Guests of the Ayatollah (Abridged) Audiobook

" This is a really interesting look at the Iran hostage crisis in 1979-80. It gave me a much clearer understanding on why it was so difficult to end this crisis and though Jimmy Carter might not have been our strongest president, this account does a great job of explaining his actions while trying to solve a crisis with few viable options. The story is told through the accounts of many of the hostages. It can be a bit confusing to keep them all straight, but really puts a personal face on this situation that seemed so puzzling to me. "

" An indepth explanation of a shocking and shameful incident "

" Mark Bowden is a great writer and this was a very detailed and interesting account of the Iran Hostage Crisis. Though long winded in spots I thoroughly enjoyed this book. "

" This is an incredibly detailed and intense account of the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. Bowden is definitely talented when it comes to writing historical accounts of perilous events that involve U.S. foreign policy (see "Black Hawk Down"), and his journalistic skills show. Clocking at a 700 pages, this is a lengthy read for many, but well worth it! "

" This was a really great book that dove into several factors behind the Iran Hostage crisis of the 1970s. With amazing detail, the author is able to reconstruct the events not just of the hostages at the embassy but, in some of the most compelling chapters, President Jimmy Carter and the soldiers behind the failed rescue attempt. In what could have been a monotonous telling of day-to-day life in captivity, the book explores a lot more about the ideas behind the Iranian Revolution and the significant role that this event played at that time as well as in world affairs today. "

" A 634-page page-turner. What more can I say? "

" Very insightful commentary on the recent history of the American conflict with Iran, specifically with militant Islam. The book really came to life when I discussed it with my parents and found out they and some of their friends were directly and/or indirectly involved with the resolution of the Embassy takeover. "

" A very insightful and balanced assessment of the complexities of this historic time period. It becomes apparent that the cultural divide was so enormous between the two countries that there was no actual communication taking place. Rather like today. "

" Such a profound and humanizing look into the mindset of America, Iran and the rest of the world during this crisis. Profound implications in this day and age as well. The captors are only "terrorists" in the western world, but martyrs everywhere else. A brilliant read. "

" If you enjoyed Argo, read this book. Fantastic read. "

" This is the event that had a profound impact on me as a teenager and set me on the course to the Foreign Service. "

" It's a really long book which is why it didn't get 5 stars but for a true story it reads like a good spy novel. You'll be entertained and learn a little history! "

" A good read about the Iranian hostage situation that occurred in the late 70's. Provides some pretty good insight into how the hostages were treated and how President Carter was ineffective in securing their release. "

" Amazing. The naivety. On both sides. "

" I read this some time ago and enjoyed it; reread it after seeing Argo ... to refresh my memory, in terms of the context and other events happening concurrently. "

" If you are at all interested in revisiting the Iran Hostage Crisis, this is the book to read. "

" Expertly researched from multiple perspectives, extraordinary detail. Mark Bowden is my man. "

" I truly enjoyed and learned so much from this novel that I was not aware of. I also found a new appreciation for the role that President Carter tried to follow through this most difficult time in our country's history "

" I read a description that called it "painstaking recreation of those 444 days." Close, but I would change it to, "so detailed, it's painful." After the first couple hundred pages describing every tiny detail of people, rooms, furniture, clothing, cars, etc., I gave it up. "

" Great account of a largely forgotten piece of American history "

" A really good "inside" slant on the hostage situation. Bowden is a fine writer that makes all fact read as entertaining as fiction without stepping out of the lines. "

" Surprisingly good for what it is. Usually nonfiction this long would lose me about half way but I eagerly finished it. "

" A very thorough but depressing recounting of the Iran Hostage crisis. "

" I liked how Bowden tells the story of revolution in Iran and the taking of hostages. "

" Not as intense as Blackhawk Down, but still a good read with a different pace and more comprehensive telling. Helped me fill in the details of an event that happened when I was too young to understand. Particularly poignant and even enlightening with the recent revolution in Egypt. "

" Molto dettagliato. Speravo ci fosse di più sul fallito salvataggio. <br/> <br/>Ma è un libro interessante, anche se abbastanza lento. Secondo me "

" Great book a little long and hard to get throug "

" An amazing book!! After you watch this check out the History Channel documentary of the same name!!! Be prepared to hunker down for some serious reading and pay attention! "

" Mark Bowden is one of my fave's--thorough yet concise. "

" Great history of the Iranian hostage crisis and attempted rescue mission. The government in Iran couldn't come up with a way to make a deal...kind of like now. "