After nearly four years of reporting and writing, including a year of delay due to the pandemic, The Heartbeat of Iran comes at a momentous time in western relations with Iran given the ongoing talks in Vienna, the upcoming presidential election in Iran on June 18, and regional events that dominate news headlines in the United States and around the world.

Far from being a political narrative, in her debut book, Tara Kangarlou invites readers into the heart and soul of a country that's often seen through insular headlines and a political fog that blurs the reality of life for millions of Iranians inside the country. Each chapter is a deeply nuanced, textured, and intimate journey into the diversity of beliefs, struggles, and complexities of life in today's Iran - all told through the real stories of its people. From the story of a transgender woman in Tehran, a hardworking saffron farmer in the dry lands of Khorasan, a young Rabbi, or a blind environmental activist in the country's poorest state of Sistan and Baluchestan - readers will gain an unmatched access into this "mysterious" country and travel on a humanized journey to meet everyday Iranians from different walks of life.

At a time when much of the world is grappling with the impact of the pandemic, political discord, and social distress, The Heartbeat of Iran offers an unprecedented insight into how people's shared humanity, culture, and aspirations are far greater and more powerful than any rift or divide.

Tara can not only speak to the politics and policies revolving around Iran, but can deeply unpack the nuances and textures of life inside this county of 83 Million.

Tara Kangarlou Biography Final 240521

Tara Kangarlou, based in London is an award-winning journalist who has produced, written, and reported for NBC-LA, CNN, CNN International, and Al Jazeera America, as well as digital news outlets such as Al Monitor, Vanity Fair, TIME, and The Huffington Post.

She has previously served as a fellow at the East West Institute, is a global advocate on Mental Health, and a frequent commentator on various international news outlets covering the MENA region, humanitarian issues and foreign affairs.

As a journalist, she has interviewed many high ranking government officials, heads of states, and newsmakers in the US and around the world; and in recent years has spent much time covering the rise and fall of ISIS, the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, as well as other pressing humanitarian issues worldwide.

In 2015, she led Al Jazeera America’s team with unprecedented access to report and produce from inside Iran during the historic nuclear negotiations. Tara has also reported from Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the world’s largest refugee camp, covering the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims fleeing from Myanmar.

Born out of her extensive reporting and firsthand knowledge of the global refugee crisis, in 2016, she founded Art Of Hope, the first American nonprofit that solely focuses on supporting the psycho-social and mental health needs of war-torn refugees in vulnerable communities. Since launch, Art Of Hope has helped hundreds of Syrian refugees and in-need individuals in Lebanon—home to the largest number of refugees per capita in the world.

Tara is also a frequent speaker and host at global forums discussing pressing political and humanitarian issues; and is a global advocate on Mental Health for war-torn children and refugees. Throughout her storytelling, Tara works hard to build-bridges, connect cultural & social divides, and foster dialogue among people of different cultures, countries, and backgrounds.

In 2018 she was the recipient of the Ted Sorensen Award from Network 20/20 for her impact journalism and humanitarian work.

Tara was born and raised in Tehran, Iran; is fully bilingual in English and Farsi, and lives between London and New York. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from UCLA and a Master’s Degree in Journalism from USC.

Her debut book, The Heartbeat of Iran is the result of four years of reporting, research, and writing, which reveals the complex and nuanced realities of life in Iran through the very intimate and textured stories of its people.

Tara Kangarlou Can Speak On:

-            All things Iran, the Middle East & Muslim communities at large.

-            Migration, the global refugee crisis, asylum seekers.

-            Women empowerment, female leadership, mentorship

-            Arts, culture and politics in the Arab world and the MENA region.

-            Impact storytelling and journalism.

-            Marginalized communities worldwide.

-            Diversity in media and challenges of life as an immigrant in the US, UK and beyond.

-            Foreign affairs and international issues - particularly humanitarian and diplomatic issues.

-            Mental Health, PTSD, trauma among war-torn refugees and vulnerable youth. (Through her work with her nonprofit Art of Hope)

TW: @TaraKangarlou

LinkedIn: TaraKangarlou

IG: @TaraKangarlou

Website: www.TaraKangarlou.com

FB: TaraKangarlouJournalist

Book Link: The Heartbeat of Iran

Charity https://www.artofhopeglobal.org/

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