Book Club Discussion Questions
- As established in the prologue, wresting is a theme as ancient as humankind. Discuss some of the conflicts Reza, Soraya and Ardeshir wrestled with in their lives.
- When Reza is shamed by the fighter pilot, he confronts Amir and demands to be sent to the front lines to regain his honor. He says to Amir, “So, that’s my choice? Die in the name of Khomeini’s Islam or live like a coward? Is that what this has come to?” Is Reza correct in his assessment, or is he being unreasonable?
- Today, Reza describes Hassan by saying, “He is my best friend.” How is Hassan both a source of strength and conflict for Reza?
- How do Reza’s sisters provide interesting insights as to life in Iran for women?
- Reza and Kristin chose to dedicate the book to Reza’s mother, Nimtaj. Discuss her importance to her family.
- At the end of his life, Abbas was able to come to America and live with Reza and his family. It was very important to Reza that Abbas see him as a successful family man and teacher. How did Reza’s relationship with his father differ from that of the other important people in his life?
- While working on the book, Reza said to Kristin, “You know, all my life, it seems angels have come to help me just when I needed it most.” How is this true? Do you believe in angels?
- Besides Hassan, Ardeshir is a close friend and loyal companion to Reza to this day. Describe their relationship and ask your- self if you have friends with whom you can trust your life.
- Reza described his brother Mostafa as “two-faced.” He said Mo- stafa had “that look” with his “soft beard” and people would believe whatever he told them and then do for him what he needed them to do. However, when “the doors closed and he was with just his family,” he
changed. Reza said Mostafa’s chameleon nature saved their family many times. Does this make Mostafa a hypocrite or a hero? - The ambulance driver, Kahn, is a character based on Reza’s state- ment to Kristin that he “was completely nuts.” Do you find Kahn nuts? Or compelling? How did he serve to clarify the history between Iran and Iraq?
- The sociopolitical climate had an increasingly dramatic effect on the Iranian families just before, during and after the Revolu- tion. What were some of the events that had an impact on the Iranians?
- Mr. Mehdian had a great deal of influence on Reza’s decision to be- come a teacher. Reza was devastated when he learned his favor- ite teacher was murdered shortly after the Revolution. Discuss people in your life who have had a similar impact on your future.
- Starting with the first family scene around the “mysterious box” and the neighboring families “bending antennas this way and that,” how is the Abedi family similar and different from American families.
- When Reza wrestled in a tournament for Cal State Fullerton, a wrestler from Stanford came up to him and said, “Do you remember me? I’m Jimmy and we wrestled when you lived in Iran.” Describe how Reza’s original encounter with Jimmy and the Americans added to his infatuation with all that he believes America could offer.
- The concept of “pahlavan” is woven from Chapter One through to the end of the book. Discuss your understanding of pahlavan. Do you know or know of anyone you would consider a true pahlavan?
