The Wind in My Hair

My Fight for Freedom in Modern Iran

By: Masih Alinejad

Narrated by: Linda Henning

Length: 14 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

An extraordinary memoir from an Iranian journalist in exile about leaving her country, challenging tradition, and sparking an Online movement against compulsory hijab.

A photo on Masih's Facebook page: a woman standing proudly, face bare, hair blowing in the wind. Her crime: removing her veil, or hijab, which is compulsory for women in Iran. This is the self-portrait that sparked "My Stealthy Freedom", a social media campaign that went viral.

But Masih is so much more than the arresting face that sparked a campaign inspiring women to find their voices. She's also a world-class journalist whose personal story, told in her unforgettably bold and spirited voice, is emotional and inspiring. She grew up in a traditional village where her mother, a tailor and respected figure in the community, was the exception to the rule in a culture where women reside in their husbands' shadows. As a teenager, Masih was arrested for political activism and was surprised to discover she was pregnant while in police custody. When she was released, she married quickly and followed her young husband to Tehran, where she was later served divorce papers to the shame and embarrassment of her religiously conservative family. Masih spent nine years struggling to regain custody of her beloved only son and was forced into exile, leaving her homeland and her heritage. Following Donald Trump's notorious immigration ban, Masih found herself separated from her child, who lives abroad, once again.

A testament to a spirit that remains unbroken, and an enlightening, intimate invitation into a world we don't know nearly enough about, The Wind in My Hair is the extraordinary memoir of a woman who overcame enormous adversity to fight for what she believes in, and to encourage others to do the same.

©2018 Masih Alinejad (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"With mighty righteousness on her side and bravery in her heart, Masih Alinejad is a flame-thrower for the rights of all women who live under the thumb of repression and injustice." (Tina Brown, author of The Vanity Fair Diaries)

"Masih Alinejad is a fearless champion for women's rights. She built her career as a reporter uncovering powerful truths and writing passionately in support of human rights in a country where doing so meant risking one's freedom and safety. Her book is a must-read for anyone who cares about women's equality and autonomy-in Iran, the United States, and everywhere." (Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and founder of LeanIn.Org and OptionB.Org)

"Masih Alinejad's inspiring journey from an ordinary working-class village girl in Iran into a transnational activist-journalist is a testimony to not only her talents and passionate dedication to equal rights, but also to the aspiration and determination of many Iranian women whose stories are recounted by her. Masih's courageous journey is part of a growing women's rights movement that resonates with women everywhere." (Nayereh Tohidi, director, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at California State, Northridge)

must read

conservatives won't see the parallels with their behavior in the US, while some liberals might be unhappy with the criticism

Phenomenal!

I will definitely read this book again. Highly recommended! Brilliant inside look into Iranian life.

That’s a true and touching story which talks about all of discrimination that Iranian women face. Women Life Freedom.

I am very proud of women in Iran and very hopeful for seeing free Iran.

Timely novel

I saw the author on the Bill Mahr show. Yes she does have crazy hair! The theme of the book is compulsory hijab in Iran. It is timely because of the current protest in Iran regarding government corruption and the murder of a young woman over hijab. Sometimes the author engages in difficult behavior but it fuels her passion. Sometimes I could not keep all of the Persian names straight but it was not a major problem. Very good book. I enjoyed it.

Excellent "read" very eye opening !!

Loved it!! my whole family enjoyed listening to this book at the times they were along in the car. excellent eye opening material !!

Compulsory Hijab in Iran

This is a wonderful read about compulsory hijab and lack of human rights especially for women in Iran.
Woman life freedom.

Thanks Dear Masih

loved the narration and message

Great message to the world from the voiceless ones! loved the narration, content, and delivery style.

A Moving Sory

A very powerful and amazing story of a woman who stood up against violation of basic of human rights in Iran. An inspiration to all women around the world.

loved it.

towards the end, I couldn't put it down. I'm moved by the strength of Masih Alinejad

Brave!

We should all be inspired by the struggle for the freedom of choice. A simple, basic kind of freedom: to be able to share this world respecting people’s choices of wearing their identities in their bodies. Compulsory religious dressing codes is a serious and sad reality for so many women. We need to be together to fight for human dignity.