Iranian Rappers and Persian Porn: A Hitchhiker's Adventures in the New Iran - Softcover

Maslin, Jamie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1616086874 ISBN 13: 9781616086879

Publisher: Skyhorse, 2012

Synopsis

When Jamie Maslin decides to backpack the entire length of the Silk Road, he doesn’t plan, he just does. So when he gets unexpectedly stranded in Iran, a country he’s only read about in newspapers, he has to make the best of it, secretly wondering whether he’ll live to tell the tale. In this unique memoir Booklist calls intrepid, observant, funny, and charming,” Maslin explores Tabriz, Tehran, Esfahn, and the ancient city of Persepolis; visits museums, bazaars, and nightclubs; eats well and drinks loads of tea, and, on one wild night, 96-proof ethanol (the possession of alcohol is punishable by hand-amputation). Maslin marvels at the subversive, contradictory world of Iranian subculture, where he is embraced by locals who are more than happy to show him the true Iran as they live it where unmarried men and women mingle in Western clothes at secret parties, where alcohol is readily available on the black market, where Christian churches are national heritage sites, and where he discovers the real meaning of friendship, nationality, and hospitality. This is the astonishing account of one Westerner’s life-altering rambles across Iran that will rid you of any preconceived notions about this infamous land.

About this title

About the Author

Jamie Maslin is a writer and traveler. He has hitchhiked from England to Iran and couch-surfed all over Latin America. He lives in London, England.

Review

“An unexpectedly enlightening introduction to an unfairly misunderstood country and culture.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Maslin’s debut entertains. Best read for its snapshots of a culture largely misunderstood.” (Publisher's Weekly)

“Maslin offers invaluable insights into this oppressive and demonized nation as he marvels over its lush valleys and mountains, stark desert, and the magnificent Al Sadr Caves. Intrepid, observant, funny, and charming, Maslin explores Tabriz, Tehran, Esfahn, and the ancient city of Persepolis, and he visits museums, bazaars, and nightclubs, eating splendidly well and drinking gallons of tea, and, on one wild night, 96-proof ethanol (alcoholic beverages are illegal). Maslin describes a far more complex and hopeful Iran than outsiders usually perceive.

 

” (Donna Seaman - Booklist)

“Jamie Maslin is cool – and he has adventures far beyond anything Jack Kerouac could ever dream of.” (Daily Kos)

“[T]his travelog will appeal to armchair travelers and those wondering about future prospects for Iranian society.” (Library Journal)

“In a time where an understanding of different cultures is more important than ever, I’m so glad we have books like Jamie Maslin’s. Both informative and entertaining, Maslin paints a picture of Iran in stark contrast to the caricature one fed to us by the mainstream media. A riveting, off-the-beaten-track tale of adventure and self discovery that can't fail to provide new insight on a country unfairly demonized in the West.” (Cindy Sheehan)

“A timely and valuable book by a young Westerner who decides to see Iran for himself. Maslin is naive upon his arrival—having no idea what to expect—but keeps an open mind and invites the reader along on his fascinating and colorful adventures. His experiences reveal the lies that mainstream media are telling us about the country.  Having read this book, I may visit Iran in the near future.” (Richard Kendrick, author of "Déjà Vu")

“Jamie Maslin follows a long line of intrepid young Britons, from Laurie Lee to Paddy Leigh Fermor and, most recently, Rory Stewart, who set off on a journey to distant parts with little money but lots of curiosity; and return to tell their tale. Maslin has a good ear for dialogue and a keen eye. The result is a hitchhiking odyssey across Iran that provides a fascinating, and timely, behind-the-scenes glimpse of a country the news anchors never reach.” (Simon Worrall, author of "The Poet and the Murderer")

“Jamie Maslin's book is Iran from the ground up, and a total surprise to those who only know the media version of that country. A fascinating likeness of a complicated people.”” (Anthony Brandt, editor of the "Journals of Lewis and Clark," and "The National Geographic Adventure Classics" series)

“Bill Bryson meets Jack Kerouac.  For anyone who enjoys adventure and travel, this book is a raw, gripping, philosophical, and hilarious first person account of traveling to remote and exotic destinations—you won't be able to put this book down, and you will feel close to the sincere, earnest author within a few pages.” (Simon Van Booy, author of "The Secret Lives of People in Love" and "Love Begins in Winter," and winner of the 2009 Frank O’Connor Award.)

Edition details

• Publisher: Skyhorse
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1616086874
• ISBN 13: 9781616086879
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288