Prisoner

An important story. Harrowing, and suspenseful, yesbut its also a deep dive into a complex and egregiously misunderstood country with two very different faces. There is no better time to know more about Iranand Jason Rezaian has seen both of those faces.Anthony BourdainThe dramatic memoir of the journalist who washeld hostage in a high-security prison in Tehran for eighteen months and whose releasewhich almost didnt happenbecame a part of the Iran nuclear dealIn July 2014, Washington Post Tehran bureau chief Jason Rezaian was arrested by Iranian police, accused of spying for America. The charges were absurd.Rezaians reporting was a mix of human interest stories and political analysis. He had even served as a guide for Anthony BourdainsParts Unknown. Initially, Rezaian thought the whole thing was a terrible misunderstanding, but soon realized that it was much more dire as it became an eighteen-month prison stint with impossibly high diplomatic stakes.While in prison, Rezaian had tireless advocates working on his behalf. His brother lobbied political heavyweights including John Kerry and Barack Obama and started a social media campaign#FreeJasonwhile Jasons wife navigated the red tape of the Iranian security apparatus, all while the courts used Rezaian as a bargaining chip in negotiations for the Iran nuclear deal.In Prisoner, Rezaian writes of his exhausting interrogations and farcical trial.He also reflects on his idyllic childhood in Northern California and his bond with his Iranian father, a rug merchant; how his teacher Christopher Hitchens inspired him to pursue journalism; and his life-changing decision to move to Tehran, where his career took off and he met his wife. Written with wit, humor, and grace,Prisonerbrings to life a fascinating, maddening culture in all its complexity.Jason paid a deep price in defense of journalism and his story proves thatnot everyone who defends freedom carries a gun, some carry a pen.John F. Kerry, 68th Secretary of State