What do you think?
Rate this book
Taking Off from Tehran
*Winner of 2023 Silver Living Now Book Award and an instant Amazon Best Seller in seven categories, including Women's Studies and Spiritual Growth Self-Help!
An immigrant memoir of a bold teenager who was unwilling to be crushed by the marginalized status of women in Iran.
"This memoir is deep ( عمیق ), gentle ( لطیف ), and honest ( صادقانه ). And it came from the heart. This book empowered my teenage daughter to recover from several setbacks and has become a treasured reminder of her own confidence and resilience in the face of adversity—a lesson that applies no matter one's country or homeland." —Maryam Dolatshahi, MD
Sheida is barely fifteen years old when she learns her parents have arranged for her to marry a man twice her age. Growing up in midcentury Tehran, Iran, Sheida has always bristled under the idea that a woman’s proper place is inside the house. She has her own ideas about how she wants to live her life.
This unforgettable memoir depicts a young woman’s courage, resilience, and eventual success in overcoming a dysfunctional family, oppressive culture, and economic hardships.
Sheida “takes off” from Tehran to eventually earn a PhD from Georgetown University and lead groundbreaking research in literacy that is cited by some 6,000 scholars from across the globe.
The story of this young immigrant of limited means—but abundant human spirit—will resonate with anyone who has braved the unknown and kept dreaming.
This book brings history and geography to life with personal photos and stories.
“A thought-provoking memoir about growing up in Iran with restrictions and cultural expectations of a woman’s destiny. I applaud Sheida for living—and sharing—her bold life!”
—Kathleen Jones, artist
An immigrant memoir of a bold teenager who was unwilling to be crushed by the marginalized status of women in Iran.
"This memoir is deep ( عمیق ), gentle ( لطیف ), and honest ( صادقانه ). And it came from the heart. This book empowered my teenage daughter to recover from several setbacks and has become a treasured reminder of her own confidence and resilience in the face of adversity—a lesson that applies no matter one's country or homeland." —Maryam Dolatshahi, MD
Sheida is barely fifteen years old when she learns her parents have arranged for her to marry a man twice her age. Growing up in midcentury Tehran, Iran, Sheida has always bristled under the idea that a woman’s proper place is inside the house. She has her own ideas about how she wants to live her life.
This unforgettable memoir depicts a young woman’s courage, resilience, and eventual success in overcoming a dysfunctional family, oppressive culture, and economic hardships.
Sheida “takes off” from Tehran to eventually earn a PhD from Georgetown University and lead groundbreaking research in literacy that is cited by some 6,000 scholars from across the globe.
The story of this young immigrant of limited means—but abundant human spirit—will resonate with anyone who has braved the unknown and kept dreaming.
This book brings history and geography to life with personal photos and stories.
“A thought-provoking memoir about growing up in Iran with restrictions and cultural expectations of a woman’s destiny. I applaud Sheida for living—and sharing—her bold life!”
—Kathleen Jones, artist
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 22, 2023
Oh my goodness, I am captivated!
this book spoke to my very soul. Sheila White & I shared a similar father. I was raised in Springfield, MO & we probably know several of the same profs. from SMS. I also know Deborah Tannen from my own years in teaching and administration in the DC area. I will bookmarked many passages & I will return again & again.
this book spoke to my very soul. Sheila White & I shared a similar father. I was raised in Springfield, MO & we probably know several of the same profs. from SMS. I also know Deborah Tannen from my own years in teaching and administration in the DC area. I will bookmarked many passages & I will return again & again.
March 4, 2023
an inspiring story
The author shared an incredible life in which she has overcome obstacles with “positivity, optimism, inner strength and a willingness to work hard”. This is a story of success of a woman with strong self discipline, sense of wonder and willingness to persevere. Sheida’s story is inspiring to US immigrants and women.
The author shared an incredible life in which she has overcome obstacles with “positivity, optimism, inner strength and a willingness to work hard”. This is a story of success of a woman with strong self discipline, sense of wonder and willingness to persevere. Sheida’s story is inspiring to US immigrants and women.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews