The Wind in My Hair, Masih Alinejad
The Wind in My Hair, Masih Alinejad
5 Rating(s)
List: $31.99 | Sale: $22.40
Club: $15.99

The Wind in My Hair
My Fight for Freedom in Modern Iran

Author: Masih Alinejad

Narrator: Widdi Turner

Unabridged: 14 hr 48 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/29/2018

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

An extraordinary memoir from an Iranian journalist in exile about leaving her country, challenging tradition and sparking an online movement against compulsory hijab.

A photo on Masih's Facebook page: a woman standing proudly, face bare, hair blowing in the wind. Her crime: removing her veil, or hijab, which is compulsory for women in Iran. This is the self-portrait that sparked 'My Stealthy Freedom,' a social media campaign that went viral.

But Masih is so much more than the arresting face that sparked a campaign inspiring women to find their voices. She's also a world-class journalist whose personal story, told in her unforgettably bold and spirited voice, is emotional and inspiring. She grew up in a traditional village where her mother, a tailor and respected figure in the community, was the exception to the rule in a culture where women reside in their husbands' shadows.

As a teenager, Masih was arrested for political activism and was surprised to discover she was pregnant while in police custody. When she was released, she married quickly and followed her young husband to Tehran where she was later served divorce papers to the shame and embarrassment of her religiously conservative family. Masih spent nine years struggling to regain custody of her beloved only son and was forced into exile, leaving her homeland and her heritage. Following Donald Trump's notorious immigration ban, Masih found herself separated from her child, who lives abroad, once again.

A testament to a spirit that remains unbroken, and an enlightening, intimate invitation into a world we don't know nearly enough about, The Wind in My Hair is the extraordinary memoir of a woman who overcame enormous adversity to fight for what she believes in, and to encourage others to do the same.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Sharon on September 18, 2024

Listened to The Wind in My Hair: My Fight for Freedom in Modern Iran on audiobook and I highly recommend it! Author, Masih Alinejad, is a journalist and activist who led a campaign to stop the compulsory requirement for women to wear a hijab in Iran. She advocates for women to have a choice whether......more

Goodreads review by Cheryl on June 10, 2018

After getting placed in a taxi by the morality police that just assaulted her as she walked home with her friend... The taxi driver said, "Please, ladies, fix your head scarves. I need you to respect the hijab laws. We had just been brutally assaulted, and this driver's only concern was about our lo......more

Goodreads review by zo on January 31, 2019

I was really eager to read this book and when I finally bought it I didn’t want to finish reading it. Loved every bit if it. Masih’s autobiography really captivated me and taught me so much. I could relate to Masih’s anger towards the compulsory hijab law as I am myself a citizen of a country (Afgha......more

Goodreads review by Deacon Tom on February 12, 2022

An absolutely spectacular book. The author is by far one of the bravest women I have ever encountered in my life. Taking on the power in Iran is difficult for a male but darn near impossible for a female. She soon becomes a worldwide phenomena and opens the doors to all the mistreatment of women in I......more


Quotes

"Told poignantly and with a blunt honesty that seems a characteristic of Alinejad's life and writing, here is a gripping tale that permits us to peek at the inner workings of the Iranian Revolution and consider the question of its health and longevity."—New York Times Book Review

""The Wind in My Hair"... paints a vivid portrait of modern Iran...The book comes at a time of renewed energy within the feminist movement, and Ms. Alinejad believes that the book's themes transcend borders."—New York Times

"Alinejad's experiences make for a compelling and eye-opening read."—Christian Science Monitor

"Women all over Iran risked imprisonment and even their lives and safety to post pictures. Alinejad's stories of her illustrious career as a groundbreaking journalist challenging the Islamic Republic make for a fascinating narrative."—Publisher's Weekly

"[Masih's] descriptions of life as a journalist and activist will captivate readers interested in Iran, international affairs, gender equality, and human rights."—Booklist

"Alinejad's account provides a timely glimpse behind the Iranian curtain."—Kirkus

"Masih Alinejad is a fearless champion for women's rights. She built her career as a reporter uncovering powerful truths and writing passionately in support of human rights in a country where doing so meant risking one's freedom and safety. Her book is a must-read for anyone who cares about women's equality and autonomy-in Iran, the United States, and everywhere."—Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebookand Founder of LeanIn.Org and OptionB.Org

"Masih Alinejad's personal story is intriguing and inspiring. For her freedom is not just political but existential, which is why Masih's voice is so important to Iran's civil society and the Iranian people's struggles for freedom and democracy."—Azar Nafisi, authorof Reading Lolita in Tehran and The Republic of Imagination

"With mighty righteousness on her side and bravery in her heart, Masih Alinejad is a flame-thrower for the rights of all women who live under the thumb of repression and injustice."—Tina Brown, author of The Vanity Fair Diaries

"Masih Alinejad's inspiring journey from an ordinary working-class village girl in Iran into a transnational activist-journalist is a testimony to not only her talents and passionate dedication to equal rights, but also to the aspiration and determination of many Iranian women whose stories are recounted by her. Masih's courageous journey is part of a growing women's rights movement that resonates with women everywhere."—Nayereh Tohidi,Director, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at California State, Northridge