Book Review: Iranian Rappers and Persian Porn by Jamie Maslin
Iran. Chances are it’s not high on your list of desired vacation spots. Then too, you probably don’t know much about Iran, except for what you see on television or read in the media. And as writer and world traveler Jamie Maslin could tell you, much of that may be mis-leading or even inaccurate. Maslin, a thirty-something who was bored senseless working a dead-end job in London before setting out to hitchhike through Iran. Maslin had previously taken a large number of hitchhiking trips around Europe and decided that he wanted to try visiting a more exotic part of the world.
And the Iran that Maslin discovered is rather different from the terrorist-filled theocracy news reports might lead you to expect. Iranians, Maslin found, are extremely kind and generous people. From the moment of his arrival, Maslin was continually taken aback by all of the genuinely friendly and helpful people who offered him kindness and hospitality at every turn. The interval in which he gets drunk with some local youth on Koolaid and rubbing alcohol was particularly striking. If you are prepared to look outside of the mainstream media’s peculiar, narrow frame, Iranian Rappers and Persian Porn by Jamie Maslin is Highly Recommended.
on 
on 
1Joleen K
wrote on 19 January 2010 at 14:56
Ii just came across your blog by accident and the name of this book caught my eye, it certainly sounds interesting! I was aware that there was an alternative youth subculture in Iran: I suppose they exist everywhere. In particular though it caught my eye because although I like to think of myself as open minded, I did advise someone against gong to Iran while they were travelling, on the basis that she is female and therefore would have to cover up completely. I suppose the experience might be different for a woman but it sounds like this book could be worth a read either way – I’ll consider getting it for her birthday perhaps!
2Jim
wrote on 17 April 2010 at 22:45
Quite entertaining read, although not as polished as Jamie will likely grow into as a writer. The 265 pages reads very quickly, almost a “page turner” to learn of his next adventure. Most definitely a very different, although only one person’s view, of Iran than seen on any channel or newspaper. I came away with a respect for the Iranian people although. This book should be read by any and all involved with Iranian diplomatic or military issues.
3Anders
wrote on 20 April 2010 at 1:33
@Joleen K:
Indeed! Knowing only what I have gathered from popular media (with limited exposure, at that) the very idea of Youth Subculture is one of the last things I would associate with Iran.
Also, the title might have the best alliteration I’ve read in awhile. If the rest of the book makes me smile like that, it’s worth looking into.
Congratulations, yours is the 1,000th comment on this site. Contact me if you would like a free book. –Alan
4Steven
wrote on 17 June 2010 at 10:38
this book is definatly worth a look,
i read this at the end of backpacking around europe and wish i read it earlier. The book is written very openly about the everyday differences and experiences in a country with a very bad reputation. I have never been so inspired to visit a country in my life! and have a new found respect for people of the middle east. Maybe the most interesting parts are the facts written from the other side of the fence that most people dont know about the british and american involvement in Iran over the last century.