Nahid Rachlin

COMMENTS BY READERS

I don't know if you remember me from the bakery in Westhampton Beach. We met there and we're talking about your books. I just finished reading Persian girls. Wow what a story. I loved it. So sorry about the passing of your sister
Pari. You too had a special bond. Did you ever find her son? I hope that we will meet again in the bakery perhaps.
Take care and keep on writing.
Sincerely,
Toni

I just finished your memoir and was absolutely blown away by the beauty of your writing and the emotional impact of your stories. One of my best friends is from Iran so I'm not unfamiliar with the struggles. She doesnt remember the shah, however, and so I was captivated by your personal view of the political struggle. My understanding has been greatly deepened. Thank you for this amazing book. Getting ready to 5-star on Goodreads. And thank you for accepting my friendship. You are a wonderful human being and a phenomenal writer.

I don't know if i must tell you good morning or evening but anyway i hope you be good and happy

shell i tell you hii from Palestine ? So yeah i am Palestinian and i called nadeen, i don't know if i could tell you that i am writer but i love writing and soon i will get my first book , i just finished your book " girls of iran " something of the book touched my soul like it was an amazing Coincidence to read your book and know that you are psychologist before i started to study psychology next month at birzet university in Palestine- land of sadness .

I am so sorry for what happened with your sister barry, i felt a lot of things that shared between us, i am fighting to hold on life, to still alive either what is happening with me,
To be a girl in this life is something very difficult, you must be stronger, powerful to stand all this bad things

I graduated from school since last may and i passed my exams and my university accepted me to study psychology, its new part of my life cutting it alone, lonely is not beginning without anyone , i meant by alone to not having anyone to be happy to hear my new news, yesterday i know that my love got engaged for another woman, he was always standing next to me and support me to study and be a strong woman, it was an shocked for me to get this news after all the promises he said and all the dreams we shared, but i am not sad because he left, i am sad of that woman because she got an traitor, life is hard thats for sure but we must know how to stand up after a night full of tears, I am strong and I can't let anything destroy me anymore.
I wish i could meet you to have an chat together.

I hope you are well and always a strong
I hope to hear from you soon
from nadeen with lot of love

I just finished your novel Persian Girls - translated in Dutch: "Twee meisjes uit Perzië",

I want to thank you for giving me this fascinating information about the daily live in Iran ???? and the sharing of feelings of you and your family, relatives, friends.

I enjoyed reading your book from the moment I started it. Really wonderful and touching!

I hope you are feeling well at this moment - living in the United States.

I really do wish you all the best, all the good luck of the world!

Kind regards

i'm looking for true love

From Nahid: Thanks to all of you for your comments (below) I really appreciate getting responses from my readers. Nahid Rachlin

Hello Nahid, I listened to Crowd of Sorrows y, driving . What a wonderful book. It's 'tight' like a short story/expansive like a novel. It was a vivid, painful, warm amazing book. J

Hi ms.nahid
I'm very happy to contact you.
I just finished of reading your amazing novel ( Persian girls ) and I'm very sad about what happened to you and your sister , hope her soul rest in peas .
I would like to know if you ever meet mr.bejan, your sister's son .. !
I can't believe the idea that may you not ever meet him it's so hurtful.

Ms. Nahid: I just wanted to thank you for your book, Persian Girls, which I started reading this evening, could not put down and just finished reading – 2 AM!!! Growing up in America with my brothers, sisters and parents in a middle class home, I can't imagine the pain of many parts of your childhood and life. May peace be with you. By the way, did you ever find Bijan?
Emilie

enjoyed your book "Persian Girls" so much. About your life...I admire that you stuck out your education when it was difficult to be in foreign cities, alone. I pray you have found Bijan. You are a remarkable woman. It was a thrill to read about the 2500th celebration as I was in Tehran at the time, hitchhiking all over Europe, Turkey and Iran. I remember rugs washed and out to dry on distant caves or rocks and a museum with buckets of jewels; sapphires, diamonds and maybe rubies, backing Iranian currency. Fascinating culture and cuisine.
I hope you have found homeostasis and happiness.
All the best, Susan

Good evening Nahid, I have read Persian Girls and it affected me
deeply, I am originally from Russia and i came here when I was 19, I
changed my name and did my best to fit in with the culture.
I understand the sadness because my sister died some time ago under
mysterious circumstances back home in Novgorod. Peter

Dear Nahid,
I finished Persian Girls last night terribly saddened by Pari´s death. I have been totally gripped by your book for days now, living in it with Barcelona a mirage outside that i walk through. What extraordinary courage you had as a young woman to come here and establish a life for yourself. Your reward is the life you have had which would otherwise have been possible.
I was amused and saddened by the reactions of your fellow students at Lindengrave. You might have fared better on the east or west coast but probably only if you had been able to go to a really good school. At Barnard i remember we had a Navajo student who left after her freshman year to go home. She was so lonely without her culture. There was also an Indian student who when I admired her sari, grimaced and said that she hated wearing it, preferred Western clothes. Do you think a Western woman student would have been welcomed to a women´s college in Ahvaz or would have received similar treatment? I was in Saudi Arabia a few years ago and my young guide was shocked beyond belief when I said I believed in evolution.
****
Dear Nahid, today I have read your book with two girls from Persia, Very very interesting, but also so tragic, I can only say that I am very glad to have learned something from your culture, I am grateful for this book,,,, Wilma..
Dear Wilma, thank you so much for your wonderful comment. Best wishes, Nahid

Dear Nahid ,
i'm Refa from Palestine and I just finished reading Persian Girls today and I absolutely loved the read,I lived moments of sorrow and deprivation with you, I did not sleep two nights ago and I read your novel , really amazing .. i just want to ask sth. i really really need to see barry picture's it's just i feel i want to see her i loved her very much , can u please ??
Refa

Thank you so much. You didn't include your name. You can also email me at nahidr@rcn.com

Great,great book.Dear Nahid I have just finnished Pershian Girls.h ave read it three times.I wondered if you ever got in touch with Bijan.I hope you did,you have so much to share with him.

I didn't mention the name of the memoir of yours on which I am working, It's The Foreigner.
All the best
S.Heidardoust

Dear Ms.Rachlin,
I am Sogand Heidardoust. I am a MA student of English Literature and for my thesis I have chosen you and Firoozeh Dumas' memoir to compare with two Japanese-American women witers,Kyoko Mori and Ruth Ozeki, using Homi Bhabha and Rey Chow's theories about Hybridity, in-betweeness, diaspora and identity. so far I have the difficulty of finding any article about your novel for my Literature of Review. I wonder if you could help me with it or with any other comment about my thesis.
Many Thanks

Dear Cosmo, thank you so much for your comments. It means a lot to me. Yes, I have been in touch with Bijan and amd happy about it. All the best wishes, Nahid

Helo, Nahid. How've you been ? I've just finished reading your book PERSIAN GIRLS.
You made me travel across a diferent world. You mixed up History and your own life.

But the story wasn't finished. My question: have you ever met Pari's son, Bijan.

My name is Cosme Spalado, I'm 57 and I live in Rio de Janeiro. I'm brazilian. I'd appreciate if you could answer my question.

Sincerely yours,

Cosme

Hello, thank you so much for your wonderful comments. I am so happy you connected to my memoir-- means a lot to me. Yes, by that I meant my father made better choices for me though at the time it didn't seem that way. Thanks again for writing.

Good afternoon Nahid. My name is Jean Pierre, economist student of history, in the first period. This carnival I decided to read some non-academic thing and went to the shelf and picked up his book. My wife is not an avid reader, but these comings and goings at bookstores, always with my encouragement, she bought her book. But back to the main subject, I grabbed his book at the beginning of Carnival (Saturday) and ended yesterday on Tuesday. I enormimente happy to read his book for several reasons. This book is a lesson of love, understanding, loyalty, submission, religious intolerance, democracy, anti-democracy, end a lesson of life. Can be sure that I will read several other books when they are translated into Portuguese. You won a fan.

In your book, Persian Girls. on page, 242. After your father's death, you wrote "he had so much power over me, had forcibly changed the course of my life, but ultimately it had been for the good"

What do you mean by this? Do you perhaps agree with the choices your father made for you?

olá ,Nahid!

Meu nome é arlene, moro no Rio de Janeiro e sou brasileira.
Li Garotas da Persia e me apaixonei pela história.
A cultura e modo de vida das pessoas de países do oriente por ser tão diferente da nossa me chama atenção.
Sempre que posso leio sobre assuntos de lá. Não sou pesquisadora então leio livros e noticias para entender um pouco mais.

Como Garotas da Persia foi inspirado numa historia real e lançado em 2007, acredito que hoje fim de 2015, quando li o livro
você tenha encontrado seu sobrinho. Encontrou por favor me responda, me envolvi com a história.

Beijo grande. Sucesso!!

Desculpe escrevi em Português, não falo Ingles.

Nahid, You have changed my life and my thinking about students and people who are from your native area....Thank you for sharing from your heart, informing me of beautiful lives that come from a different culture. SL

Dear Nahid.. I am from Saudi Arabia & got the Arabic version of your book, Persian Girls, while visiting Kuwait. I had it next to me for a few days until I read it all. I admire your determination to lead the life you want, and be yourself. I am sure many girls in my country do not have your courage to fight for their rights.
Rashid Sager

Hello, I hope you are well. I came to thank you for waking me even more love for reading.
On Tuesday of this week my mother gave me a present of the book "Persian Girls" and I was so excited about reading what I have just finished reading.
Read your book was a beautiful feeling. For in the midst of all this prejudice and xenophobia against the Middle East, and I with my Christian concepts full of patterns could see the struggle of us women with a new eye, a new heart and more sensitive.
Thank you. And for all the Pari to continue the fight!
PS. I am Brazilian and my english is horrible.
Reader from Brazil.

Nahid Jaan, I just finished reading Persian girls for one of my book clubs and have to say, its by far one of my favorite reads. Every second I got I snuck away to read in the midst of mom life and work. I just couldn't put it down. I commend you for being so brutally honest and open. A reader

Dear Nahid, I just finished reading Persian Girls today and I absolutely loved the read-- today I've been feeling that sadness you get whenever you finish a good book, like a dear friend has left after a long visit Blessings.

Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. It's so rewarding to connect with my readers. Nahid
Dear Nahid
I have just completed your memoir Persian Girls. I will be using it in my highschool classroom in Torono, Canada.

As a mother of two young girls this book has moved me on so many levels. How you clearly presented the historical and political context of Iran then applied that same objective filter will telling of your experiences in America reinforces the idea that though the Western world and the Middle East are different we, people, have more similarities in how we treat each other and especially women.
While reading I wept many times. I thank you for the honesty in which you shared your history, the example you set for girls and women, and the compassion through which you represent your country.
I feel blessed to have read your story.
E

Dear Nahid, I'm 24 years old and I'm from Araruama, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. So, First of all, I would like to sorry about my English. I'm studying yet. I'm writing this e-mail to tell you I read your book, Persian Girls, about 1 month ago. I'm really enchanted about your history. You had a bittersweet history. I'm interesting about Iran and Persian Culture and I'm studying about your country and culture. I'm enchanted about your strength, perseverance and open-minded. You are a wonderful woman and I'm really happy to know about you. You are a powerful woman and you inspire me. You're a fighter and I appreciate that. You fight for your own rights and own dreams and you got it. You are a winner. You had a difficult emotional life and maybe it could be terrible for you. But you fought it. You believe in your dreams and this is amazing.I would like to thank you for the amazing book. Your book changes my life. It is helping me to believe and fight. I'm recommending this book for everybody and every person I know. You are my new hero and I would like you know about that. I have no words to express how you help me.
Thank you. Lucia

I am reading "Persian Girls," at this moment, I can't put it down! I was especially touched on Page 152, with your words, "I built a cradle of dreams for myself; as I lay in bed at night I imagined having an impact on the world through my writing. I rocked myself in that cradle every night to put myself to sleep." I am a writer, and that is my dream as well. I heard you speak at the Jackson Hole Writer's Conference and I imagine your voice reading as I read your memoir. Thank you for sharing your life with us, the readers
TR

Hi Nahid, am just reading your memoir, "Persian girls" and I am very touched by it and I recognize parts of myself in your story. I just came on the idea to check your name in internet and I am very pleased because I found your email address. I am very happy to be able to write to you. I am Polish and I left my country 15 years ago. I lived in Germany for 9 years and now I am in the UK for 6 years already. I am married to a Dutch man and I am reasonably happy... but similar like you I am struggling to find my own place and identity abroad. I don't feel Polish, but I am not German, Dutch or English either. Although I didn't travel so far like you, Poland under communistic regime was in a way very similar to Iran. Finding my way and finding friends whilst studying in Germany was not always easy and your story is bringing back my memories of loneliness and isolation in this time. In 2010 my husband and I traveled to Iran. The country is so different now in comparison to the country which you are describing in your book. The only Islamic republic in the world (at least to my knowledge), where even foreign women need to cover their heads and the Iranian girls can only dream of wearing short skirts at the moment. Not sure whether the shah regime wasn't in a way better and what will be the future for your country. I loved Iran and I would love to go back there again if only possible. I loved the landscape, the culture, the music, the food, the Iranian soul. I feel sorry for the Iranian people because 40 years later they still didn't reach the freedom and the Iranian women are still not treated equally with the men. The "Persian girls" is your first book which I am reading and I am still not finished. I was just wondering how are you feeling about your country at present? Can you travel to Iran at all? The idea to write to you came very spontaneous, but who knows perhaps is part of my destiny. Strangely enough I am in tho moment of my life where I have to decide what to do next with myself. After working for 6 years with autistic people I have recently changed my job, but resigned again after two weeks as it was awful. Suddenly I am unemployed and I am looking for a new job, but at the same time
my husband keeps repeating to me: just relax first of all, take your time and listen to your heart to decide what you really would like to do next.
And here comes my childhood dream to be a writer. And again I seem to recognize myself in your story, because as little child I was known to have a lot of imagination and was very good at story telling. I read a lot and I also was writing diaries already as 10 years old. Then for years I wrote letters to a friend who many times tried to encourage me just to write, to write a book about myself, about my story, about my life... And I never did. what stops me? First of all I am worried how my polish family and my husband would react when I write my true story, whether I could and should uncover what I really feel. Second of all I am not sure in which language to write. My Polish is a bit rusty and English is my third foreign language after Russian and German. Sometimes I mix all the languages together and sometimes I can not remember the words and struggle to express myself in any language.
You started to write your stories in English. Did your family ever read the translations of your books? where they ever translated to Farsi in the end? I am reading Polish translation of "Persian girls" but perhaps will try to read your other books in English.
You know, when my husband and I were in Iran our guide took us to the shrine where you can throw the letters with the wishes to the 12 imam. I wrote that I would like to be a famous writer. And somehow not knowing whether you will receive my email and whether you'll ever respond to it I feel like writing to you somehow makes sense.
I was very happy to see your picture online, which helped my to get to know better the person behind the story in the book. I hope you are well and I hope you are happy. I really do admire your courage and your determination and reading the information about you online I guess you possibly came further than you have ever dreamt off. Well done!!!
Recently I also read the book "The invention of wings" by Sue Monk Kidd, which I would strongly recommend to you. Unfortunately I can not write to the main character Sarah Grimke anymore, but I think the fact that I can write to you is amazing.
I hope you will receive my email and I would be thrilled to hear from you.
With my very best wishes
Anna
**
Dear Mrs. Nahid,
I am hemat , a lady egyptian doctor.. O recently read your book : persian girls, translated to arabic.. I really loved the story and lived it .. I have always been passionate about Iran , a country and nation close to us, with strong relations before.. I feel both nations are similar in lots of things.
I did feel your agony in writing and living away from your country..because in egypt , we passed by such an experience since our revolution in 2011 and till the so called , muslim brotherhood were removed by us , 2013. It was a very stressful period , when we felt thwt we lost our lovely country..
Revolutions , as you quoted in your book , are just destructive to replace political systems, and usually bypass the people and even harm them.. We passed by what you passed through..
I am really impressed with your story , just finished it now.. Sorry for a long email,, but i had to tell you what i felt.. We shared the same agony ... Also, accidently , i have got a persian name..
Hope you are still linked to your strong historical country ,Iran..
Best wishes from Cairo ..

--
Hemat Allam, MD
Ass.Professor, Anaesthesia &Pain Therapy,
National Research Centre,
Cairo,Egypt

Dear Nahid Rachlin,
I Really enjoined reading (persian girls) especially when you talk about wedding parties,noroz and other Iranian traditions . It took me 4 days to finish your novel. I'm A 45 years old Kuwaiti woman (engineer with masters in construction management) but my mother from Shiraz and in love with my half Persian blood and my mother's family . I really liked your way of expressing your feeling about everything and how you talk about different stages of your life without making any confusion to the readers. I felt that I was living with you because I was spending my summer vacation (3months) during Shah time and I had lovely time with the family,but after the revolution and until 1991 I visited Iran 3 times only and I lost a lot of my relatives during the war ,and Again after getting married (1993) and till now I visited Iran one time in 1998. Every visit I find Iran different as you felt, and I wish to visit my relatives soon but unfortunately My husband does not allow because he is Arab Sunni (who hate shaiaa). As you explained before women in middle east are still suffering from men , although women are more educated and stronger then men.
I hope to read more from your novels.

Dear Nahid, I attended your reading in Berkeley and purchased a copy of Persian Girls. It stayed in my bookshelf as I moved from place to place and the cover faded little on the spine. I finally picked it up a few days ago and just finished it today. I loved your book very much. It made me think of people I love and miss. And it gave me an understanding of Iran that I never had, making me want to visit it. You write very simply and without any pretentiousness. I can sense in the character of the narrator certain qualities I have known in myself, and in others I have known in life. That's interesting, because you come from a very distant place. Well, anyway — thank you for writing such a lovely memoir. I'm glad I finally discovered it. MC

Dear Nahid, I want to tell you what a great pleasure it is to write to you. I have read Persian Girls about five times now since I purchased your book about three years ago, and I'll tell you, even though I've read it so many times, it's still as wonderful and mesmerizing as the first time I read it. I have read your other great books as well but your autobiography is the one that captivates me the most. Maybe because it's true life??? Who knows. ..I also write to you because I want to ask you the question that I'm positive you get asked the most : Were you able to locate your dear sister's child...? Bijan. In this age of computers and the social media I'm sure that it would be much easier. I sure hope you have. That would be like having a little piece of your Pari. Well Ms. Rachlin, I hope for you the very best and I hope that you respond soon and thank you for taking the time to read my email.
Sincerely, Edith

Dear Nahid, I just finished your book Persian Girls and I absolutely loved it! It's haunting and beautiful all at the same time. It's one of those stories that lingers with you long after you've read it. Do you still go home? How is your family? Did you ever find your nephew?? Thank you again for such a wonderful book and for being the strong wonderful woman that you are. Many blessings to you and your family! Dawn

Dear Ms. Nahid,
I have just finished reading your book 'Persian girls'. It is wonderful to see how strong you've been when you had to deal with all these troubels on your way to another, better life. I wish you all the luck in the future and I want to thank you again for this beautiful book. It's a book I won't forget very soon.

Hi Nahid! I just read your book titled "Persian Girls". I would like you to know that I admire you for your courage and determination (writing stories). Therefore, I have a few questions, if you don't mind of course. Do you keep in contact with nephew? Is the relationship with siblings are friendly? I read that you were in Poland in Krakow. Do you have any memories of that visit? Are you going to visit Poland again? Could I ask you any further questions about your past? best regards - Kasia

I am Fatma , 27 , from kuwait ,i read your book parsian girl , and i like it very much, i am very sad about your sister (Barre ) , do you find (bijan ) or not ?? What about (maryam) & (Mohtaram ) how are they ? Do you have athor book but translate to arabic ? I read Paresian girl only . Thank you i love it so much

Just finished "Persian Girls". Gorgeous, heartbreaking and more. Your descriptions of the country, houses, and streets make you feel like you've seen Iran. Nahid, I had no idea, back in our school days, just how much you had, and were, going through. You certainly deserve all the success you've created!

Dear Ms. Nahid,
I want to say you thanks, for everything what you are doing for women! i read your book and it made tears in my eyes, it's beautiful. I was born in Australia, but I live in Poland from time when i was child. I believe that it's never mind where you were born, or where you were living... if you know what you want and you are able to move in the right direction- you will be have whatever you want. It's never mind what is your color of skin or religion, nationality... people shouldn't care about it! people should care about "what can i do to better person". Anyway, when i was read your book i was thinking "whaaat?! why?!" i still have a problem with understand way of thinking people who were grow up in plance where it's bad to say own opinion, where women is less important than man. I'm very intrested in, because firstly i was thinking it's just a LEGEND! I was thinking "come on! it's impossible that somewhere is living THAT BAD PEOPLEwhy that can't call the police!!" haha, right now i know that a lot of women feel good on it, they are feel safe and they are happy, but i couldn't share this kind of view, but i read a lot of book about it, so i can respect it. I'm still think that people should know more about it! In europe, for sure! Ihope that if 'world' will be more know about problems, it would be more probability that someone , some group will be find ways to help. I believe that normal propaganda of equality between women and men is able to help, just conversation, just to every girl know that she is important because SHE IS not because she have a husband or children.
All respect for you, and all the best!
Veronika, 21 years old.

Dear Ms.Nahid, your memoir has touched me deeply. It speaks to me on so many levels and I truly thank you for writing such an amazing book. Your story is one of bravery, compassion and healing and I hope to keep it in my heart and mind forever! Thank you once again!! Dalia

Dear Ms. Rachlin, I started to read Persian Girls and found it quite intriguing. As an Iranian girl from the generation born after the revolution, I have to thank you for creating such a genuine account of history and of culture. Unfortunately the young Iranians usually are not interested in history because during our school years we read many censored and selected texts which were quite boring and inaccurate. I am proud of your book and believe that more than politics and economy, the Iranian society of today needs literature and fiction to give it a push by returning a sense of history and time to it.

Dear Nahid,
I am really moved by your novel, Foreigner. Feri was, for me, a very likeable character, and I respected her even more as she became more reflective and serious about her own life and values. I learned things about myself which I was a bit surprised at. When Feri first begins to question aspects of her American life and to value some aspects of her Iranian life, I was taken aback, wondering -- How can you be serious? I was simply startled at how much my own views have just internalized so much of American life as "life as it should be." You, as an author, were able to push me very much to become sympathetic with Feri's journey, no matter how it eventually turned out. A well-written and thoughtful novel. Bob

Dear Ms. Rachlin, I just finished your wonderful book, PERSIAN GIRLS. I am a constant reader but very rarely feel compelled to write an author. However, your book was so very special that I wanted to say how much it moved me.
I wonder if you could tell me what has happened to your family in Iran since 2006? Are Mohtaram and Maryam still alive(I hope so) and is Manijeh still caring for them? Did you ever find Pari's son?
I am a Jewish woman and am interested in how you and your husband managed to blend your lives. Well, I guess I actually am saying I wish you would write a sequel to "Persian Girls"! Do you have any plans for a sequel?
Sorry for being so inquisitive! It is just that your book really made me care about your life and that of your family! Thank you so much for writing it. Sue

Dear Nahid, Just finished your beautiful memoir, "Persian Girls". Fabulous memoir, so true that one cannot dissociate themselves from you, the author, in all moments of pains, happiness or surprises. I recommended it to all friends interested in memoirs. Venus

Dear Ms. Nahid Rachlin,
I've never written to an author before but I am a great lover of books and I just finished your memoir, Persian Girls, the other week and felt compelled to write you. I first read your story in New York magazine about how your mother gave you away so you said she died. There was something so startling about how those memories were captured that I immediately reserved your book at the library. I thoroughly enjoyed your writing style—the little details you depicted, almost narrating the story like in a children's book, which I suppose is fitting considering you were a child for most of those events, even the ones you experienced as an adult probably brought you back deeply to your youth and feelings as a youth.
I'm not really sure how I managed reading the book in public without crying. The story itself is, of course, traumatic but your prose seemed to breathe the stress, love, tension, anger, confusion directly into my body. I am sincerely thankful that you had the courage to tell your story and give the world an inside look at what it was like for a young Iranian girl to grow up in Iran. I look forward to reading your fiction and your future novels. Best, Heather

Dear Ms. Rachlin, I just finished reading your book Persian Girls. I
couldn't put it down once I started. What an
incredibly touching and warm story it is. I enjoyed
it. Well done. I wish you well in your future
writings. You have a special pen. Keep it up.
Warm regards. James

Nahid: your book " jumping over fire" is very educational. I definitely learned a lot about Iran and the revolution history. I feel it is what's happening now in Syria.
Also the idea of incest taboo among adopted siblings is very interesting, I have never thought about it and the way you presented it was very interesting to think about. I still don't have a clear opinion about it. I finished the book in three days and I think about it every day. the more I think about it, the more I like. It had a very nice transition between Iran, the US and the struggles in both despite the differences between the two countries. Beautifully written. Salma

Dear Nahid, I enjoy your work so much...such inspiration and bravery...i was first introduced to your work when i was in college taking a womans literature course...my professor at the time was also teaching at Barnard and she did her disertation at Columbia...the first book that i read was 'Married to a Stranger'...it made such an impact on me for at the time of my reading that book, i too was going through similar experiences...Cannot wait to read more of your work in the future! AT

Dear Ms. Rachlin, I heard about PERSIAN GIRLS on NPR a few years ago. But time passed by and just recently I began to read it. The book kept my interest throughout and made me want to pick it up every night to read a few more chapters until it was finished. The elegant simplicity of the prose has resonance and appeal and renders a power to the story in such a way that I have rarely felt in memoirs. Jennifer

Dear Nahid,
PERSIAN GIRLS is one of the best memoirs I have read. It doesn't contain tedious analysis of decisions made or blows life has dealt, that is very common in many memoirs. I congratulate you for your gift of sharing your life story without an excess of words and still managing to move the reader deeply. Sally

Dear Mrs. Rachlin, I read your book, Persian Girls and it found a place in my heart and has remained there. I was able to get my book club to read your story and will be discussing it this week. We all teach in a private school in Knoxville. I wish you were nearby so that we could talk to you face to face about your family, culture, and life journey. As Tennesseeans, we are perceived at times to be a bit close-minded. Stories such as yours help us to open our hearts and minds to others whose lives seem so different. Thank you for for sharing your story and helping to connect our worlds. As teachers, we will do our best to help our students experience this connection, too.
May you be blessed with good health and much happiness.
Most Sincerely, Beth

Nahid-- I loved PERSIAN GIRLS. I bought the book to make me remember my visit to Iran and it turned out to be much more than that. Your themes of freedom, cultural constraints and the generation gap, are so well done. The language is powerful. There shouldn't be any barriers in our minds for ideas to flow in or out but there are certain things that we should tolerate. Yet, whether to give in or not is a personal choice! Kasum

Dear Nahid, just finished Persian Girls. Such an amazing story of family and courage!! You are the kind of story teller that leaves an impression on the heart! Thanks for sharing you life. Anne

Dear Nahid (if I may)
I don't often write to authors, but in this digital era, where emails are more readily available, I thought I would write to thank you for Persian Girls. I've just finished reading it, and it really touched me, especially your last line about wanting to write the book to bring Pari back in some way.
I'm half-Persian. I grew up in Scotland to a Persian mother and Scottish father, making me a very unusual creature in a small Scottish village in the 1970s! I now live in LA, with my American husband and small Iranian-Scottish-German-Russian daughter, a true citizen of the world.
I've never been to Iran (having a Bahai family, some of whom were killed in the revolution, it was never easy to travel there) and I don't speak Farsi. And I lost my mother nearly two decades ago. As a result, I take great pleasure in reading books and watching movies about Iran. Yours stands out. I felt immersed in your world while I read it, and that is exactly what a book should bring to a reader.
So, again, thank you for writing it. As a writer myself, I know how great it is to get positive feedback - so I wanted to make sure to let you know how much I enjoyed it.
Best wishes, Roshan

My name is Sami and I wanted to contact you regarding Persian Girls.
I just checked out your book yesterday from the public library and can barely put it down. So much of what I've read so far brings back memories of what I witnessed or heard about while married to a Persian man, e-s-p-e-c-i-a-l-l-y "taarof."
I have an independently published book entitled "Broken Toy" through Authorhouse, but since I did not have a good marketing plan, it did not make much money. It was more therapeutic than anything; however, I am currently trying to convert it to a screenplay with much more information included. I know all too well about how your culture dislikes any "airing of dirty laundry" and that really isn't the premise of my book - it's more about a relationship gone wrong primarily due to cultural differences. I just wanted to say hello and let you know I think your writing is exquisite and I intend to eventually read your previous books. Take care.

Dear Nahid, I started reading your book Persian Girls in Arabic and I love it. I am interested in changes in Persian society through time and how politics and religion affects people's life, choices and their feeling about their country. If you are curious to know me, im Saudi Arabian woman has awarded my first degree in food and nutrition and currently doing my second major in Sociology in Canada. Fatema

Dear Mrs Rachlin,
I read your book 'Persian girls' and and now is one of my favorite books. I read a lot about Islam, Middle East and Africa. I would like to visit Iran someday, I hope that someday I will be able. Now I'm trying to get your other books. Thank you.
Greetings from Poland, Malwina.

Dear Ms. Rachlin, I just finished reading your novel, JUMPING OVER FIRE. Though it was published a few years ago, I recently came across it. It's such a beautifully crafted tale, written with subtlety and insight that is rare in modern prose. Your deeply moving story about the Ellahi family, caught up in the throes of the Iranian revolution, touched me on a myriad of topics, including forbidden love, and the loss and abandonment of family and country. What is most remarkable is the empathy you bring to each character -- particularly to Nora, the heroine, who, by birth and by circumstance, straddles two cultures. JUMPING OVER FIRE presents a window into this unique world. Nancy Jamali

Dear Nahid, I hope you are doing well!
I don't know if you remember me. I'm the Brazilian one who loved your book Persian Girls and I wrote for you asking some help to write my college paper about Afghan girls. Well...I came to say thank you! 4 years ago your book inspired me to study International Relations and I just graduated with a monograph about the condition of the women in Afghanistan since the modern Afghan monarchy to the fall of the Taliban. And my grade was 10...it can sounds weird, but sometimes a book can change our lives. Best regards...Iris

what a wonderful book, beautiful writing, accessible and very insightful,especially for our American friends. I introduced it to a few of them and their response was "WOW, we didn't know any of these,so glad you shared this with us" Parviz

Hello, I just finished your book Persian Girls and wanted to let you know I'm very touched by your story. Thanks for sharing it. Such an enrichment to get a warm, different, personal and authentic description of your home country. And an honest testimony of all the good and less good things that came forth from your culture.
Proves once again that nothing is ever a simple as it seems… It's been a few years since you wrote this book, and I wonder if you ever found Bijan and got the chance to tell him about his beautiful mother.
Kind regards, Chantal (Belgium)

Dear Ms. Rachlin, I have never read a memoir that has compared with PERSIAN GIRLS. I simply could not put the book down. Thank you for writing it. You are an amazing, engaging writer. Best wishes, Megan

I just wanted to let you know that I read your book, Persian Girls, and that it was one of the best books I have ever read. I can't recall being so touched. Thank you for sharing your story with the world.
Sincerely,

Richelle Zakrzewski

Hi Ms. Nahid Rachlin, I just want to be brief, because I have so much to say. I love your Book the Persian Girls. You opened up my eyes to a whole new world of a vibrant culture rich in its own essence. I love the book so much, i never thought i would be as interested as to email you and let you know that your book moved me dramatically. We are two strangers, you from Persia/Iran, and me from Jamaica. We are also of different cultures as well as of different generation. I am 23 years young. The way you wrote/present your book made me feel as if we known each other from a different time/life.
With peace and love
Amifika

Dear Nahid, I met you at Purdue and read your memoir. It was stunning. I lent it to my daughter who read it also. Anyhow, best wishes to you. Dana

Dear Ms Rachlin,
I ran across your reference to Persian Girls at your website link from the Authors Guild home page, bought two copies. I gave one to my daughter-in-law, who is the product of a Tehran Shia (father)/Southern Baptist (mother) marriage and had a really traumatic early life (her parents divorced shortly after the overthrow of the Shah).
I loved the book: it was so down-to-earth and believable. It moved easily between two worlds. I wish it were better known. Even though there are quite a few moving books on cultural differences between Iran and US, I hold yours in especially high regard. Elenor

I typically do not read books a second time, but upon my return from a trip to Iran I read Persian Girls again. In many ways I enjoyed it even more the second time around. I could appreciate all of the details you included, for example-you mention buying steamed beets from a street vendor. I didnt absorb such details until I had seen the cultural landscape myself. Reading the book felt more familiar and it was comforting after being there many weeks and the culture shock of returning home.
That is to say nothing of how much I appreciate you sharing such private and painful memories. I have read many memoirs, but yours made a real difference in my life. Thank you. all the best, Alice

Dear Nahid,
Thanks for writing your book "Persian Girls". I did read the Dutch version and finished it in two days. Wonderfull. Monica

Dear Nahid, As a male reader I came away from this wonderful and nuanced book with some insights that go beyond just the story of three Iranian women. Congratulations on your ability to create this book. Tobias

Sister Nahid,
I am a 51 year old African American woman and I just finished reading Persian Girls a few minutes ago. I felt compelled to send a note of gratitude to you for sharing your life in print. I truly appreciate and celebrate the diversity of cultures in the world today. In my quest for understanding and knowledge, I have taken a journey through many novels from a variety of writers including Brazilian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and many other genres. It has expanded my horizons and left me with a sense of closeness with the characters represented. At the end of each book, I always find a little part of myself in the characters.
My heart goes out for Pari and the pain she experienced without being with the man she loved, without her precious son and without the opportunity to be free to pursue a career she adored. At the end of the book, you indicated you had tried to find Pari's son. I hope with the greatest of faith that you find him. Since he is never to see his Mother, it would be good for him to learn about the love she had for him and reunite with her family. I hope as Mother Maryam aptly put to you on many occasions, that it is your destiny to find him.
I am sure you receive hundreds and maybe thousands of emails so I do not expect you to respond to mine. However, I hope that you provide updates on your web site on your family and yourself. I now have to purchase your novels. Please consider me as one of your sisters in spirit. I live in the Chicago area, if you ever need anything, please feel free to contact me. I will meet you at my favorite restaurant on Michigan Ave and treat you to a good meal with great conversation.
Yours truly, Angela

Dear Nahid, Thank you for your writing! I loved hearing your stories about writing and how your love reading. Willa

Dear Mrs Rachlin,
i've just finished 'Persian Girls' in Polish. I couldn't stop: from first to last page in some hours. Amazing. Thank you for sharing this story.
Karolina
Dear Karolina, thanks for your nice comment. I didn't know it's already in print in Polish. I thought it would be a few months later.

Nahid: I just finished Persian Girls. I felt as if you had personally invited me into your life and your culture. Thank you for the journey. I look forward to meeting you at Grub Street's Market and the Muse Conference.
Blessings, Rudy WG
Dear Rudy, I look forward to meeting you. Nahid

Dear Mrs. Rachlin, I read your novel with a lot of interest. Thank you very much for sharing us your story. My question is, is Persian Girls also available in Farsi? That would be nice.... An Irani gilfriend of me can't read your novel in Dutch or in English yet...Yours sincerely, Angelique Rheden in the Netherlands
Thanks for your interest. It isn't available in Farsi, unfortunately. Nahid

Dear Mrs. Rachlin, I read your book, Persian Girls and it found a place in my heart and has remained there. I was able to get my book club to read your story and will be discussing it this week. We all teach in a private school in Knoxville. I wish you were nearby so that we could talk to you face to face about your family, culture, and life journey. As Tennesseeans, we are perceived at times to be a bit close-minded. Stories such as yours help us to open our hearts and minds to others whose lives seem so different. Thank you for for sharing your story and helping to connect our worlds. As teachers, we will do our best to help our students experience this connection, too.
May you be blessed with good health and much happiness.
Most Sincerely,
Beth

Dear Ms. Rachlin,
I'm Ruzbeh, a Ph.D. student in English literature in UPM Malaysia. Your great achievements make me really impressed. Here in Malaysia most of Eastern English literature students such as Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and even Malaysian present their dissertations on Literature in English. I mean that they work on the novels, plays, and poems written in English by their own writers. So, it has been a big question for me why we, Iranian, don't have literature in English? and even decided to write an article about the "The Absence of Persian Literature in English". When I saw your works I got really happy. However still I have the same feeling about our literature. I feel that there is a big gap here. I want to ask you about it and even if you agree we can conduct an article about the realated subject.Please let me know about your idea.
Regards, Ruzbeh Babaei

Hi Nahid,
I picked up your book from the library this Sunday. I did not know what to expect. I just wanted to learn more about Iran. But right there on the first page. I connected with you. My mum packed me off and gave me away at the age of 5 to my eldest sister. I was the 12th of her kids. She always said...she is your mother. My sister unlike Maryam had hard time taking care of me and her own children. She did not treat me well. I grew up with a lot of pain and a good dose of low-self esteem. Reading through your book, I wanted to see how you dealt with the feelings inside you. I connected. You write and in that you have a place to heal. I write too. And through it I have forgiven my mum and dad and I have grown in confidence. I also want to write a memoir.
Thank you so much for sharing.
I have a blog where I talk about self-esteem in girls. I would like to interview you. If you are busy, I would like to review your book and in it I would love you to offer a paragraph or so of advice on what you can tell small girls.
It was nice meeting you and your beloved sister in the book.
G

Dear Nahid,
I loved "Persian Girls". My ex-husband is from Isfahan, and I related to so much you described. I have to know - have you heard from your nephew? Sara

Dear Nahid-
I wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed reading your book Persian Girls and I hope to read more of your books. I found your book very moving and couldn't put it down. I especially liked the portrayal of the sisters and how you conveyed so much of the culture of Iran and the difficulties you faced. You showed great courage and love in your words.
Best wishes, Lena

Dear Ms. Nahid Rachlin,
I am currently reading your book Persian Girls. I am immersed in the culture of Tehran and recalling stories my grandfather told me that are similar. He was a judge in Tehran during the Shah and I want to gather his stories and the stories of my father too. I also want to go to Iran. I hope I can share their stories well. You have inspired me.
Michelle

Dear Ms. Rachlin,
Thank you for sharing your time with us at dinner. Your reading of Persian Girls will be with us for a long time. Gratefully yours, Andrew Alexander, Architect and MFA student, WCSU, Danbury,CT.

Dear Andrew, great hearing from you. I really enjoyed sharing a dinner with you and exchanging ideas, etc. Good luck with your writing. Nahid

One of my favorite quotes: "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars" An ancient Persian proverb
— Nahid Rachlin

Nahid: I enjoyed your story Bijan. Your themes of maternal and cultural dislocation are, as always, very powerful. It seemed to me, that Bijan
was almost in a trance state upon his return to Iran seeking a unity and wholeness that continue to elude him. He strives for the lost union and then abruptly comes alive to the reality of his life in America. There seems to be no convincing answer to his eternal division. In some ways, I can't help think that your theme mirrors the universal wish to return to early emotional states of union that are only granted to us temporarily and provisionally. Of course, your radical experiences of being given up by your mother, torn out of the arms of your aunt, and living in the American diaspora magnify these human themes and put them in stark relief. But, the fact that all of us, even those without these exact traumas, know something of these emotional yearnings make the plight of your characters immediately accessible. Roberta

Dear Nahid,
A month ago we were given an assignment to read a book centering on social justice themes. When I first heard about the project, I wasn't excited or really into the idea; that is, until my teacher read an exert of your memoir. So, I ran over to the piles of different books, stacked on the desk, chose yours, and began reading.

I was immediately captured at the beginning of the story by your relationship with Maryam. I, too, was raised only by my mother, so I relate to your closeness and feelings toward her.

While reading the story, so many things stood out to me. I can't believe how much control a man in Iran has over everything - and everyone. Wow. When I reached the part of how your dad just took you during school, my heart really went out to you and Maryam. I could never imagine how that must of felt, yet alone what was running through your mind. I just couldn' believe that was even able to happen.

This is when I couldn't really put your book down.

I was so fascinated throughout the story by your relationships with your siblings and how each one differed. One thing that stood out to me the most was, why you're father took you in the first place. Did you ever really get and explanation as to why that happened? I loved and admired your relationship with Pari, and how she really made you where you are today.

Did your opinion on America change when you and Pari became close? I'm really interested on what Iranians beliefs of Americans are now, besides the" gas guzzling" feen aspect. I really didn't know how Iranians felt towards American's and still am a little wishy washy with what they feel but I do believe your book helped me understand that not everyone hates us. Also, since your father was so against America, why do you think it is he let you start college here? I also admire your choice to come to America, and leave everything else behind. That must of took a lot of strength. What to you was the hardest part about coming to America? What was your favorite and least favorite thing once you came?

I do really like how you ended up marrying someone who wasn't from your religion. Were you worried at all about what anyone else felt back home, like Maryam? Were your worried once she met your husband? Sorry for bombarding your with all these questions, I really hope you reply. Thank you so much for writing an amazing story.
Victoria
Hi, I have just finished your marvelous book Persian Girls! I loved it!Congratulations!!!I got curious about your marriage. You don't give details on the book. I'm a brazilian teacher (Marketing & Communication subjects). My father is Croatian and mum has Italian origin. Hugs,
Cristiane Zovin

I just finished persian girls..I can see myself in your sister Pari...thanks for your great memoir..
shahd..KSA

Dear Mrs.Rachlin,

My name is Nicole, i am a 10th grade honor student. I am currently in the process of writing my English term paper, and your novel "Married to a Stranger" is the starting point of my research. For a portion of my paper i must discuss the author of my novel and their inspiration or reason for writing the book. I have searched online for interviews of you talking about this book but i haven't had any luck. So my question is why did you choose to write this book? Also why did you choose to name the woman that Javad cheats with Pari? Which i read somewhere was the name of your sister. I really enjoyed your book, and cried a lot when Javad cheated on Minou:'( I knew he was going to but i was hoping he would choose not to. I understand that life cannot always have a happy ending but i like to always try and see the good in everyone. So if you could please respond to this and help me Finnish my paper it would be very appreciated. Thank you so much for your time, i hope you receive this comment and get back to me. Have a good night.
Sincerely, Nicole

Dear Nahid,
I just finished reading "Persian Girls" and found it fascinating. I'm intrigued by Middle Eastern culture especially as it affects women. I was rooting for you to convince your father to let you study in the U.S. but I could feel your lonliness and culture shock in the Midwest. The story of Pari is so tragic. I hope you finally connect with your nephew Bijan so you can tell him how much his mother longed to be with him. I look forward to reading one of your other books.

Dear Mrs. Rachlin, Bijan is very sweet and apparanly true to life. kinda reminds me of Americans' easy going life, and Iranians who take themselvs so serious!!! A combination of both! But, I kinda think, Bijan might change his mind the day after!!! I enjoyed it. Thanks Mrs. Rachlin.

Dear Nahid--I LOVE your short story, Bijan, in Guernica. Your writing is always so beautiful. It's so easy to step into the world you describe... you have such a gift for picking just the right details... Thanks! I enjoyed it so much and can't wait to read more of your new work... Lisa

Dear Nahid, Bijan is a compelling story, and I was immediately absorbed. I felt all Bijan's indecisiveness with him, all his pain, all his desire to be home with his mother and his changed culture. Beautiful. A good window in on the current Iran. Amy

Dear Nahid,
If I hadn't known ahead of time that you will survive your difficult time growing up and then in your early years in the U.S., I would have found, as I read the book, my anxiety for you unbearable. PERSIAN GIRLS is a memoir that reads like the best novels. It is full of drama, hardship and finally triumph. It's an unstoppable read, truly riveting. Thanks for sharing your life story. JB

Dear Nahid, PERSIAN GIRLS is a beautiful, evocative memoir told with tremendous feeling and emotion. You transported me to each time and place in your life and I almost felt that I was sitting on your shoulders. I have about 30 more pages to read, and am doing so ever so slowly because I don't want the story to end. I thank you for sharing your story. This is a lovely, moving book. Sarah

dear Nahid ...
its more than a year that i've listened to Selected shorts and continue the adventures with this great program. I've listened to your "Strangers in house" more and more and i've felt your sensations in words and words of this great short story. I just wanted to thank you and inform you that I had great times feeling and knowing these characters and places in this story. thank you.
your sincerely
Mojtaba

Hi Nahid, I just read your book you wrote about the two girls from Persia, Persian Girls. What a story! I empathize with all the things you have seen .. respect! I'm looking for more books from you, hopefully translated into Dutch. Thanks! It gave me more insight about life in your country. With all due respect! Maybe I travel there once to go! Greetings Amy (Netherlands)

Hi Nahid, I just read your book you wrote about the two girls from Persia, Persian Girls. What a story! I empathize with all the things you have seen .. respect! I'm looking for more books from you, hopefully translated into Dutch. Thanks! It gave me more insight about life in your country. With all due respect! Maybe I travel there once to go! Greetings Amy (Netherlands)

Hello Nahid, I'm a believer in fate and I was just meant to be attracted to your book. I don't know if I'll be able to come to the Book Signing on 9/26th, but if I do get there you'll recognize me as the person who's book looks so beat up from carrying it with me everywhere until I finished it. :) I'm happy to read here that Bijan did find you. Now maybe he can be your inspiration for your next book, by telling his story maybe you can help him and more of course. Thank you for sharing your story and I will read more of your books soon.
Emily Pereira (NJ)PS Even the kids refer to your book as "Mommy's purple book" because they have seen it around the house & out with me so much. hahaha.

Dear dear khanum Nahid joon,
I read Persian Girls and I must say that I couldnt stop crying during reading it. Im from Afghanistan and the women there have gone through hell (still go) just like Iranians. I love the way you wrote the deatils about yours and others experiences..I wish there was no ending in reading the Persian Girls. Well, I promised myself to read all your books! Im still wondering if Bijan, Pari's son, has contacted you.
Mahfaq bashid,
with love,M

Dear Nahid,
Almost a week ago, I went home and my sister came to me saying "you must read this book! It is going to help you writing your own...I have been reading it since morning and i just finished it...I couldn't help myself from crying...it is amazing. I took the book and after reading the first few pages and getting hooked, i understood what my sister said and felt. I am talking about "Persian Girls. It is a very-well written book. I loved your style of writing and the rich details that made me feel as if i was there living, watching, and feeling what was going around you. Your experiences and feelings as they were presented in your book are very similar to mine! I love reading and writing. I am going to get your other books to make sure not to miss anything. I wish you and your family more success and above all I wish you true peace.
All the love, Julia,

hi nahid
i love you

Hello Nahid,
I had to write and tell you how much I'm enjoying your book Persian Girls: A Memoir. I'm not done with it quite yet, but I like your writing style, and am very surprised that you had limited English when you came to the U.S. I find your story both interesting and educational. I also find it inspirational regarding the cultural differences you faced, and how you overcame the isolated feeling you had. I plan to read your other book Foreigner in the future.
Best Regards,
Dolly

Dear Ms. Rachlin,
Through your book you have given us a window on your life as well as Iranian culture. Culture gives us the structure we need to deal with life's everyday problems. I believe cultural change is quite often a chaotic, sometimes violent process in which power- seeking people exploit legitimate yearning for reform for their own, and sometimes quite different political advantage. You and your family have had to endure stresses of political and cultural change. You personally combine uncommon kindness and sensitivity with a great strength of will. Maybe it's true that adversity builds strength of character. Thank you for writing such a fine book.
Richard

Dear Nahid Joon
(I say Nahid joon because as I read your memoir I feel like i know you as much as I know any of my aunt or uncles; as you know it is a costume in Iran to call every family friend mostly aunt and uncle)
I have been reading your books one after another, and have to admit after the Persian Girls I closed the book with tears in my eyes. I left Iran 7 years ago to go to graduate school here and hasn't been able to go back for a visit yet, due to the hardship of visa and the risk that I might not be able to come back... recently lost the dearest person in my life back in Iran and can't explain how I felt connected and defined in your words and within your life-story... just wanted to thank you for such an amazing work and wished I could thank you in person... Looking forward to meeting you in person one day
Sincerely
Golsa

April 5, 2011.
Salaam Nahid
I just finished reading "Persian Girls". I bought your book, out of curiosity, from the local bookstore in Putrajaya, Malaysia. I'm currently doing my PhD in English Literature and I have been studying memoirs written by Malaysian women.Most of my classmates are from Iran. I have been listening to their stories about Iranian people, culture, food and history over a period of about three years. I have even picked up words and phrases in Persian and use them as often as I can whenever I'm with my Iranian friends. Your book was hard to put down as every page was intriguing and enabled me to feel the pulse of Iranian life, especially those of Iranian women. Thank you for your beautifully written book. Haslina
Malaysia.

Dear Ms. Rachlin, We are a group of students that are doing a seminar on your book Persian Girls. Our goal of the seminar is to convince our audience that they also need to read your book. We truly enjoyed your book and are just wondering what your thoughts were about your upbringing and what impacted you the most. Are there any major facts about it that we must not leave out?
-Thanks for your time. Rachel

Nahid Rachlin March 23 at 9:21am
Dear Rachel, Thank you so much for writing to me and your wonderful feedback on my memoir and also thanks for encouraging others to read it. Well, any new idea I can add is: all the pain and tension I lived with as I was growing up and the tragedy of what happened to Pari, have had the benefit of making me a writer.
In my urgency to give shape to events that were painful, I have found peace within myself. I am also happy that what I write reaches people and perhaps help them achieve understanding of themselves, that help them take the right paths for themselves.

Dear Nahid,
I recommended your book, Persian Girls, to my book club after my American husband read it and strongly recommended it. I stopped reading the various books by Iranian women since many of them are simply self-aggrandizing. Although your story is against the Moslem backdrop, I am sure you realize it is the same even if you are raised as a Christian woman. I am an Iranian Christian woman and found that your experience in every way resonated with me and my experience, both growing up in Iran, and then coming to US for College. Thanks for a truly wonderful book! I will now look forward to reading the other books you have written. Marya

Dear Nahid
I just finished reading your book "Persian Girls" - what an amazing memoir...I could not put it down for a minute. Your writing has so much heart in it and I think that is what attracted me to finish this book so quickly. You write with such deep feelings when you spoke of Pari - it really brought tears to my eyes to hear her story and I am so sorry for your great loss. I hope one day you with have the chance to meet Bijan and share your feelings with each other, I think that would be an incredible healing process for the both of you. Do you have any plans to come to Vancouver, BC in Canada in the future? I would love to meet you...Thank you for sharing your story. You are a brave soul. May peace be with you.
Ritu

Hello
i am a lady 30 years old from qatar i really like your book Persian grils. i read it with arabic translation in the end i cry alot i feel every thing you wrote i search for your name i found this email just want to thank you for this book its the best book i ever read. thanks alot. i hope your life is full of happyness also your daughter.
best wishes, FROM ALANOUD in QATAR

Dear Ms Rachlin,
I am an avid reader and I have literally hunted every book

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Interviewed by Jessica Blau, author of The Summer of Naked Swim Parties