Rating: 
Summary: A well written account of human bonding accross cultures
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Seeking to unite with Hassan (a vibrant and colorful character from his childhood in Iran), Terrence Ward penetrates into the soul of an ancient culture and captures the nuances of this fascinating civilization. In the end, he convincingly demonstrates that what makes us all human is, and will always, be separate from the fleeting demands of politics and economy.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning in every way
Review: I watched a Book C-Span talk by the author and was impressed by his expertise on seeing [correctly] both sides of the Islamic coin, i.e. the mystical as well as the shari'a. I ordered the book and could not put it down.It is not a book to be speed-read, but rather Ward's rainbow prose is to be savored as the delicious repast it certainly is. He weaves the saga of the Ward family's journey the way Fatimeh, no doubt, wove her beautiful rugs of saffron gold, azure blues and pomegranite reds into Gardens of Earthly Delights. My favorite part is his description of Donna's resoluteness in marching into Tudeshk when almost everyone in the family was on the verge of giving up their seach for Hassan. Ahh, the Power of Intention. It works in mysterious ways. Often what is regarded as 'coincidence' is really the work of angels. Thanks to Mr. Ward, this book has been a paradigm shift for my consciousness. I had had not a speck of curiosity for middle eastern lore and no desire to visit. Now, my interest is piqued to the max and I would very much like to plan my own Persian adventure. Prepare to fall in love with the Hassan, Fatimeh and the entire Ward clan.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning in every way
Review: I watched a Book C-Span talk by the author and was impressed by his expertise on seeing [correctly] both sides of the Islamic coin, i.e. the mystical as well as the shari'a. I ordered the book and could not put it down. It is not a book to be speed-read, but rather Ward's rainbow prose is to be savored as the delicious repast it certainly is. He weaves the saga of the Ward family's journey the way Fatimeh, no doubt, wove her beautiful rugs of saffron gold, azure blues and pomegranite reds into Gardens of Earthly Delights. My favorite part is his description of Donna's resoluteness in marching into Tudeshk when almost everyone in the family was on the verge of giving up their seach for Hassan. Ahh, the Power of Intention. It works in mysterious ways. Often what is regarded as 'coincidence' is really the work of angels. Thanks to Mr. Ward, this book has been a paradigm shift for my consciousness. I had had not a speck of curiosity for middle eastern lore and no desire to visit. Now, my interest is piqued to the max and I would very much like to plan my own Persian adventure. Prepare to fall in love with the Hassan, Fatimeh and the entire Ward clan.
Rating:
Summary: Ab Fab
Review: If I could, I'd give this book 6 stars. It's absolutely wonderful!! Although I'm Iranian, this book taught me so much more about my culture- things that I didn't know, I learned, and things that I had a vague idea about, it cleared up. I think this book is a must read for anyone- especially Americans. I wish we had more writers like Terrence Ward to help clear up such a misunderstood culture. He is very compassionate and has a clear and educated understanding of Iranians and our culture.
Rating: 
Summary: Lovely description of Iranian Culture, but...
Review: Mr. Ward writes a pleasing account of his family's journey to Iran. His description of Iran's history and the beautiful hospitality of the Iranian people is artfully done. The people of Iran and the West have ever been friends. Mr. Ward effectively describes this hidden, but rich culture. On a personal basis, he makes a compelling argument for Rapproachment. Respectfully, I dissent from Mr. Ward's shocking anti-American position asserted in this book and his negative description of Iranian ex-patriots. I have known many of these ex-patriots. Most fled Iran in fear for their lives. They are cultured and honest and should not be painted with the brush of profiteers. Likewise, I am disturbed by Mr. Ward's deliberately soft approach to a revolutionary regeme that executed thousands of its citizens, extended a bloody war with Iraq that could have ended years earlier, and one that has been a deliberate sponsor of international terrorism. Mr. Ward doesn't justify these acts, but does seem to reconcile them by repeating that during his journey, he noticed no beggars on the streets. I suppose you can't make an omlette without breaking a few eggs. I recommend this book. Nonetheless, to potential purchasers, realize that it is written by someone who describes his family as having been under self imposed exile from the implicity evil United States.
Rating:
Summary: old and new, yet unchanged
Review: Mr. Ward's story is not only a well written account of a personal journey to reconnect with his past but it also opens our minds to an entirely different culture where even today there are "secret groups" whose intention is integrating the divine into daily life and not being concerned with transient power possessors located either in the east or west because they know the only real power, the only lasting power is the divine. Reading the book sparked in me enthusiasm to return to Iran having spent a month there in March 2001 where I met (real) Sufis with occupations such as carpet dealers, healers, taxi drivers, business men. They met secretly or "under cover" continuing the ancient practices specific to their traditions... Naqshband, Netamahali, Qadiri,etc...
Rating:
Summary: Well Done Mr. Ward
Review: Read this book and while you are following one American family's exciting trip through Iran in pursuit of it's goal, you'll learn more about the country and its rich history, culture, people, warmth and hospitality, kindness, etc. And at the end, you'll find yourself having a different picture of Iran and Iranians that you probably didn't know existed. You'll feel good. I guarantee it.
Rating:
Summary: Well done Mr. Ward.
Review: Read this book and while you are following one American family's exciting trip through Iran in pursuit of it's goal, you'll learn more about the country and its rich history, people, warmth and hospitality, kindness, etc. And at the end, you'll find yourself having a different picture of Iran and Iranians that you probably didn't know existed. You'll feel good. I guarantee it.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful book
Review: Searching for Hassan is a beautifully written book that should be read by everyone interested in humanity and the ties that bind us all. I wish this book had gotten more press...readers of every age will enjoy this story.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing!
Review: Terence Ward proved me wrong. Not all Americans are ignorant about Iran. What a shame politicians can't have the understanding and sensitivity of the Ward family when it comes to dealing with, and making decisions for, non-western cultures. As my Irish-American husband said joyfully: "Another Irishman standing up for Iran!"
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