Excellent book!

I remember watching the movie Not Without My Daughter when I was younger, so I was intrigued when I stumbled across this book, as I had wondered what life was like after they escaped Iran. It definitely did not disappoint. Mahtob’s story is amazing and so interesting. I could not put this books down once I picked it up, as it was so well written that I was drawn in to her story. She tells her story with a grace and peace that amazes me, especially when talking about her time in Iran and her father. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has heard of her story or is interested in learning more about it.

I still feel sorry for this young lady. Her life experiences are enough for three or four life times. With all of that being said, Mahtob is a reselient young woman who is wise beyond her years. Het support system extended beyond her mother's family and included kind compassionate members of both sides of her ancestry.

She is blessed to have been immersed in her father's culture as well as the American culture. Her desire to understand and remember her past accurately is a testament to the care and concern her mother showed by never disparaging her father.

Mahtob Mahmoody went through extraordinary challenges that I have not. Her experiences are her experiences, so I cannot give her book just one star. However, the book was not my cup of tea. Her faith is very important to her, and clearly helped her navigate a difficult time. Some of her beliefs, like faith, God, and time in the bible can cure mental diseases including schizophrenia are problematic. Especially coming from someone with a psychology degree. Faith can absolutely have positive effects in a persons life and for their mental health, but it is dangerous to suggest that all you need is God. I also got bored and found the book cringy when she started proselytizing and talking about how Christians are discriminated against.

I was in my teens when I first read Betty Mahmoody's story and it stuck with me. When I viewed the movie, I was struck by how they had downplayed the abuse for the movie. When I read Mahtob's story, I was once again struck by it. What brave women!

These two women, experienced horror. They survived. But not only survived, they became conquerers through it all. They did not allow it to embitter them, but instead sought out to enrich others lives. Mahtob became a mental health professional, while her mother fought to change policy and promote safety for others in her position.

As much as I hated to see their experiences, this book is amazing! The letter at the end was one that I would say was a work of art. She is the prime example of forgiveness, love and care, yet she never spoke to her father again. She was able to remember the things she loved about him, the culture, the food and yet reject the evil narcissistic and abusive behavior that separated her from him. She, despite his evil and the harm he did to them, conquered and went on with her life.

I loved how she pointed out that it didn't mean that they were healed because they forgave. It did not mean they had a relationship with her father, even as she prayed for him. Most of all, I loved seeing the relationship with God that grew through her years afterwards.
This is only my third book of 2016, but I can tell you now, it is going on the top reads of the year already. What an incredible, life changing story! If you have not read "Not without my daughter", check it out as well, but don't miss reading this incredible book as well.

I don't want to be mean to this poor woman after everything she has been through but this book just proves that not everyone can be a writer. The story is interesting, but the writing is horrible. I'm actually surprised she didn't have a better ghost writer or editor. I would not recommend this book.

Betty Mahmoody wrote about the incredible story of how she and her daughter Mahtob were held captive in Iran by her husband and escaped in Not Without My Daughter. My Name Is Mahtob is the story of life after the unimaginable ordeal. The author explains how she lived in constant fear of being re-abducted, her panic attacks and nightmares, and her triumph over it all.