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Languages & Life Lessons
A memoir written with humor and heart, Languages & Life Lessons recounts the story of Afarin Rava, the only child of a travel-loving professor of literature with a passion for words and languages — a passion that borders on obsession. Afarin tells anecdotes of the challenges she faces and the lessons she learns as she cruises through languages and explores her journey of linguistic discovery and identity.
164 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 14, 2021
Sometimes you’re fortunate enough to come across a book that shines like precious metal among dross. Afarin Rava’s memoir is that weighty nugget of gold.
I began Languages & Life Lessons thinking I was investing time reading a memoir, but before I knew it I was bewitched by the author’s simply enchanting stories as they shaped themselves upon the pages. Pages, I could not stop turning until I’d finished the book in one sitting.
As I read, Rava’s narration—pure alchemy—made me feel as though I was the enraptured King listening to Sheherazade conjuring tales from A Thousand and One Nights.
I confess I love languages and I admire a dauntless spirit. Therefore, I was privileged to be gifted both by this gem of a book.
I began Languages & Life Lessons thinking I was investing time reading a memoir, but before I knew it I was bewitched by the author’s simply enchanting stories as they shaped themselves upon the pages. Pages, I could not stop turning until I’d finished the book in one sitting.
As I read, Rava’s narration—pure alchemy—made me feel as though I was the enraptured King listening to Sheherazade conjuring tales from A Thousand and One Nights.
I confess I love languages and I admire a dauntless spirit. Therefore, I was privileged to be gifted both by this gem of a book.
February 15, 2023
A very refreshing read.
This autobiography chronicles the life of a woman from a young age in Iran (as the daughter of an Iranian Professor) through different ages and global locales as a student and language instructor.
The author writes in compelling short chapters, much like a journal entry. Each chapter ends with a sentence or phrase of reflection or aphorism expressing lessons learned on the journey with gratitude.
This was an absolute delight to read.
This autobiography chronicles the life of a woman from a young age in Iran (as the daughter of an Iranian Professor) through different ages and global locales as a student and language instructor.
The author writes in compelling short chapters, much like a journal entry. Each chapter ends with a sentence or phrase of reflection or aphorism expressing lessons learned on the journey with gratitude.
This was an absolute delight to read.
June 5, 2022
Checking ALL the boxes!
For decades, the issue of Nature versus Nurture has been hotly debated. In Ravi’s memoir, I believe that those early (and ongoing) studies may not have considered the probability that these are symbiotic. Learning is an ongoing and lifelong process (obviously). At two, Ravi begins her journey under her learned father’s guidance, encouragement, and, yes, even enormous expectations! However, Ravi is a quick learner and, while the constant mobility around the globe may be daunting and, often times, culturally shocking, she manages to, not only adapt, but overpass expectations! This enormously captivating read is a wonderfully written piece that is (simultaneously) narrative, expository, but, moreover, objective, subjective, and introspective. I was especially appreciative of the profound and reflective endings at the end of each chapter! A remarkably powerful and engaging, subversive read! Most highly recommended!
For decades, the issue of Nature versus Nurture has been hotly debated. In Ravi’s memoir, I believe that those early (and ongoing) studies may not have considered the probability that these are symbiotic. Learning is an ongoing and lifelong process (obviously). At two, Ravi begins her journey under her learned father’s guidance, encouragement, and, yes, even enormous expectations! However, Ravi is a quick learner and, while the constant mobility around the globe may be daunting and, often times, culturally shocking, she manages to, not only adapt, but overpass expectations! This enormously captivating read is a wonderfully written piece that is (simultaneously) narrative, expository, but, moreover, objective, subjective, and introspective. I was especially appreciative of the profound and reflective endings at the end of each chapter! A remarkably powerful and engaging, subversive read! Most highly recommended!
May 19, 2022
Fascinating memoir!
I read this book in one sitting! It is so well written that you are drawn in from the first page.
It's mind boggling that one person could be so adept in so many different languages, almost obsessed really, with continuing education in languages!
It was also refreshing to see the care and devotion to teaching she takes with her students.
The relationship with her parents was bittersweet, an emotional rollercoaster. Over all a very interesting read!
I read this book in one sitting! It is so well written that you are drawn in from the first page.
It's mind boggling that one person could be so adept in so many different languages, almost obsessed really, with continuing education in languages!
It was also refreshing to see the care and devotion to teaching she takes with her students.
The relationship with her parents was bittersweet, an emotional rollercoaster. Over all a very interesting read!
November 4, 2021
I grew up an Army brat, meaning that my family moved more than most as my father was assigned to different parts of the country. Each move meant adjusting to new neighborhoods and making new friends (while leaving old friends behind), but at least the moves were within the States.
In addition to adjusting to new neighborhoods and friends, Afarin Rava (aka Noosha), when she was a child, had to learn a new language and culture each time her father moved. Such a life had its ups and downs, which she shares with readers in Languages & Life Lessons.
Each short chapter within the book tells a bit about her life growing up—traveling the world and learning to ENJOY mastering new languages—along with a lesson she learned either then or in looking back. Some of the lessons are more in the form of questions to her parents: Why did her father not see she was her own person? Why could her parents not allow her to be a child, to play?
Other lessons involve insights into learning and teaching languages. These chapters and lessons I somewhat recognized, having helped a refugee family resettle and having a sister-in-law from Mexico who spoke very little English when she married my brother. Their questions when learning English were very similar to Noosha’s. She mentions how confused she was with the word “grapefruit,” since grapefruits look nothing like grapes. My sister-in-law once held up a toothbrush to me and asked, If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn’t what she was holding a teethbrush? Ah, English. One of the weirdest languages around.
These chapters would be insightful readings for anyone who teaches English as a new language or is helping a new friend learn English. And for the rest of us? As Noosha says in one lesson, “Reading takes me to all the places I can’t go, real or imagined.” Grab a copy of this book and join Noosha in exploring her extraordinary life.
In addition to adjusting to new neighborhoods and friends, Afarin Rava (aka Noosha), when she was a child, had to learn a new language and culture each time her father moved. Such a life had its ups and downs, which she shares with readers in Languages & Life Lessons.
Each short chapter within the book tells a bit about her life growing up—traveling the world and learning to ENJOY mastering new languages—along with a lesson she learned either then or in looking back. Some of the lessons are more in the form of questions to her parents: Why did her father not see she was her own person? Why could her parents not allow her to be a child, to play?
Other lessons involve insights into learning and teaching languages. These chapters and lessons I somewhat recognized, having helped a refugee family resettle and having a sister-in-law from Mexico who spoke very little English when she married my brother. Their questions when learning English were very similar to Noosha’s. She mentions how confused she was with the word “grapefruit,” since grapefruits look nothing like grapes. My sister-in-law once held up a toothbrush to me and asked, If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn’t what she was holding a teethbrush? Ah, English. One of the weirdest languages around.
These chapters would be insightful readings for anyone who teaches English as a new language or is helping a new friend learn English. And for the rest of us? As Noosha says in one lesson, “Reading takes me to all the places I can’t go, real or imagined.” Grab a copy of this book and join Noosha in exploring her extraordinary life.
February 27, 2022
Afarin Rava (Noosha) has written such a beautiful, comprehensive, and an inviting invitation to travel the world with her in this book, Languages & Life Lessons. The style of her writing is so clear and easy to understand. I love the way each chapter lays out a specific memory and then a very clear notation of the life lesson learned from that experience. After reading this, my hopes are to someday be able to sit in on one of her language classes! Thankfully, I've been able to get to know her through the writing community on Twitter also.
I definitely recommend this book to other readers! Thank you, Afarin (aka Gratitude Girl), for sharing your passion for language with all of us in such a nice book.
I definitely recommend this book to other readers! Thank you, Afarin (aka Gratitude Girl), for sharing your passion for language with all of us in such a nice book.
October 1, 2021
This book is a series of short episodes from the life of the author, linked by the common theme of language. As a child, the author was moved from country to country by her estranged parents, an experience that gave her a special awareness of language and its variations. She explains how she developed a gift for language, and ultimately shared it by becoming a talented teacher of languages. I've never had a talent for learning languages, but I was inspired by the experiences the author recounts and the insights she reveals, many of them delivered with a touch of irony. Overall a very uplifting book about learning and loving language.
October 6, 2021
Extraordinary autobiography
This book cautivated me since it was written with genuine honesty, intelligence and courage. It's admirable how the story was told. A highly talented girl, who has to addapt to different cultures, as a result of her father's profession; a Professor of Persian Literature. Her journey was full of rich experiences, and she takes them wisely. Her willingness and skills to learn every language has no limits, which is what allows her to improve more and more her notable education. Afarin Rava is a gifted writer with fluid style and polished prose.
I have enjoyed every page of this book.
This book cautivated me since it was written with genuine honesty, intelligence and courage. It's admirable how the story was told. A highly talented girl, who has to addapt to different cultures, as a result of her father's profession; a Professor of Persian Literature. Her journey was full of rich experiences, and she takes them wisely. Her willingness and skills to learn every language has no limits, which is what allows her to improve more and more her notable education. Afarin Rava is a gifted writer with fluid style and polished prose.
I have enjoyed every page of this book.
October 9, 2021
A playbook for languages, life, and adventure
Congratulations to Afarin (aka Noosha) for capturing her unique lifelong learning journey through languages. Thank you for editing the latest iteration of Productive Accidents — a playbook for personal and professional adventure.
After reading Languages & Life Lessons, I’m now curious to see if I could follow Afarin’s approach to learning the basics of three or four languages at the same time — including Italian, Japanese, French, Chinese. Perhaps her framework can be captured in her next publication, a practical playbook for learning languages.
Congratulations to Afarin (aka Noosha) for capturing her unique lifelong learning journey through languages. Thank you for editing the latest iteration of Productive Accidents — a playbook for personal and professional adventure.
After reading Languages & Life Lessons, I’m now curious to see if I could follow Afarin’s approach to learning the basics of three or four languages at the same time — including Italian, Japanese, French, Chinese. Perhaps her framework can be captured in her next publication, a practical playbook for learning languages.
October 20, 2021
Afarin deftly welcomes you into her world with an open heart. Each page is delightfully captivating and brilliantly relatable. On this adventurous read, I joyfully discovered that it truly is a small world after all.
October 10, 2021
In Languages & Life Lessons, the author brings to life, with humor, the roadmap to all the languages she learns as she travels from country to country, with her real-life antagonist of a father, and interacts with a wide range of people. I get the sense that the writer sees languages as a mathematician sees formulas: They are puzzles that must be solved.
I appreciate Afarin Rava's journey and the takeaway from each situation, life lessons that conclude each chapter. It’s a fresh new take on storytelling.
I appreciate Afarin Rava's journey and the takeaway from each situation, life lessons that conclude each chapter. It’s a fresh new take on storytelling.
January 31, 2022
This was such a joy to read. Nooshafarin Ravaghi shines out through the pages. The reader is transported through anecdotes about her life and her thirst for knowledge. She describes her gift for languages in an unsentimental narrative and ends each chapter with a simple aphorism revealing what she has learnt from each experience. Her passion for linguistics and grammar transcends the subject and the reader is left with the strong sense of a dauntless, optimistic, hardworking spirit. I loved reading it.
November 7, 2021
A wonderful peek into a life of the author
I had to give this 5* as there isn't a 10* option. Beautifully written from the heart and a wonderful look inside the life and experiences of the author. Sweet, funny, sad, and all the other emotions in between. If you are interested in other people's lives, different cultures, or just love well written books then this is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it 100%
I had to give this 5* as there isn't a 10* option. Beautifully written from the heart and a wonderful look inside the life and experiences of the author. Sweet, funny, sad, and all the other emotions in between. If you are interested in other people's lives, different cultures, or just love well written books then this is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it 100%
June 19, 2023
“Languages and Life Lessons,” by Afarin Rava, is a fascinating memoir depicting the author’s singular upbringing and career. Ms. Rava, though she had two parents, never lived with both of them. She spent her early childhood in Iran with her father, then spent years in the United States with her mother. Later, she left with her father for France, Tunisia, and then back to Iran. When she was just two years old, Ms. Rava’s father had her memorize and recite epic poems from The Book of Kings, and his demands of her continued in a similar vein. Fortunately, she rose to the challenge: she thrived under his harsh expectations, developing a life-long love of languages, learning, and later, teaching. This is an engaging, inspiring, and heart-warming account of an extraordinary life in progress!
October 27, 2021
I have always secretly wished to be fluent in another language besides English, so Afarin Rava's book Languages & Life Lessons allowed me to experience vicariously the wonder of not just one or two languages but a whole handful. Her recounting of teaching experiences resonates with those who may have taught language or writing, but she also shares how it felt to be on the other side, learning the languages as a student. Each bite-size morsel of a chapter ends with a question or an observation that speaks to Rava's life experience as well as her readers' lives. The well-paced chapters propel the reader ahead and make this an easy and pleasurable read. Highly recommend!
March 13, 2023
I loved it: concise, absorbing, eminently readable and written with compassion.
It was a present from my niece, written by her cousin and even at such a distance, I can feel the glow of reflected glory.
I hope that I get equal enjoyment from her Reflections.
It was a present from my niece, written by her cousin and even at such a distance, I can feel the glow of reflected glory.
I hope that I get equal enjoyment from her Reflections.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews