Books available for Decorah Public Library discussion about Iran

Decorah Public Library is hosting a public discussion of Dr. Shirin Ebadi's memoir, "Iran Awakening: A Memoir of Revolution and Hope," at 7 p.m. Monday February 28. Dr. Ahoo Tabatabai will facilitate the discussion.

An Iranian lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. Shirin Ebadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for her significant and pioneering efforts in democracy and human rights, especially for the rights of women and children. She is the first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to receive the prize. Ebadi will be a keynote speaker at the 23rd Annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum being held at Luther College on March 4-5.

Ebadi earned a law degree from the University of Tehran. In the years 1975-79 she served as president of the city court of Tehran, one of the first female judges in Iran. After the revolution in 1979 she was forced to resign. Previously a professor at the University of Tehran, she now works as a lawyer. In her memoir, Ebadi recounts her public career and reveals her private self: her faith, her experiences, and her desire to lead a traditional life even while serving as a rebellious voice in a land where such voices are muted or brutally silenced.

Discussion facilitator Dr. Ahoo Tabatabai, a native of Iran, is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology at Luther College. Her areas of interest include gender, sexuality, and globalization.

Contact Kristin Torresdal at 563-382-3717 or ktorresdal@decorah.lib.ia.us for more information. Books are available for check-out at the front desk of Decorah Public Library.