Iran Awakening

A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK • The first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize provides an eyewitness account of her stand at the crossroads of history in this moving and unforgettable memoir.

“Riveting . . . [Iran Awakening] sometimes reads like a police thriller, its drama heightened by [Shirin] Ebadi’s determination to keep up the quotidian aspects of her family life.”—The Washington Post Book World (Best Books of the Year)

“A testament to how a single, inspired voice can rise above the cacophony . . . the book should be required reading.”—The Nation

In Iran Awakening, Dr. Shirin Ebadi recounts her public career and reveals her private self: her faith, her experiences, and her desire to lead a traditional life even while serving as a rebellious voice in a land where such voices are muted or brutally silenced.

Ebadi describes her girlhood in Tehran, her education, and her early professional success as Iran’s most accomplished female jurist—until hardline clerics demoted her after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. She eventually fought her way back as a human rights lawyer, defending women and children in politically charged cases that most lawyers were afraid to represent.

In reading Ebadi’s story, we come to see a devoted daughter, wife, and mother. Ebadi is an everywoman, albeit one who has braved imprisonment, harassment, and assassination attempts, all for the dream of a better Iran for her daughters and for generations to come. For her bravery and selflessness, she has been embraced as a national hero and as a key player in helping to forge Iran’s destiny, whatever it may be.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs