One imperfect letter, one missing page

19. The Ayatollah Begs to Differ: The Paradox of Modern Iran by Hooman Majd
Think about everything you know about Iran, and then forget it all. Majd gives us a unique insight into the life, religion and politics in Iran. An Iranian himself and grandson of a well-known Ayatollah, Majd is given unprecedented access to a country that remains a mystery to most Americans. The Ayatollah Begs to Differ is a journey in two separate worlds: a public world where people don't often speak freely or dress as they wish and the private life, a world behind walls where almost anything goes. It is the juxtaposition of these two worlds that Majd explores, showing us the differences between them -- as well as the differences and similarities between our own cultures. Filled with discussions on both present day Iran (the book was published in 2008) and they history of Iran (once known only as Persia to Westerners), Majd takes care to explain, hold up and dispel many of our (Western) myths about the country.

The book is more than just a book about Iran. In some ways, this is a book about travel. Majd, a well-traveled writer, discusses his travel within the country as well as a few outside (he lives mostly in the United States). But it is also a political book. Majd never shies away from addressing conflicts or issues that we (Westerns) feel we know well. He discusses Bush's role in Iranian culture, the nuclear arms issue, terrorism, of course Iraq and Palestine. Of course, the book is also a study on religion, because no book about Iran could be written without talking about Islam. And last, this book, in many ways reminding me of Rob Gifford's book, China Road, is also a study about the people of Iran. Individuals as well as the many different groups that make up the country.

Written in first person, Majd's book is an excellent and engaging read. Recommended for anyone with even a casual interest in Iran.

20. Football Against the Enemy by Simon Kuper
I'd been told that I'd like this book. In actuality, I'd been told I'd like the 2003 edition of this book. Sadly (or maybe it was fortunate), the only edition I was able to get (from Michigan State University, of all places) was the original 1994 edition. My friend was right, I absolutely loved this book. Kuper's writing is exceptional, the style he uses is exactly what I look for when I read non-fiction. Football Against the Enemy is not just a book about sport. Sure, it's a book about football, but it's also about everything in between. It's a travel book about what football means to the world. There are lots of these books out there who do a decent job explaining football and the world. But what Kuper does best is turn it into a travel book. This is not one of those Fodor's guides, nor is it a third person look at sports through the lens of an outsider. Kuper starts as an outsider almost everywhere he goes and somehow always ends up an insider. He talks with fans (of course), be they politicians or just average citizens of the world. But Kuper doesn't stop there, he talks to players, former players, managers, former managers, owners, and everyone in between. This is the story of football, with more than little history. Eventually I'll read the updated edition, but for me, the 1994 version was a brilliant read.

21. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
I don't usually go in for the whole fantasy thing, but there was something about Cashore's book that caught me. Not just the whole idea of Grace (being born with a special skill), but also the fact that the main character, Katsa, is an extremely strong female character. She holds her own many times and I enjoy how Cashmore explores Katsa's attempts to deal with the life she's forced to live and the world she must live in. There were several surprises, some them more dramatic than others, but Cashmore built them up subtly, thus allowing us to feel the same sort of surprise that Katsa herself feels. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but I was quite pleased with Cashmore's choices. I look forward to more of Cashmore's book, regardless of whether this is the first in a series or just a one-off.

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