Book Club Pick #2 Is Taking Us To Iran
Plus, a note about the LA Wildfires
They say home is where the heart is. But what does home mean when you're forced to leave it behind, or it’s destroyed due to climate change or war?
Just last week, Los Angeles suffered a devastating loss as wildfires tore through homes, communities, and landscapes, consuming everything in their path—a reminder of the fragility of life and the rise of climate migration.
Like many of you, I found myself glued to the New York Times this past week, overwhelmed by the heart-wrenching stories and images. I keep asking myself: when will these people have a home again? While a home can take many forms—found in the embrace of friends, family, or the strength of a community—it also remains a tangible space, a place where we feel safe, secure, and grounded. The loss of that space is not just physical; it’s deeply emotional, disrupting identity and belonging.
Here are some questions that left me pondering and looking for answers.
Can we afford to ignore the warning signs of a planet in crisis?
What role do we play in protecting our communities from the devastating effects of a changing climate?
How many more lives and homes must be lost before we take meaningful action?
Here are some insightful reads on the current climate crisis:
For donations:
World Central Kitchen is an incredible international organization making a meaningful difference for families impacted by crises. Click here to donate to families affected by the LA wildfires.
Book #2 Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
Start date: February 1st.
Zoom Virtual Meetup: Thursday, February 27th @ 7 pm. The link will be shared closer to the date.
Purchase the book here.
Book Intro: Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi recounts Nafisi's experience teaching Western literature to a group of female students in Iran during the volatile period following the Islamic Revolution. The book focuses on a secret book club Nafisi held at her home with seven of her female students, where they explored forbidden Western classics.
Why YOU should read this book?
As themes of censorship, gender inequality, and authoritarianism persist globally, the book serves as a reminder of how literature can foster critical thought, resilience, and hope. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi is relevant today because it explores resistance, identity, and the transformative power of literature in oppressive regimes.
I created The Culture of Travel book club to help us deepen our understanding of the world and our shared humanity. Our reading selections will vary: some books will explore the travel industry, while others will dive into global issues within specific destinations. In a time when global movements for women's rights are gaining momentum—particularly in Iran, where recent protests have called for justice and equality—this book is a tribute to the enduring strength of individuals who resist oppression. It provides both a lens into the socio-political struggles of the past and a framework for understanding current events, encouraging dialogue about freedom and the power of education. With its timely relevance, I’m excited for you to read it alongside me. Comment below or reply to this email if you plan on joining!
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