Azadeh Moaveni

Iran’s government is trying to distract people from real issues, like inflation and international sanctions, by banning certain hairstyles.

Farnaz Abdoli, a fashion designer, is pushing the boundaries in Iran with her colorful and edgy clothing line called POOSH.

This year’s recommendations come from writers and journalists including Granta editor John Freeman and writer Yiyun Li.

‘Death to the Dictator!: A Young Man Casts a Vote in Iran’s 2009 Election and Pays a Devastating Price’ is an insider’s account of one voter’s experience in detention after the bloody protests that followed last summer’s presidential election in Iran.

As the Obama administration continues to carefully move toward new diplomatic relations with Iran, a book has just been released that gives new insight into life in Iran during the era of President Ahmadinejad. Guest: author Azadeh Moaveni.