A Broad Abroad in Iran: An Expat's Misadventures in the Land Of Male Dominance Paperback – October 31, 2012

A girl friend mentioned this book to me because she had read Ms. Cross' book and thought I would enjoy the read; glad I picked it up. Read it in 2 days once I got started.The book is fast paced, witty, interesting, and written as if "Dodie" was sitting down with you over coffee telling her story. Ms. Cross' husband worked for an oil company and had the opportunity to go to Iran...that's how it starts and how she managed to get herself, her family, and all their lives ready to move across the globe is a story in itself.If you are interested in Middle Eastern culture, Iranian history during the fall of the Shah, or how an expat deals with life abroad (humerously written but respectful) then pick up this book. The Cross family did not live in Iran for long, so this book (a two year period) does not go into real depth on the things I mentioned but it interesting from an American woman's stand point.I look forward to reading "A Broad Abroad in Thailand" which is actually Ms. Cross' first book; but the move to Thailand came after Iran, interesting.

I was a child of a BHI employee . We lived in Iran from 1971 until 1978 . It all seemed so long ago .. Until reading this book . I was young teen when I left Esfahan so it seemed like we had lost everything I considered home .. But wow hearing story again makes me feel really blessed we escaped . Thank you

Dodie Cross has written a wonderful memoir that brought back many personal memories of my own experiences as an expat kid in Iran in 1977 and 1978. It is an easy read that provides both history and perspective during an extraordinarily tense period in Iran. The culture shock stories made me chuckle as I read them. From getting pinched in the bazaar, grabbed by a rider on a motorcycle or experiencing the Iranian "toilet", all made for an enjoyable read.

Humorous, enlightening! Dodie writes with so much humor, you will not want to put this fascinating book down! It's is written so well, you feel like you are there along side her experiencing every part of her life during this time. It made me appreciate the land I live in so much more, and realize so much we take for granted in America! I recommend this book to everyone! A great book, Dodie!

A good inside view of expats living in a country that doesn't treat women as equals. It gave me the impression that I would never, ever have the courage or desire to travel to some Middle East countries. However, the descriptions of living in Iran are quite interesting and, at times, scary. A good read and a real eye-opener.

So honest. Loved it. As an expat wife and mother I could really relate to how she felt. Fortunately I have never faced some of the terrifying situations she has. Dodie is one gutsy broad!

So funny. I really need to follow Dodie on more adventures. You feel like she is in your living room telling you a funny story. A fun romp!

Even better than Dodie's first book, A Broad Abroad in Thailand! With the release of ARGO and all the attention to the final days of the Shah's reign, it's a treat to have a front-row seat into Dodie's experiences during those tumultuous last days. I felt that I was right there alongside her as she moved her family from Southern California and acclimated to Iran's very strange and different culture. Having traveled throughout the Middle East during my sailing circumnavigation, I resonated with her when she had to use the hole-in-the-ground toilet for the first time; I groaned along with her when she threw caution to the winds, drank the water, and succumbed to the Iranian version of Montezuma's Revenge; and I tightened my knuckles when she was forced to take a local taxi. Having bleach-soaked vegetables that I purchased at local markets throughout the world, I laughed when Dodie decided to save time by cleaning them in her washing machine and I empathized with her when she sifted flour to sort out the unwanted protein, such as weevils! At the end, I held my breath as the family discussed whether or not and then how soon to leave Iran as the Shah's regime came to a chaotic end.