Children of Paradise: The Struggle for the Soul of Iran

Journalist Secor has compiled an incredible set of stories from a variety of individuals in Iran. The men and women—including politicians, journalists, poets—about whom Secor writes have each fought for political change in a country where doing so could prove extremely dangerous. She provides a distinct look into a society that, for most readers, has been nearly closed off to the rest of the world. The stories the author shares are filled with a moving spirit of determination and hope for social change that could result in a more open and accepting society. Her knowledge, attention to detail, and thorough research are immediately apparent. Secor uses her access to Iran in a way that helps to provide a better understanding of the social context behind the current political and economic changes happening within the region. Given the very recent change in relations between Iran and the Western world, Secor's work is an essential read and will help to shed light on the dreams, hardships, and changing views of the individuals who have helped to impact the direction of a nation.