In this video I’m sharing my full book review of The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali, and I’m not being dramatic when I say it was five stars, book of the year, favorites of the year—maybe even a favorite ever that I’ve read. I literally finished it yesterday and I needed a minute to sit with it because it’s super emotional and heavy and intense… but also so, so beautiful. The story follows two girls growing up in Iran in the 1950s and ’60s, and we get to watch their friendship form and change as they move from childhood into their teen years. At the same time, the country is going through major turmoil and shifts—different groups fighting for control, and a Shah who isn’t exactly doing all he can for women’s rights or progress. I don’t want to say too much more because a lot happens and it hits hard, but just know I cried so much (like… the entire last hour of reading). If you love historical fiction and women’s empowerment, I would 1,000,000% recommend this to you, and I’m definitely going to read more from this author.