Understanding the Iranian Diaspora Experience

The speaker discusses their initial disconnect with the Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles due to cultural differences and family background. They share observations on the Americanized Iranian community and their experiences at Sarah Lawrence College, where they met similar individuals. The release of their novel brought support from the Iranian American community, leading to interactions with Iranian artists and readers. The speaker also shares humorous and insightful interactions with Iranians, both in Iran and abroad, and discusses literary interests, highlighting the community's diverse reading preferences.

What was the narrator's initial feeling towards the Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles?

• A sense of belonging

• A feeling of revulsion

• A strong connection

• A desire to assimilate

Why did the narrator feel disconnected from the Iranian American community during college?

• They were focused on academics

• They were the only Iranian student

• They met only a few half-Iranian peers

• They had no interest in Iranian culture

How did the release of the narrator's novel impact their connection with the Iranian American community?

• It isolated them further

• It helped them connect with like-minded individuals

• It was ignored by the community

• It led to criticism from the community

What is a common theme in the emails the narrator receives from Iranians in Iran?

• Questions about American culture

• Inquiries about their religion

• Requests for book copies

• Criticism of their work

What was the reaction of Iranians in Iran to the narrator's work?

• Criticism and disapproval

• Complete ignorance

• Curiosity and engagement

• Indifference

What business proposal did the narrator receive from an Iranian carpet seller?

• To write a book about carpets

• To buy rugs with Zoroastrian imagery

• To collaborate on a cultural project

• To invest in a carpet business

How do Iranian bloggers and readers feel about 'The Kite Runner'?

• They love it

• They find it pedestrian

• They are indifferent

• They have never heard of it

What platform does the narrator use to engage with the Iranian diaspora about literature?

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Goodreads

• Twitter

What is a common complaint from Iranians about book recommendations from the US?

• They are not diverse

• They are hard to find

• They always recommend 'The Kite Runner'

• They are too expensive

What is the narrator's perception of the Iranian bloggers they correspond with?

• Conservative and traditional

• Progressive and bright

• Uninterested and dull

• Hostile and critical