Review of Odyssey of High Hopes

[mrlefty0706]

"Odyssey of High Hopes" by Cyrus A. Ansary is a memoir about the author’s walk through a life full of adventure. As a young man he dreamed of leaving Iran and moving to America. In order to go to America Cyrus needed to overcome several obstacles including his concern that America might not be what he thought it would be. The book gives very interesting details about Iran and how he and his family moved around the country several times due to his father’s job promotions until they settled in Tehran so Hushang could receive the best education and go to medical school. When his father met and courted his wife in Shiraz she did not want to move to the Ahvaz, the oil producing city that father was from. So, he promised her that they would move to Shiraz once he had found a job there. Cyrus idolized his father and he found that his father’s teachings valuable in his life. Cyrus had a very interesting personality and he was and still is an outgoing, fun and loving man that readers would enjoy meeting and spending time with him. Cyrus describes his parents, siblings and wife and how much he loved them. In the book he relates stories about his life in a way that brings the tales to life. The book comprises three books, each focusing on a different time in his life. He was a quick learner and actually learned an alien language on his own when he was a child. Being the youngest in his family he decided early in life that he wanted to be as successful as his brother Hushang who happened to be his mother’s favorite. He had amazing goals but when his mother became sick, he had to fend for himself. The book details what happened to his father and his other siblings. The story about the bully killing a Persian kitten without reason was very sad and Cyrus did not understand how anyone could be so cruel. The sample included the history from the time when Persia was a very large country and by the 20th century Arabs, Jews and Christians lived in harmony. The sample was excellent and it has motivated me to want to read the entire book.

[Mercy Bolo]

This memoir narrates the life of Cyrus Ansary. He was the youngest of the Ansary household and grew up in Iran. He takes readers to different locations around the country and eventually realizes his teenage dream of moving to the United States. This is a story of hope and triumph amidst adversity.

[Janet Kimetto]

I think I'd enjoy reading the story of the author's determination in the pursuit of his dreams and his eventual success, both because it sounds inspiring and because I'm interested in finance and economics. Thanks for the review!

[Black dragonn]

What a wonderful and heartfelt review! You’ve described the book in such a warm and engaging way that it really feels like I’ve already taken a journey with Cyrus Ansary. I appreciate how you highlighted not just his life story, but also the emotions, cultures, and moments that shaped him. It sounds like a book full of inspiration and strength. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so honestly—it makes me want to pick up the book right away!