A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO AMERICA For the Immigrant and the Curious

Roya Hakakian's voice softens as she recalls her first view of America, which took place from a plane after fleeing Iran in 1984. Even as she describes Iran's customs in calm tones, her voice takes on excitement when she describes her new freedom from strict dress codes. Her writing offers advice for new immigrants with a passion that comes from her own "bifurcated life" in exile. Hakakian has a keen sense of humor and a strong point of view, whether she's describing timed sprinklers that remind her of gunfire or telling listeners how language shapes feelings and behavior. While Hakakian is always addressing immigrants, her words may provide a user's guide to listeners born in the U.S. as well. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2021]