From the Shahs to Los Angeles: Three Generations of Iranian Jewish Women Between Religion and Culture Hardcover – November 1, 2012 by Saba Soomekh (SUNY Press)

Although most readers of this book are probably Iranian Jews--the descendants of it's subject matter--and/or students of Dr. Soomekh, I find it extremely illuminating for we non-Iranian/Persians as well. After all, we in Los Angeles live side-by-side to some degree with Persians so it behooves us to learn more about their history and culture--which you will, if you read the intimate information shared in this book.



My only complaint (which was actually shared w/my mother, who read it after me) is the repetition of information. This may be because it serves as a textbook for Dr. Soomekh's classes. So I figured she must be repeating vital info (albeit in different contexts, perhaps) to emphasize its importance--or even perhaps as a hint that she'll be testing her students on those very items...!

Regardless, I learned a lot from the book, and now have an understanding of why local Persians dress, behave and perform as they might--and conversely, why older generations remain unassimilated, and how new generations who break free from traditional expectations are so brave in their iconoclasm.

Soomekh traces the innovation and maintenance of being Jewish in "From the Shahs to Los Angeles", providing a valuable contribution for study and a story on immigrant communities in the U.S. that s accessible to the reader outside the insular community of Iranian Jews in Los Angeles. "Portland Book Review"

As many as 40,000 Iranian Jews live in the Los Angeles area Saba Soomekh, an Iranian-born member of this community, has written an informative profile of the three generations of women in this community As an insider, Soomekh has a unique perspective on these three generations on the basis of her own experience, her background research, and interviews with members of each generation. Jewish Book Council

Saba Soomekh draws a compelling ethnographic portrait of what life was and is for [Jews] in Iran and the United States. "Canadian Jewish News""

Soomekh s study offers some valuable insight into the history, culture, and society of a sometimes insular and somewhat inscrutable segment of Los Angeles s contemporary Jewish community a sound and accessible study. "H-Net Reviews (H-Judaic)" 
Soomekh traces the innovation and maintenance of being Jewish in "From the Shahs to Los Angeles," providing a valuable contribution for study and a story on immigrant communities in the U.S. that s accessible to the reader outside the insular community of Iranian Jews in Los Angeles. "Portland Book Review" 
As many as 40,000 Iranian Jews live in the Los Angeles area Saba Soomekh, an Iranian-born member of this community, has written an informative profile of the three generations of women in this community As an insider, Soomekh has a unique perspective on these three generations on the basis of her own experience, her background research, and interviews with members of each generation. Jewish Book Council 
Saba Soomekh draws a compelling ethnographic portrait of what life was and is for [Jews] in Iran and the United States. "Canadian Jewish News""