Monday, November 23, 2009

Totenbein in Natural Bridge

You can read my short story, "Totenbein," and lots of great fiction and poetry in the current issue of Natural Bridge, available in bookstores and libraries everywhere.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

We Are All Iran -- San Francisco Public Library

If you've looked over at the cover of Bone Worship lately and wondered if A)it looks somewhat different and B) if you've gone somewhat crazy, don't fret. The cover has indeed changed slightly, but I love it just as much. (I hope you do too! :)

In other news, on December 12th, I'll be reading from my novel with several wonderful AIAW writers at the We Are All Iran event at the San Francisco Public Library. I'm thrilled to be the company of such an excellent group of writers. If you're in the Bay Area, please come and join us.

Sat, Dec. 12th, 2-4 pm - SF Public Library
We Are All Iran: A Literary Reading to Mark the 6-month Anniversary of the Iranian Elections
The June 12, 2009 Iranian presidential election put the international spotlight on Iran and the courageous acts of its citizens who filled the streets of Tehran to protest the election results. The days and weeks that followed June 12th--when ordinary citizens took to the streets to protest, to raise their voices-- inspired people around the globe..
As the months have dragged on and media coverage has waned, the U.S. news headlines have refocused on Iran's nuclear ambitions--and by doing so have minimized the spirit and energy of the Iranian people in their efforts to challenge their government.
To remember and bear witness to the extraordinary courage of the Iranian people, Bay Area writers from the Association of Iranian American Writers (AIAW) will share their literary work at the San Francisco Public Library.
Bay Area poets and novelists will read from published and recent work and invite members of the community to share with us as we remember the courage and sacrifice of those in Iran struggling for democracy, human rights, and to have their voices heard.

Authors to read include:

Persis Karim (introduction)


Laleh Khadivi
Esther Kamkar
Elizabeth Eslami
Ari Siletz
Anahid Hojjati
Farnoosh Seifoddini
Tissa Hami
Katayoon Zandvakili
Angella Nazarian



Date: Saturday, December 12, 2009
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Where: San Francisco Public Library

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Official website now up!

Read about the book and buy a copy at my shiny new website.

Bone Worship Reviewed in Library Journal

Bone Worship just got a really nice review from Library Journal! Here's an excerpt:

“First-time novelist Eslami gives us the perfectly titled story of Jasmine Fahroodi, an aimless college dropout seeking direction in her life… Her discovery of what she feels passionate about is compelling and authentic. Another thread in the story is her Iranian father's determination to arrange a marriage for her. While it's a bit puzzling why a man who rejected his homeland and family and married a very American wife would seek such a traditional solution for his daughter, the resolution of this story line is immensely satisfying. The novel is full of wonderfully drawn characters, especially Jasmine's awkward, gruff father. And there are some lovely stories about the father's childhood… VERDICT This debut's real strength lies in its treatment of the Fahroodi family's complex relationships and of Jasmine's journey into womanhood. Recommended for readers who enjoy immigrant family dramas, such as Monica Ali's Brick Lane and Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake.”—Evelyn Beck, Library Journal

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Odds, Ends, and Litfest

Hi everyone,

Just a heads up that you can check out my story, "Everything Gets Mixed Together at the Pueblo" now in Crab Orchard Review's current issue, Cultural Heritages in the 21st Century, available in hard copy everywhere. This story also received an honorable mention in Glimmer Train's Fiction Open.

In the social media department, don't forget you can now follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Red Room, in case you didn't notice all the razzmatazz down below.

And finally, it seems the book tour for Bone Worship is finally taking shape! Yay! There are several readings lined up in Eugene and the surrounding area in January -- more on that later -- and, excitingly, I'll be at the famous SMU Litfest in Dallas in April. Mark your calendars! :)