Book Review: Couchsurfing in Iran

Couchsurfing is a special kind of travel–hosts offer their homes and local expertise to travelers looking for an economical way to explore. Couchsurfing in a country where couchsurfing is illegal takes a very special kind of traveler…and Stephan Orth is that kind of traveler.

In Couchsurfing in Iran: Revealing a Hidden World, he takes us with him on his journey through Iran as he travels from couch to couch meeting locals and exploring cities in a country that most of us don’t know much about. With curiosity and openness, he brings to life the sights, sounds, and people of Iran.

It’s an interesting and thought-provoking read with many insights into the Iranian people, their culture, and their freedoms (and lack thereof). I realized just how little I knew about the country and how many pre-conceptions I had of Iranians–Orth’s experiences and observations go beyond what is in the media and show us both the “official” Iran with his visits to cultural sites and the “unofficial” Iran with his interactions with his hosts and other locals.

There are also some very real (and very funny) observations of travel in general.

Reading Couchsurfing in Iran is a great way to learn more about Iran and its people from someone who is adventurous, thoughtful, and open.

(Note: This is a great book for a book club; check out our Couchsurfing in Iran Book Club Guide for ideas!)