of race relations. Chernow explores Grant's struggles with alcoholism, his military campaigns, and his efforts to protect the rights of newly freed slaves during Reconstruction. The biography also delves into Grant's post-presidency, including his world tour and the publication of his memoirs with the help of Mark Twain[2][3][4].
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(***TIMESTAMPS in Description Below) ~ Roya Hakakian is an Iranian American Jewish journalist, lecturer, and writer. Born in Iran, she came to the United States as a refugee and is now a naturalized citizen. She is the author of several books, including an acclaimed memoir in English called "Journey from the Land of No," "Assassins of the Turquoise Palace," and "A Beginner's Guide to America."
ROYA's LINKS:
X: https://x.com/RoyaTheWriter
BOOK 1: https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Land-No-Girlhood-Revolutionary/dp/0609810308
BOOK 2: https://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Turquoise-Palace-Roya-Hakakian/dp/0802145973
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****TIMESTAMPS****
0:00 - Escaping Iran in the 70’s, Ayatollah Takeover
7:25 - Tehran US Embassy Hostage Crisis, Shah of Iran Reign
17:55 - Marxist & Fascist Iranian Revolution, Hamas/Israel Protests Today, Iran Protests
30:21 - Children growing into terror motives, Israel’s POV, Palestinian Suffering
40:25 - Jewish Exodus from Europe to Israel, History of Israel, Uganda Zion, Escaping Iran
50:32 - Roya’s Father (9/11 Story), Israel & Palestinian Failed 2 State Solution, Kurds
1:07:54 - Israel Strategy, Bill Clinton Peace Agreement, Sadam Hussein Debacle, Water Protests
1:18:53 - AI Future w/ Wars, Iranian Regime vs US Political Machine
1:22:01 - Why Iran Wins Propaganda War, Neglect of Domestic Issues
1:28:45 - Middle East Democracy Failure Debate, Women’s Rights in Middle East
1:33:04 - Global Interconnection, Threats Spreading
1:43:37 - Roya’s CIA Story
1:51:48 - Isolationists vs War Hawks, Democracy vs Tyranny
2:00:21 - State of World Since 1950s, Historical Revisionism
2:15:22 - Worst American Crisis, Steven Pinker
2:20:21 - 1979 Iranian Revolution, Moment Roya turned on Iranian Revolution
2:36:09 - Escaping Iran to America, Jewish history in Iran
2:47:08 - Solution to Israel/Palestine Conflict
2:55:41 - Roya’s work
CREDITS:
- Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey
- In-Studio Producer: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ
Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 307 - Roya Hakakian
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