Lipstick Jihad" is
exactly the sort of book that I’d chuck at George W. Bush if he were on
Facebook. It portrays the challenges faced by middle-class Iranians today in
Iran: especially their growing dissatisfaction with their government. It’s
important to note though, as Moaveni does, that this doesn’t necessarily mean
switching to a Western-style, completely secular government. I read this at the
same time as I read "Persepolis" and was struck by the same fact:
that if a totalitarian govt. keeps people worried about the clothes they wear
and other minutae of day-to-day life, it keeps them from the kind of questioning
of the theocratic dictatorship that is necessary for change.(Although our
system of government is in no way as totalitarian as Iran’s, this book raised
scary questions in my own mind: Campaign finance reform anyone? Large
corporations "donating" huge amounts into the coffers of Congressmen
and women? The detainees held at Gitmo without benefit of habeas corpus? Huge
tax breaks for corporations while the middle class staggers under the burden of
taxes? There are parallels in our own system, and they are frightening.) But
I digress from a simple review of this book. It’s a wonderful read. Moaveni is
a fine writer(she wrote for Time magazine) and it moves quickly. It’s a novel
about trying to fit into two world at once; about being the daughter of a
diaspora - about being disappointed and finding one’s roots at the same time.
It’s also a valuable look into Iranian culture, and does a good job of
humanizing this country that, to many people’s minds, is still just an
"axis of evil". One of my favorites, and I’m a Republican.(sigh)
(Yes, I do bear the karmic responsibility for GWB. But only for his 1st term in
office.) So I’d vote for anyone who is interested in reading about another
culture, from a unique perspective of someone who is both American and Iranian
to read this book. If you’re an armchair traveler, read this book. If you like
feisty women, read this book. Before the U.S. election may move us closer to
war with Iran, everyone should read this book and "Persepolis". Just
my two cents worth. Enjoy this book, it’s a good read.