Dreaming in English

Veil of Roses #2

by Laura Fitzgerald

A captivating sequel to the national bestselling novel Veil of Roses .

Knowing she could never be happy in Iran, Tamila Soroush took her mother's advice to "Go and wake up your luck" and joined her sister in the United States. Now, after a spur-of-the-moment exchange of "I do"s with her true love, Ike Hanson, Tami is eager to start her new life.

But not everyone is pleased with their marriage, and Tami's happily- ever-after is no sure thing. With an interview with Immigration looming, Tami wonders if she's got the right stuff when it comes to love, American-style. Maybe her luck is running out. Or maybe she'll stand up for herself and claim her American dream.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Iran, Chick Lit, Young Adult, Adult

420 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2010

Reviews

[⚘ Itz Lia the Bibliophile ⚘ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! I am sad that the ratings are not that high.:(
This book is an obvious 5💖💖💖💖💖 or ★★★★
Favorite Quote- "WELCOME TO AMERICA, MS. SOROUSH!"

[chanceofbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sequels are very tricky things, but Fitzgerald hits all the right notes with this follow-up to her acclaimed "Veil of Roses." Veil of Roses is one of my top five all-time favorite books from a lifetime of voracious reading. I love its writing and message so much that I use it as a supplemental text for one of the classes I teach. I've often imagined what a potential sequel might look like, as these are characters that just refuse to leave the reader's head. Dreaming in English lives up to all my hopes as we follow Tami from the happy ending of Veil of Roses to her REAL happily-ever-after once she navigates all the hurdles that still remained at the end of Veil of Roses--INS, Ike's parents, job/life direction issues, family problems, and her parents still remaining in Iran with their own stories left unfinished.

I chose Veil of Roses as a class text in large part because of the large number of themes touched on--it is perfect discussion group text and readers from older teens to retirees all find something to connect with and worth discussing. Dreaming in English is also an absolutely ideal discussion/book club group book. Ideally readers will have read Veil of Roses, , but Fitzgerald works in enough recapping that this isn't strictly necessary (in fact, if like me, a reader has read Veil of Roses often enough to have entire sections committed to memory or finished Veil of Roses immediately prior to starting this book, the recapping might feel a bit much, but Fitzgerald does a nice job of integrating into the narrative and avoiding info-dumping).

Tami, Ike, and all their family and friends feel like real people, and they are richly drawn so that readers are very invested in their lives and problems--this is one of the great strengths of Fitzgerald's writing. Even when the characters make choices or actions that we disagree with, they feel real and true for that character and open up new avenues for discussion and analysis.

This book is particularly relevant right now in light of all the discussion surrounding immigration, particularly in Arizona, where the book is set. With all the controversy surrounding immigrants from South of the Border, seeing immigration through Persian eyes allows readers to take a step back and really consider what freedom means. This is the great triumph of the book: giving readers a fresh take on Freedom. If Veil of Roses carried the message that one must never give up hope, then Dreaming in English carries a two-fold message: Freedom is Hard and One Must Believe Oneself Worthy of It. "I am Worthy" sums up Tami's journey here--from being happily surprised with her good fortune at the end of Veil of Roses to being willing and able to go forth and actively create and demand that good fortune. Sharing her journey was a privilege.

[Maya · Rating 1 out of 5]

My mother gave me this book and it's been sitting on my shelf until last week, when I happened to pick it up and read it in a few hours. (It is an easy read). It is about a young woman who comes to the U.S. from Iran to find an Iranian husband and get a green card, but who ends up in a whirlwind marriage to an American man she marries (mostly) for love instead.

The moral of the story is, seemingly, that the protagonist must learn to "fight" for herself and her marriage, rather than "giving up". (Spoilers ahead). She encounters the rage of her man-child husband when she reacts to the threats of (potential) infidelity and, later, accusations of immigration fraud and likely deportation, as an Iranian woman might - by attempting to mollify her husband at any cost, and then by protecting herself by fleeing to Canada, with or without her husband. However, her attempts to protect herself are viewed only through an American lens, as manifestations of low self-esteem and an unwillingness to stand up for oneself. In fact, I saw the character's original decision to move to Canada, alone, as incredibly brave - a willingness to put herself first, even as her husband berated and then basically abandoned her for making such a decision.

The story concludes with the character finally learning to do the "right thing" - attending an immigration appeal she is all but guaranteed to lose and giving a heartfelt speech about how much she loves America - with all her friends and previous detractors getting misty-eyed as the judge proudly grants her residency.

Overall, the book presents (at best) a simplistic and overly naive view of Iranian immigrant women's lives and decisions. It's worth noting that the author is a White American woman - not that white women can't write good books about people from other cultural backgrounds. But to do so, they need to reach out of their own frame of reference and try to understand their characters' worlds from the inside. Not judge them by their own cultural vantage point. Fitzgerald fails massively on that account. She - like the protagonist's husband - never attempts to understand her on her own terms, but rather, forces her into being the woman they want her to be.

[Barbara O'Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree with everyone who said that while sequels are sometimes disappointing, this one is not. I might even love this book more than the first. Tamila is one of the most charming characters I've read--and her story, from Iraq to Tucson to her quest for citizenship and figuring out how to stand on her own, is gripping and illuminating. Fitzgerald is a delightful writer. I can't wait to see what she does next.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of the yearning for the freedom that so many of us take for granted. It's a page turner that left me with misty eyes and a smile on my face.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thoroughly impressed by Laura Fitzgerald’s Veil of Roses, so as soon as I found out there was more to the story, a sequel called Dreaming in English, I headed to the library to check it out. It’s not often that a sequel out does the first book. However, I think that Fitzgerald did a wonderful job at continuing the story.

Dreaming in English continues the story of Iranian immigrant, Tamila Souroush, to the United States. It takes us through her journey and struggles of being an immigrant, meeting resistance from in-laws, a U.S. immigration interview and the simple joys and struggles of being newlyweds. As with Veil of Roses, I simply could not put this book down. While my situation is not the same as Tamila’s, there were times where I felt the book was hitting too close to home.

Fitzgerald does an excellent job at relating the struggles that intercultural couples go through, especially when there is resistance from loved ones. While she shares the negative, she pleasantly balances it with the joys of learning more about each other and another culture. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light, chick lit book (A great book to take to the beach this summer!), who has an interest in intercultural relationships or who has an interest in what it is like to go through the American immigration process (although I must say my experience with Abhi was no where near as intimidating). If you haven’t read Veil of Roses, no worry, Fitzgerald includes enough info and background that you can easily pick up Dreaming in English and enjoy.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamila Soroush comes to America ostensibly to visit her sister, but hoping to find someone to marry so she can stay in America. Her sister tries to arrange a marriage between Tami and a Persian man, but all efforts fall through. On the last day before she must go back to Iran, Tami opens her hotel door to see Ike, an American man she has come to love. Ike knows about her need to marry and so he marries her right away. Even though Tami and Ike love each other, many people don't believe it, instead choosing to believe that Tami only married Ike for a green card. His parents are particularly hostile to Tami. But Ike and Tami continue as a couple, even starting a business together, but the time for Tami's immigration interview is getting closer and she is getting nervous. Will she get to stay in America or will she lose Ike and her freedom completely?

Dreaming in English is a sequel to Fitzgerald's previous book, Veil of Roses, the story of Tam's sister. Either book can stand alone, but it's nice to read both. I liked Dreaming in English. The story is told by Tami in first person, present tense. The reader knows what Tami is seeing and thinking at all times. Sometimes funny and sometimes sad, she paints a powerful picture of the reason so many people leave everything and everyone they know to come to this country. Tami is a wonderful character and I didn't want the book to end. Highly recommended.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this book was a disappointing sequel to Veil of Roses, but I so desperately wanted to know what happened to Tami and Ike that I still enjoyed the listen. Tami and the rest of the characters are still as lovable in this book as in the first, but Fitzgerald oversimplified American and Iranian culture so much it made me cringe. I felt like she basically said: Iran is terrible, America is free and wonderful. What felt like her own personal opinions got in the way of the characters themselves and their development. Still, it's a light fluffy read with endearing characters that I cheered for the entire listen.

[Juli · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I am not usually one to read reviews of a book before judging the book for myself. However, I did read the reviews for this one and they were spot on. I really enjoyed the fact that this book wasn’t your typical American novel romance. I liked the idea that it was taking real issues and problems from other cultures and making a story from that. I enjoyed the first one because it seemed like a genuine story. The second book, however, sucked.

First of all, out of my own personal preference I don’t like when books review too many details from the first book. Not only did this book do that, constantly, but it also have away some of the big events in the ending of the first book because of the timing of when the second book was said to have taken place.

Secondly, I hated that the author seemed like she HAD to make some sort of problem in the book. It seemed like there were too many different ideas that she was trying to fit into the plot and none of the ideas made the story smooth.

Thirdly, along with the idea that there were too many problems in the plot, the book inherently just didn’t seem to be organized. I’m a teacher and I have to teach my students to sit down and write down all of the ideas that they have onto a timeline so that they have a way to organize their thoughts before they right. I felt like the author didn’t do a good job of that because even some of the chapters didn’t make sense in the way that she organized them.

I’m less than impressed with this one.

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel to Veil of Roses, a book I read and thoroughly enjoyed last year. See review here: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/.... Normally, sequels are disappointments. Not so, this one. I was thoroughly engrossed, on the edge of my seat, and completely devoured this novel in two days despite its 400 some pages.

Veil ended with Tami marrying her American sweetheart, Ike. Happy ending, right? Well.. maybe not. In this book, Tami and Ike are dealing with the aftermath of their quickie wedding. Ike's parents are NOT happy about it. They say she is using him. Those who read book one will understand how they got that impression because yes, Tami did come to America on a tourist visa from Iran aiming to find herself a husband, and thus, American citizenship within three months. Normally I would frown on this, but Tami was honest with all her Persian American "fiances" in book one. However, Ike's family and the American Immigration officials don't see it that way and Tami's recent past comes in to haunt her......

Read full review at the link below:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...

[Ahtims · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a mushy mushy kind of a story, not my kind at all - the lead pair being an Iranian girl who has come to the 'Land of dreams" on a tourist visa to etch out a life for herself by marrying an American suitor, preferably an arranged marriage with a non resident Iranian, but who ended up marrying a blue-eyed typical American boy with whom she was secretly in love with. The story starts with their wedding and then goes on to delineate how his parents do not accept her, how she is hounded by her previous Iranian fiancé'. It also portrays her friendships with various Americans, her hounding by a wily mother in law and how she is about to be deported to Iran. There is too much of idealizing and berating going on, too much of repetition, it is too saccharine. I couldnot sympathize with Tami, the main character, or her self-righteous husband Ike, who picked up quarrel with her for seemingly silly reasons which he later justified using weird reasons. On the whole I sympathized more with the mother in law and the irate jilted fiancée.
Moreover I came to know this book was a sequel only after I finished it, though I had my doubts while reading on.

[Linnea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read Veil of Roses (the book that this one is a sequel to) for a book club and thought it was a fun, light story that still managed to convey the hardship of the people of Iran and their sometimes erroneous assumptions about America. The sequel was not quite as good. It focused a lot on Tami, but made her out to be wimpy and wishy-washy. I wanted to like her and take her side, but there were so many people telling her she needed to change. The scenes with her and her new husband Ike were over the top gooey and the plot meandered and faltered too much for my taste. The hardest part to take was the climax speech in the courtroom. I think I understood what she was trying to say, but it was a bit too incoherent. I didn't feel like she got her point across and reminded me of the episode of the British version of the Office when David Brent tries to be a motivational speaker and fails miserably.
Granted I was reading an ARC copy of the book so the released version may be tighter than what I read. I hope so, because there is potential for this to be a good sequel.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this one having no idea it was a sequel. I must say I really enjoyed this book on its own. I knew this was about the immigrant experience from a young Iranian woman's point of view and that's about all I knew. I must say this was a very refreshing portrayal of immigrants who are excited and positive about becoming Americans. It encouraged and made me smile to hear the different characters extolling the positive aspects of our culture and the opportunities available here as seen through fresh, hopeful eyes as opposed to lamenting our way of life which seems to be much more in vogue with writers these days.

This wasn't a deep book and was tied up into a rather predictable pretty little bow but I was reading this as a quick diversion, simply for pleasure and I found it to be just that.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first novel in this duology. This one is different...but not in a bad way. In the first novel, there were lots of comedic moments as you watched a young girl experience "American culture" for the first time. In this one it follows her and her American husband's shotgun wedding and then the immigration process and challenges. Think "90 day fiance" in book form. It was entertaining with plenty of heartfelt moments.

[Karina M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dreams of love and freedom are very common topics in literature because they are an essential part of who we are as human beings. Regardless of circumstance or background, we all have dreams, and we all crave love in some form or another.Finding common ground between human beings of different backgrounds, showing how in the small ways that truly matter we are all similar is an obvious theme of the novel. However, what usually makes a book that revisits a well worn story line worth the time, are the characters, their individuality, their ability to take you down the a familiar road while simultaneously making you feel that you are seeing things from a new light, theirs. Sadly, there was little about Tami, or any of the other characters in this novel that was unique, special, or even interesting.

The novel was fairly well written, although in my opinion a little drawn out, given that the plot was highly predictable to anyone who has ever seen a romantic comedy or read a fluffy love story. The characters felt to me as stereotypical as the plot, which basically boils down to the following: A young, sweet, insecure girl from an underprivileged background (In this case a woman in a repressive Iran), comes to America in search of her dreams of love and freedom, falls in love with the first blue eyed American boy she meets at her local Starbucks, and of course even though he doesn't know her, he falls madly in love with her and saves her like a knight in Shinning armor by marrying her in Las Vegas days before her visa expires. Don't worry, I haven't spoiled the plot because that happened in the first page or two of the book. What follows is a typical cast of characters, down to the manipulative and conniving woman who threatens to stand in the way of the marriage, parental disapproval, doubts, and emotional reunions, culminating with a predictable happily ever after. To me, the characters never came close to feeling like real people. They are presented as near perfect people with no true bad intentions or ill feelings towards others, and even when they do act in a selfish or evil way, the author frames it as if love, fear, or some other understandable emotion is at the root of it, thereby glossing over the few parts of the characters that would have made them feel relate-able, or at the least realistic.

Tami's biggest flaw and the biggest threat to her marriage is her lack of self-confidence and ability to understand her self-worth. That was my favorite part of the novel, I felt there was a lot of potential in that idea, and got genuinely excited at the potential that the novel would really dig deep into the ways that growing up under an oppressive system, whatever its form, has deep rooted consequences for a person's sense of self-worth. I wanted to hear more about the small ways lack of freedom erode your sense of who you really are. To my great disappointment, the author didn't expound on this idea nearly enough. Even though there is a point in the book where the narrator briefly changes from Tami to her mother, and that begins to explore that issue more deeply, even those parts seemed superficial. The mother is a very interesting character, who voluntarily gave up an opportunity to live in America to return to Iran and later suffered under the oppression of a failed revolution. There were glimmers of what the novel could have been when you read the narration from her perspective. But then she starts saying things that are shallow, and the author seems to undermine her own efforts of giving the character complexity and instead she comes across as a contradictory rather than complex character.

Nonetheless, it was entertaining and easy to read. It was a good superficial distraction, and if you like love stories, and don't mind a predictable and clichéd plot, it is worth checking out. If however you are seeking substance or a read that is truly worth your time, I would search elsewhere.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last month I read Veil of Roses as my Just For Fun book. This is the sequel to that book.

Tamila (Tami) Soroush had come to visit her sister, Maryam, in Arizona, from Iran on a three month visitor visa. Her parents, her sister, and Tami all hoped she would find a wonderful man to marry so that she could stay in America.

Dreaming in America picks up right where Veil of Roses ends. Tami and her husband have to deal with the consequences of their rushed Vegas wedding. The groom's family believes Tami is just using their son to stay in the States. She is still very unfamiliar with most American ways including American slang and cell phone text language. She needs to build the confidence in herself to handle the wonderful new life ahead of her. She is also facing the very important Immigration Interview. Just because she married an American does not automatically mean she gets to stay here. Many roadblocks could send her back to Iran.

While happy to be in America with her sister Tami misses her parents back in Iran very much and dreams of the day they will all be together again. As Tami continues to learn more about her new country she also learns the secrets her own family has kept from her for years. She is going to have to fight hard to make all her dreams come true.

LOVED IT!!!

I loved both of these books. When I read Veil of Roses I already knew there was a sequel, and while I was looking forward to see how Tami Joon's life played out, the ending of Veil left my mind to imagine her future. Dreaming in English is not what I had imagined but was wonderful just the same.

The trials and tribulations faced by Tami and Ike had me feeling a bunch of emotions as they struggled to find their way to build a life together. Tami's friend Eva adds some much needed comic relief to the obstacles that kept popping up for the couple. It was Tami's text posts during an argument with Ike that really made me smile and I like Tami's interpretation better than the real life meaning of "LOL".

For me Tami's story put a face on the way of life of the women in Iran and truly made me appreciate the freedom we have in America. I fell in love with Tami immediately, her parents sent her to America to "wake up her luck" and she did.

I did sympathize with Ike's family because they didn't know the history behind the relationship and if my son handled things the way Ike did I may have reached the same conclusion. But behind it all this was a true love story. As the reader we could see this build in a way the characters of the book could not.

I am enchanted by the author's way of writing this story. Her husband is of Iranian descent so she had an excellent resource to draw from for this story. It is a story that will captivate you from beginning to end. While written as a sequel I think both of these books can be read as stand alone but I am glad I read both to enjoy the whole touching story.

To find out more about Laura and her novels check out her web page. She is a native of my home state of Wisconsin and am thrilled that she is the first Wisconsin author featured here at Dollycas's Thought in 2011. Laura is also the creator of NATIONAL GIVE YOUR GIRLFRIEND A BOOK DAY which is June 15th.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New American Library, A Division of Penguin Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Laurie Mcclary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this book, it is a light read that ends happily ever after but it also has some deeper meanings. As an American it is a story that shows why I love this country.

[Elliebit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through First-Reads.

The summary piqued my interest, but I knew from many, many flops in my reading history that a good
summary wasn't enough. I hoped that Fitzgerald wouldn't drop the storyline and characters, and leave their credibility to be questioned halfway through the book. So, sure, I would give the book a try and keep an open mind when I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads and give an honest review.

So here it is: this is a GOOD book! Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Even though I would tell myself, okay at the end of this chapter I'll stop...I just couldn't do it. the storyline was excellent, the characters kept me engaged - I love when an author creates characters so true to life that I find myself rooting for them or chastising them as if they were right beside me - Fitzgerald accomplished that. I found myself chuckling often and smiling softly when Tami and Ike would interact.

I wasn't so sure that I would be able to connect to the main character and her plight, but Fitzgerald did a fantastic job of allowing the Tami's character and personality to shine off the page and I realized that, really, Tami was just how I used to be - feeling unentitled - I wanted her to stay in America just as much as she did.

Tami's glee in every little discovery of freedom allowed me to see my wonderful home through another's perspective and I am so thankful for the beautiful picture painted in my mind that I remember whenever something unpleasant happens here. Being born and raised here, we often take the little thigns for granted and I intend to spread my new lease on appreciated for the possibilities open to each of us.

To get ready for her Immigration interview, Tami watches movies and reads books similar to her situation. Her description of GREEN CARD had me curious and after coming to the conclusion that this book was of great quality I knew that any references to outside sources had to be as well. After finishing the book, I rented the movie and found myself laughing so hard and loving it. Thank you, Fitzgerald, for granting the opportunity for readers like myself to receive copies of your book and turning out great quality writing, and for reminding me of the Great American Dream.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read Veil of Roses, the first book in this series, I was captivated by the story of Tami Joon. I watched her navigate the complex system of what it was like to be a foreigner in America and avoid deportation. So, when I learned that Laura Fitzgerald had decided to write a sequel, Dreaming in English, to tell more of Tami’s story, along with Ike, Maryam and other characters from the first book, I was more than excited to get my hands on it and read how this story progressed.

When we last left Tami, she’d narrowly avoided deportation thanks to the heroics of her new husband, Ike. He swept in on the proverbial white horse and saved her by a marriage born out of love and not necessity…well, it was a little necessary. Without their marriage, Tami would be deported, and this is the focus of the second book. Tami and Ike’s marriage causes problems with Ike’s family and a surprise visit from the “one that got away” changes everything. Ike’s family balks at what they perceive as a fake marriage, Ike’s dreams for his own coffee house are shattered and the government protests their marriage, which threatens Tami’s status in the country. Will she be allowed to stay in the country she loves so much or will she be deported as her mother was?

Ultimately, the characters are still well-developed and lovable. They are dynamic, though there seemed to be less humor in this book than in its predecessor. I found myself missing the friends of Tami’s from her English class and sympathizing more with Ike’s family than I’m sure the author intended. Tami’s ignorance of the way the government worked and Ike’s inability to empathize made me feel like neither of them were very likable in this book. The end felt cliched and too pretty for me. Everything was tied up in a neat little bow and lacked realism. When I was done, the feeling I was left with was that I’d just experienced Legally Blonde 3 and not the great sequel I was anticipating.

This was a disappointment after the first novel. If you haven’t read it yet, stick with “Veil of Roses” and allow yourself the option of dreaming your own ending to Ike and Tami’s story. You’ll feel better about it.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I received this book for free through the First Reads program. I'm so glad that I did, as I had no idea that this sequel to Veil of Roses was coming out! I enjoyed Veil of Roses very much, but I think I enjoyed this book even more.

Now married to an American citizen, Tamila Soroush is trying to build a life in the United States, glad she does not have to return to Iran, but before anything can be made permanent, she has to be accepted by both the government as a permanent resident and by her new in-laws as a real member of their family. Tami is as hopeless as ever in some regards: used to not having a voice in Iran, she is meek and eager to please, almost to the point of letting others walk all over her. The author did a good job showing her progression from weak to more confidant, and although I know a transformation like this doesn't happen overnight, it did frustrate me at times!

The scenes between Tami and her new husband were very sweet. Although they're now married, the author kept their relationship from feeling stale, and I enjoyed reading about how they worked through the various problems thrown their way. The pace was great, with events unfolding in a way that felt believable. Updates about characters from the first book were given, with many of them making appearances in this book as well. Although the focus was on Tami's relationship with her husband and new family, the relationship with her own family were not overlooked, and there were nice subplots there as well.

I really enjoyed this book overall and think that you wouldn't need to read the first book to enjoy this one, although it certainly would help (and really, why wouldn't you want to read them in order?). The ending was nice - maybe a little too neat, but still good - and Tami did redeem herself in the end for all the frustration she put others (including the reader) through. I'm curious to see whether the author decides to continue this story in another book or if this is the end; I think I'd feel satisfied either way.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreaming in English continues the story of Tamila Soroush, a spirited Iranian young woman who wants to break free of the confine life in her country and finding her dreams in America. In this novel, we finally see her finding her true love - an American man named Ike Hanson; but as in life in general, there are always obstacles and challenges finding their ways into our life. In Tami's case, it is getting the approval of his parents (whom they think she's marrying Ike for a reason), meeting face-to-face with Ike's ex-girlfriend (whom she and Ike thought she'd never return to Tucson) and then comes the biggest obstacle - to gain her U.S. residency through an immigration interview.

I find myself rooting for Tami all the way while reading this novel. She is a likeable character and though she is not an outspoken person (due to the culture and her family tradition), she definitely has dreams and she is not afraid to fight for it given the circumstances.

While Dreaming in English is a fiction of a young woman pursuing her dreams, it is also very much about learning more of Iranian culture through Tami's eyes. Through her point of view, she shares with her readers her lifestyle in America and how much it differs from Iran in which they would never allow the freedom of speech or any other things for that matter. Readers would also read about the joys and challenges of cross-cultural marriage and like any other marriage, this requires trust, effort (and sensitivity) from both parties no matter what race or religion a person is. Reading this book also gives me the satisfaction of learning other cultures and be appreciative of the life I have. Dreaming in English is also very much a story about faith and hope on top of the love and the cultural issue and that we need to have those more than blind luck to fulfil our dreams.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the sequel to Veil of Roses, which I read in June for my Third Tuesday Book Club. One of the members of my book club lent this present book to me, and I am very happy that he did, as it is a very good book, and a worthy sequel.

This book picks up one day after Veil of Roses ends, with Tami Soroush and Ike Hanson on the plane home to Tuscon, having been married by an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas after having known each other a scant three months. However, they find complications back home; Ike’s mother and father are convinced that she is a green-card chasing foreigner who entrapped their son into a fraudulent marriage, and Tami finds that her sister Maryam is pregnant (after fifteen yeas of marriage, and two miscarriages), but does not want to call their mother in Iran to tell her the news, because Maryam has not been able to convince her mother in those fifteen years to ever leave Iran to visit her in America.

Another complication looms, as Tami has an appointment in September (the book begins in April or so) with the Immigration Service to determine if she can stay in America. Finally, she and Ike never really dated – they only talked for hours at the coffee shop where he worked. They now are married, and finding that there is much that each of them did not know about the other – things they might have found out about if they had been a normal dating couple.

I found the book a bit unbelievable in parts (the one thing that no one objects to at all is the fact that Tami and Ike are of very different religions – she is Muslim, he is Catholic – and I can’t see how that would not affect the overall complication situation; also, I found the ending to be a little too contrived), but overall it is a very good book, and one that I very much enjoyed reading.

[RivkaBelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this through LibraryThing's EarlyReviewers program, and was pretty excited - it sounded really good, and the cover is simply fascinating. When I got the book, I realized "Oops, it's a sequel? Um, okay - the library doesn't have the first one (Veil of Roses), but I'll be brave and go ahead..." For anyone else who may find themselves with Dreaming in English without having access to Veil of Roses, let me assure you: It'll be okay. There's enough 'remembering' that takes place during the story that I did not feel lost or confused. I will still track down and read Veil of Roses, but - right now anyway - I think the two novels can be read as stand-alone works, because of both the 'remembering' mentioned above, and the fact the story has a natural split in focus and theme.

Brief synopsis: Tami, a young Iranian woman, had to either marry an American or go back to Iran as her tourist visa expired. Dreaming in English picks up right after Tami and her true love Ike have eloped in Vegas with true knight-in-shining-armor-style. What follows is the battle for freedom that Tami must win to stay in America - not just battling her immigration issues, but also her own personal freedom. Growing up in the repressive state of Iran, Tami has only known the ideologies stating women are inferior, must be kept within certain boundaries, that expression of most kinds - male or female - is dangerous. She grew up knowing only how to live trapped by fear and unrealized, unchased dreams. She never tasted freedom until coming to America - and once here, she was entranced, fascinated, and addicted. But freedom isn't free - nor easy. You have to fight for it. And so this is the story of how Tami fought for her freedom. And it's a beautiful story - passionate, moving.

[Arely · Rating 4 out of 5]

0 In which Tami invited her mom to wake her luck.
1 In which Tami and Ike fly back to Tucson.
2 In which Tami meets her new family.
3 In which Ike' parents do not approve of his marriage to Tami.
4 In which Ike and Tami decide to stick together.
5 In which Maryam is pregnant.
6 In which Tami visits Rose.
7 In which Haroun proposes to Tami.
8 In which Ike learns more of Tami's secrets.
9 In which Tami and Ike move in together.
10 In which Ike encourages Tami's dreams.
11 In which Tami asks her father to come to America.
12 In which Ike's mother threatens Tami.
13 In which Tami visitsIke at work.
14 In which Tami meets new students and Ike's father seems to soften up.
15 In which there is peace before the storm.
16 In which Jenna stirs up trouble.
17 In which Tami asks her mom for advice.
18 In which Tami and Ike have their first fight.
19 In which Tami snivels to Maryam and Ardishir.
20 In which Ike's mother called Jenna.
21 In which Jenna decides to leave.
22 In which Tami and Ike make up
23 In which Tami and decide to go into business together.
24 In which there is a lot of waiting.
25 In which the residency interview goes horribly wrong.
26 In which Tami is denied residency.
27 In which Mama Joon and Baba Joon get their visas.
28 In which Mama Joon prepares to leave Iran.
29 In which Tami plans to move to Canada, but Ike wants to fight.
30 In which Tami prepare to leave.
31 In which Ardishir asks Tami to fight.
32 In which Tami has given up hope.
33 In which Maman Joon asks Tami to fight.
34 In which Maman Joon and Baba Joon leave Iran safely.
35 In which Tami decides to fight.
36 In which Tami gets US residency.
37 In which Tami's whole family is reunited.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreaming in English is the sequel to Laura Fitzgerald's Veil of Roses. Dreaming in English takes place just a few hours from where Veil of Roses ended (excluding the epilogue). In this book, Tami is now married to the love of her life, her American Boy Ike. But what Tami didn't expect was all of the trouble to come. Not only is Ike's family less than thrilled about the idea of their only boy getting married like this, Ike's mother sets out to destroy the relationship any way she can.

While Tami is dealing with the new in-laws, she must also help care for her sister who is now pregnant and having a rocky pregnancy. Ike is adamant about continuing his plans for the coffee shop, and on top of everything else, Tami must prepare for her immigration interview. Will everything work out for her at last so she can have the freedom her parents wished for her?

Just like Veil of Roses, this story is very compelling and instantly draws the reader into Tami's life. It is written with a kindness and innocence that is very much like the main character. What differs in Dreaming in English is the haphazard way the book is organized. It is broken up into three parts and also includes a few chapters from Tami's mother's perspective. The only downside of of this novel is that these elements were not needed, and in particular with the chapters from a different character's point of view, a little jarring and out of place. But for anyone that enjoyed reading Veil of Roses, this book will answer all the questions that book left you with.

*Reviewer received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Fitzgerald's first book quite a bit, especially some of the descriptions about living in a third world country and making the transition to living in America. Along the way, the characters in that novel worked their way into that spot in my heart reserved for endearing characters in books. I was interested to see how this book picked up the story.

Only days away from having to go back to Iran when her tourist visa runs out, Tami Saroush ends up marrying not the Iranian men who have been paraded before her as candidates for an arranged marriage, but the boy she has a crush on, who works at the local Starbucks. But it's not a "green card" marriage -- the two genuinely love each other, despite the shortness of their relationship. Whereas the first book (Veil of Roses) focused on Tami adjusting to a new culture, this book focused more on settling into a marriage and relationship and at the same time having to battle the skepticism of her new husband's family. It's all about Tami learning to find her voice and believe in herself. And when her application to remain in the US is denied, and she must go to court or be deported, Tami's hardest fight is against herself.

While there were moments when Tami's unfamiliarity with the English language were humorous (texting LOL to her husband after a fight because she thought it meant "lots of love") there were times when her very proficiency in English made me dubious. But all in all, it was a pleasant way to spend a rainy day, reading this book.

Received this copy as an Early Reviewer copy from LibraryThing and to Penguin Publishers.(thank you!)

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's get this out of the way upfront, this book is so pro America it's almost ridiculous. If you made a drinking game out of every time the word 'freedom' appears in this book you wouldn't make it three chapters. I seriously debated taking a star off for this but ultimately decided against it simply because the most patriotic people I know are immigrants so it is within the realm of possibility for Tami's character to think this way.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, the book is very much a beach read. It's a sequel to Veil of Roses and the plot of the last book is summed up but I feel that it would behoove you to read it as some things may not make sense toward the ending otherwise. This book sees much less of the English Class (and therefore much less Eva which is unfortunate as her interactions with Tami were some of my favorite parts of the first book) on the other hand we get much more of Ike and much much more of Tami's parents who weren't really a presence in the last book. We also get to meet Ike's family who don't really approve of his last minuet 'green card marriage'. This provides the primary source of conflict for most of the book. It's fluff mostly which is fine by me. There are a few 'makes you think' moments but if you want some substance in that regard I recommend Khaled Hosseini. If you're looking for something light and sweet pick this up and give it a read.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Fitgerald's Veil of Roses and continues the story of Tamila Saroush and her struggles to become an American. It details her friendships with some unlikely people and continues with her familial relationships. While I did enjoy the book, I sometimes felt that it stretched too far (not always quite believable) but those instances were sparse and far outweighed by the intricate details of an outsider trying to fit in that are woven in between. My favorite passage comes at the end when Tami is fighting for her right to be a citizen, "I. Am. Worthy," she states, "Those are the three most important words, everything follows that. By the simple fact of my existence, I'm worthy...Not every person or every country believes this, so it is really--literally--a revolutionary idea. But if you look back through history...this knowledge causes revolutions. It crushes empires, and I think it always will." This book surprised me by it's patriotic element but it did make me feel proud to be an American (most of the time) and grateful for the freedoms that have been my birthright. My second favorite passage was in the middle of the book when she states "They tell me someday I will begin dreaming in English..." that would have been a great ending to the book to have her wake up from her first dream in English (I was expecting it all through the book but was disappointed when it never happened).

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably best read as a sequel to the first story, Veil of Roses, this book continues the story of Tami, Ike and their marriage and life. Ike is convinced the his parents will love Tami, a Persian woman who has come to America to find a husband in order to stay. Ike and Tami have fallen in love, and gotten married in Las Vegas. Ike's parents are horrified; Tami's ex-fiances reappear; Ike's ex girlfriend reappears and Ike and Tami argue about his dream of his own coffee shop. And all the while, their interview with immigration looms.

I enjoyed the first book, but found this one more wearisome, with it's predictably and illogically happy ending. It's so pro-American it could be written by the CIA. I finished it the same day as I read an editorial in a Weekend newspaper, of another dealth penalty carried out in the USA, on a prisoner convicted on incredibly dubious evidence. Yes, compared to Iran America is a wonderful place. But it's not the only free and democratic country in the world, and the American dream doesn't exist for 1000s of it's occupants. Maybe if Tami's brother in law wasn't so rich, and Ike's family a bit more working class, the story would have been totally different. The portrayal of Canada as such consolation prize embarrassed me, and I'm not Canadian.

I had another of Laura Fitzgerald's books to listen to (I'm listening on talking book) but it'll be more of the same I'm sure, so I'll give it a miss.

[Colleen Scidmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to see there was follow up book to Veil Of Roses, because I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and was so excited to see there was a sequel. I do have to say I did enjoy Dreaming In English, but it was not as good as expected.
I really missed Tami's quirky friends from the first book, they made very few appearances, and they were a big part of Veil Of Roses. I think this book is a lot more serious than its predecessor. Tami is having to deal with immigration problems, it was not as easy as she had hoped. Ike's parents are not happy with their union thinking they were not truly in love, but that Tami manipulated Ike so she could stay in America. Also Ike was really getting on my nerves with how he treated Tami at times because he felt she was not a fighter or willing to stand up for herself, he came across as a bully to me. And to throw the cherry on top Ike's ex comes back into the picture to make matters even more difficult for Tami and Ike. You begin to wonder if their union will last much longer.
The author writes Tami's parents in a little more, which I enjoyed. And she even has the crazy Haroun make a couple appearances which was surprising and adds more to the drama of the story.
You definitely know the outcome of the book, but it does throw in some surprise twists. I do suggest reading Dreaming In English, as it is a pleasant read. Just be aware it is not quite as good as the first.