Instruct: Classify an Amazon review as either positive or negative.
Query: An excellent blend of anecdote and history

Elaine Sciolino's book is an excellent introduction to the past two decades of Iranian history. I have a profound respect for any journalist who not only reported on the revolution firsthand (you have to read how she was on Khomeini's plane!), but saw enough beauty in this country to return many more times.While I am curious as to the response of this book by Iranians still living in Iran, as an American I found this a fair treatment of the current crises faced by this nation. Sciolino tempers her reporting of some of the negative aspects of Iran today (poor economy, a generation without jobs) with many anecdotes celebrating the warmth of the people. All in all, an engaging, excellent history book!