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Rooftops of Tehran Audiobook
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(4.01) - 2,446 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
With Rooftops of Tehran, Mahbod Seraji delivers a debut novel that has won immediate acclaim for its affecting portrait of life in Iran's capital city. A 17-year-old boy finds his rooftop the perfect escape for taking in the night sky, smoking cigarettes and catching occasional glimpses of his beautiful neighbor. But when his lofty perch allows him to witness the brutality of the regime under which he lives, everything changes for the boy and those close to him.
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"I had the privilege of reading this book before it was published. I picked it up one morning and was unable to put it down. I laughed and cried and was lost in the world Mahbod recreated for us all to experience. I would recommend this insightful, honest, and moving book to anyone ready to transport to another place and time."
— Kim (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Captivating…[Seraji’s] novel is very cinematic, not only in how it portrays the close-knit neighborhood of the main characters—the alley where the kids play soccer, the rooftops where the teenagers relax, hash out existential questions, and confess their love—but also in the way the story builds momentum…Seraji deftly interweaves the political and the romantic…but at its core, the novel is a compelling coming-of-age story.”
— San Francisco Chronicle -
“Set in 1970s Iran during the shah’s regime, this earnest, semiautobiographical debut novel…captures the thoughts and emotions of a young boy and creates a moving portrait of the history and customs of the Persians and life in Iran.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Though his narration is straightforward, Ross evokes Pasha’s emotions of guilt and horror. As events advance, Ross’ reading provides witness to the anger and fear of those living under the Shah’s repressive government.”
— AudioFile -
“Told in Pasha’s unique voice and partially in flashback, Seraji’s wonderful coming-of-age story is at times funny and sweet as well as thought-provoking and heart-wrenching.”
— Booklist -
“A star-crossed romance captures the turmoil of prerevolutionary Iran in Seraji’s debut…Refreshingly filled with love rather than sex, this coming-of-age novel examines the human cost of political repression.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Rooftops of Tehran Listener Reviews
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" I really enjoyed reading this book. I wish I could have gotten the perspective on the events and way of life from the females characters as well though. "
— Jill, 2/20/2014 -
" Great discussion book for book club "
— Marnie, 2/1/2014 -
" I lived in Iran for four years and and this story made me feel I was back there. Beautifully told, it captures your heart and won't let go long after you have placed the book back in the bookshelf. You're in for a treat. I worry, however, that the sequel could never live up to this one!! "
— Jo, 1/28/2014 -
" A somewhat interesting look at life in Tehran in the mid-1970s, but less intriguing than I'd hoped. The book nicely represents loyalty in friendship and in love. "
— Suze, 1/13/2014 -
" Best book I've read in years. Has everything, laughs, cries, joy, pain. He knows how to tell a story and how to develop his characters. I lived in Iran for three years and this book is spot on on its description of culture, people, language. READ IT. Great for book clubs and university classes. "
— Ray, 1/12/2014 -
" I can't wait to discuss this one with my bookclub. Review to follow!!! "
— Sydney, 1/7/2014 -
" A beautiful story of friendship and love. I could not put this book down! "
— Lori, 12/21/2013 -
" Terrific book! Lots of humor at the beginning, and more dark towards the middle/end. This books deserves a sequel and can't wait for the author to accommodate!! "
— Lori, 12/1/2013 -
" An important work that sheds light on the culture and political life in Iran. Also, an incredibly well written love story. "
— Maurice, 11/28/2013 -
" This book gives a good look into the effects of international politics on the individual. "
— Tom, 11/15/2013 -
" Great book. I cried most of the way through it, which was a little awkward as I was on a plane. "
— Jacinta, 11/13/2013 -
" I guess I love these novels that are based on history of different area of the world! I had a hard time putting it down...did not want it to end! "
— Carmen, 6/29/2013 -
" Very good book. Sad, funny, encouraging... "
— Stephanie, 4/30/2012 -
" Amazing book - so much bette than the Kite Runner! "
— Beth, 3/17/2012 -
" a nice book, enjoyed reading it. A good reminder of how things were. So we won't remember the good things only. Also helps understand why people were so attracted to communism and its sophisticated rhetorics. "
— Shirin, 10/10/2011 -
" This is the best book ever written about Iran! Captures Iran's culture in a way no other book ever has! Bravo! BTW, I lived in Iran for twenty-five years and have read anything ever written about Iran. "
— Masoud, 6/5/2011 -
" Does a great job asking the question-what would you do for a cause? Beyond that is gets too long and draggy. "
— Histteach24, 5/15/2011 -
" one of my favorite books. it was simply beautiful! "
— la_jefa, 5/15/2011 -
" As my dad said "you can tell it's his first novel," but it's a great YA read. "
— Dan, 3/31/2011 -
" I found this in a bookstore in Hood River -- it was a staff recommendation. Otherwise, I'd never heard of it before! Really engrossing depiction of life in Iran in the 1970s, the good, the bad and the ugly. "
— Kathleen, 3/26/2011 -
" I thought this book was really good until I got to the end. I didn't like the way it ended. But I'm afraid it might be because of my Western reading preferences. "
— Jwllmrs, 3/25/2011 -
" A beautiful story of friendship and love. I could not put this book down! "
— Lori, 3/23/2011 -
" So far this book has pulled me right in! "
— Holly, 3/22/2011 -
" Truly one of the most awe-inspiring novels I've read. The language is simple but the emotions are powerful. This book definitely deserves as much recognition as The Kite Runner. I look forward to reading more from this author. "
— Stephanie, 3/16/2011 -
" Excellent. Gives an insight on living in Iran. Love the characters. "
— Shannon, 2/21/2011 -
" Loved the book... Hated the ending. "
— Colette, 2/19/2011 -
" Reminded me a bit of The Kite Runner combined by a powerful love story. I loved the characters, their passion and their sense of humor. A great read. I'd definitely recommend it. Already looking forward to a sequel (should one ever be written). "
— Denise, 1/25/2011 -
" Very good first book... excellent first novel "
— Erika, 1/23/2011 -
" Coming of age/first love set against backdrop of pre-revolutionary Iran. Interesting story and fascinating insights into Persian culture and mind. "
— Cindy, 1/17/2011 -
" A beautiful story about a boy in Iran, before the 1979 Revolution. "
— Anum, 1/6/2011 -
" lg print ed. pg. 455 <br/>4.5 hrs "
— Cmsieg, 12/28/2010
About Jonathan Todd Ross
Jonathan Todd Ross is a writer and an Earphones and Audie Award–winning voice actor. He has lent his voice to numerous anime television shows, including Yu-Gi-Oh! and Sonic X.