My Name Is Mahtob: The Story that Began in the Global Phenomenon Not Without My Daughter Continues Hardcover – December 1, 2015

I just stopped crying having finished this book. I'm so happy for Mahtob and her success. This book was clearly and simply written in a cohesive manner that would give complete closure to any fan of Betty Mahmoody's. My main and giant criticism is that I see no evidence that either Betty or Mahtob received any counseling for their clear post traumatic stress disorder. This book is a fascinating read for lovers of Betty's books as it is hypnotic story about the same experiences from two different points of view. Over the years I did watch parts of the Finnish documentary and never believed Dr. Mahmoody's side of the story because it seemed preposterous that an independent American mother would choose to live in a brutal dictatorship run country at war with another brutal regime. I feel like I've known Mahtob my whole life and wish her a long life filled with good health, few flares and happiness. Gd bless you, Mahtob! Xoxoxo

I was excited to get this memoir, since I had been such a fan of her mother’s story. As with any memoir, voice is so important. I was enjoying the story until she called her father “lazy“ – this smacked of her still resident anger against her father, after all, this is supposed to be a six-year-old telling her story, but how does a six-year-old have such an adult observation such as calling someone lazy? Furthermore, her father had been an engineer with NASA and then became an anesthesiologist – both of which you don’t get by being lazy! Because the author’s voice turned sour at this point I put down the book and did not return to it. I find it very strange that her editors did not point out this glaring breach of trust with the reader, but, there it is nonetheless.

I have read Mahtob's mother's and father's book. I was really glad i read them all. Mahtob did an excellent job writing her story. When i read Not Without my Daughter; I struggled with it. I felt terrible for what they went through, but Betty's and her co authors writing seemed to paint all Iranians in a negative light. It is clear a network of Iranians risked their lives to help Mahtob and her mother, The tone of the movie and the book made Betty seem to have very negative attitude towards Persian people and culture . However, Mahtob, really showed how much her mother truly valued Persian culture and loved the people. I was touched, Betty after all that happened,did not raise Mahtob to be bitter towards her father or their shared culture. Mahtob was taught to embrace and love all. This is a excellent book, I am glad Mahtob wrote her perspective. This is book about a mother and daughter's journey of love, perseverance, and forgiveness. I am so glad Mahtob has a mother and family that loved her so much, helping her through life. I want to write so much more, but i don't want to give anything away. It's a page turner, i did not want to put it down.

For those that were fans of the book Not Without My Daughter, and for Christian readers looking for an uplifting story, I would recommend this book. I would not, however, recommend it to anyone else. This is a book for a narrow audience.While Mahtob’s story is interesting, the writing is sub-par (but not bad) and it becomes very clear very early in the book that the entire memoir is saturated with religious fanaticism. For a non-Christian audience, the book loses its interest as a story about halfway through and become a zealous love letter to the Christian God.Of course, this is not something that should be surprising- when Mahtob was in Iran, her physical possessions from her home were rare, but she could easily cling to the comfort of her God. This would create a clear, strong bond between her and religion. However, as Mahtob has lived an unusual life- both from her traumatic childhood and later years of wealth, religious schooling, and travelling- her views on reality are somewhat distorted. There are a few hints throughout the book that she views Christianity as a religion that is persecuted in America. She writes in a way that gives the impression she views herself, perhaps in a mild degree, as a Christian martyr- such as when people simply disagree with her out loud without using gentle wording.Along the same notes, there are a few musings in the book that are- in short- dangerous thinking. While she never expands on it, Mahtob takes a brief moment to muse about “curing” serious illnesses such as schizophrenia with no medication and only “forgiveness,” as in from the bible. I can say from firsthand experience that this is a poor and unrealistic viewpoint of severe mental illnesses. There are a few other parts in the book that blatantly ignore well-documented research and fact, but that is the one that really stood out to me, especially considering it was her major in college.Other than the extreme saturation of religious fanaticism, the book is interesting. It is a positive and uplifting story starting from a very dark and traumatic experience. Other reviews on this page have gone into greater length on this, so I will avoid repeating what has been said regarding that.

This book is one of the best I have ever read. The author is a courageous young woman. From a young age her challenges are enormous, yet her faith keeps her strong and determined. An admirable and brave woman.

An amazing story of God's love and Grace. I loved reading this book.. Mahtob is a very courageous lady.I wish her every blessing.

It’s a good book, a follow-up to Not Without My Daughter.

I read Not without my Daughter first and was delighted that the daughter had written her story My name is Mahtob and completed the whole story of their ordeal. Amazing reading.

I loved this book, just finished it yesterday. I found it absorbing, some parts were exciting, some moving. It shows a real development from a terrifying childhood to becoming a mature young lady. I don't think it is for young teenagers but for those who are seeking fore help with their own problems, it can provide light on their way.