Dreaming in English: A Novel

Written by Laura Fitzgerald

Narrated by Angela Dawe

A captivating sequel to the national bestselling novel Veil of Roses.

Knowing she could never be happy in Iran, Tamila Soroush took her mother's advice to "Go and wake up your luck" and joined her sister in the United States. Now, after a spur-of-the-moment exchange of "I do"s with her true love, Ike Hanson, Tami is eager to start her new life.

But not everyone is pleased with their marriage, and Tami's happily- ever-after is no sure thing. With an interview with Immigration looming, Tami wonders if she's got the right stuff when it comes to love, American-style. Maybe her luck is running out. Or maybe she'll stand up for herself and claim her American dream.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Feb 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781441839619

Laura Fitzgerald

A native of Wisconsin, Laura Fitzgerald lives in Arizona with her husband, who is of Iranian descent, and their two children. Her favorite part of being an author is interacting with readers and attending book clubs by phone and in person.

Reviews for Dreaming in English

[nicnac63 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tamila (Tami) Soroush leaves a repressed life in Iran to find opportunity and freedom in the United States. Her plans to find a husband on a visitor’s visa changes drastically when she desperately escapes an arranged marriage and rushes into a Las Vegas wedding with Ike Hanson; an American man she truly loves.Uncertainties build as life in America becomes weighed down with stress and fear. She longs for her parents, who are dominated by fear and won’t leave Iran, worries about her sister’s high-risk pregnancy, is discomforted by her husband’s frustrations, and angered by her mother-in-law’s refusal to accept their marriage as one of love. To top it off, an ominous immigration interview is approaching with a mountain of evidence against her. Through her struggles, Tami continues to appreciate the freedoms that are hers to grab, liberties never afforded her by Iran’s regime. Yet her dreams of starting a business and a family with Ike turn into a nightmare. She questions if she has the strength it takes to live out her dreams when she discovers living in the land of the free comes with a price and never without a fight.PROS: As an American, this book illuminates the things I too often take for granted. Walking in Tami’s shoes clarifies the dreams and struggles of those who weren’t born here. Being born into freedom is a gift we should cherish. Not only does this story demonstrate the struggles for freedom, but entices us to search within ourselves for our strengths, our passions, and our dreams… before it’s too late.CONS: The story is good, but I found the dialogue tags very distracting.

[cattriona · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is the sequel to Fitzgerald's previous book, "Veil of Roses". You don't need to have read Roses to enjoy this one, but reading this one first will definitely kill the surprises for you in Roses."Dreaming in English" is a light, easy read, full of girl power and pro-America sentiment. The plot and characters are not the deepest, and some of the dialogue sounds like it is straight out of a Lifetime TV movie, but the overall story is interesting, if somewhat unbelievable.

[2lz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dreaming in English by Laura Fitzgerald is the sequel to Veil of Roses and a fantastic two book story. I absolutely loved both books.Dreaming in English continues the story of Tamila Sorush, an Iranian woman who came to America on a three month visa with the hope of entering an arranged marriage so she would be able to remain in America. After two failed attempts at arranged marriages to Persian men, Tami marries the man she truly loves, Ike, an American.Both Tami and Ike are special characters. The reader wants their marriage to be successful and their dreams to come true. Together they are an exceptional couple, but not without their critics. Ike's parents, especially his mother, is outraged by the marriage and tries to bully Tami into going back to Iran. A previous failed suitor, who has his own set of problems, is out to make sure her new marriage plans fail. Throughout the story, the reader is rooting for Tami and hoping that Immigration will approve her permanent residency request.I so enjoyed the minor characters in this book as well. Rose, Tami's friend, and Ardisher, Tami's brother-in-law were two of my favorites.This book will have you laughing, crying and cheering for Tamila. I highly recommend this satisfying sequel.

[saffron12_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First of all, I wish I had won this book from the Early Reviewers. . . alas, I was not picked for it, though I had read the first book, "Veil of Roses", five years ago or so. Anyway, of course my local library had this book and the first one as the author is local to my present location. Five years ago, I had now idea I'd been moving to Tucson the next year. . . but that is another story. I am still hoping to meet the author one of these days.I love the character of Tami, and how she develops in this book. She learns to really fight for her freedom and not to give up. I love the relationship between her and Ike. I enjoy how Tami sees the world, too. What sticks with me after finishing "Dreaming in English" are a few things in particular. For instance, Tami points out that Americans seem to find it odd that when you have guests visit, you must have a "giant bowl" of fruit when you serve tea as well as nuts (in our household - my husband is persian-american - because of my nut allergies, bowls of nuts are verboten). I have learned how to serve giants bowls of fruit! Another thing thing that sticks with me are the places and locations specific to Tucson that are mentioned throughout the book. It makes it fun if you can really see the places in your mind. . . but if you've never been to Tucson, it should not take away from your reading experience, either. I might have missed something, but Alibaba (the local Tucson restaurant) is never mentioned in this book, nor any of the middle eastern stores (we have one we go to on occasion.) I though that was kind of weird . . . I mean, I know my husband's opinion on their (Alibaba's) food, service, ambiance, etc, but apparently none of these characters ever go there? Hmmm. I,too, hope there might be a third book someday!

[grnpickle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Laura Fitzgerald, where have you been all my life? First of all, I did not pay close enough attention that this was a sequel. And I did not wait to read the first one. Oh my gosh, I cried and cried and laughed and cried some more. I finally found a character I can cheer for. This is a story about Tami, an Iranian young woman who finds herself being sent back to Iran after her visa expires if she doesn't do something drastic. I think I hit just about every emotion with this book. (I still do not like Ike's mom...evil woman). I feel sorry for whatever I read next, it certainly couldn't compare to this one. Wow!

[amusedbybooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Even though I really, really liked this book I am going to start this review with a complaint. I can't help it. Minor rant here and then we can move on to happy things. This has nothing to do with the book and more to do with the route in which it came to be in my hands. I participate in the LibraryThing EarlyReviewers program. I have almost since I started blogging. I thoroughly enjoy it. If they had included in the synopsis that this was sequel I wouldn't have requested the book and that would have been fine because it is a SEQUEL and I deserve to know this. However, no where in the copy in which I was given to choose this book did that come into play. I feel like it's false advertising. I deserve to know when I am reading a sequel out of order because then I would like to read the first one ahead of it if I can. Ok rant over!I went into Dreaming in English with some misgivings, afraid I wouldn't know the characters or what the heck was going on. I shouldn't have worried! I quickly picked up the story and became enamored with Tamila and her plight in America. Tamila finds herself swept off her feet in Tucson, AZ by the American boy of her dreams, Ike. However all is not to be so easily blessed. Tami was here on a tourist visa from Iran. Even though her family had high hopes that she would perhaps marry one of the Iranian men they had arranged for her, she did not, and instead, at the last minute, married Ike and now she needs to apply for the proper paperwork to keep her in the country.There is also the minor detail of telling Ike's family. See, Ike and Tami knew each other and fell in love before they got married but it was kind of a 'love at first site' situation, not a traditional date for a while, meet everyone's friends and family and then get married situation so Ike's parents might be a little blindsided by their new daughter-in-law. And yes, they are not happy, particular Tami's new mother-in-law.What follows is a story of how a new couple fights not only to stay together but to stay in America. Yes, it's a sweet story but you can't help but root for the good guys and jeer the bad ones. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am so glad, in the end, I read it. Even if it was out of order!

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dreaming in English is a story about the American dream, told from the view of Tamila Soroush, a young Iranian woman attempting to stay in the U.S. through her marriage to an American citizen. Tami really wants her marriage to Ike Hanson to work, but she meets obstacles in the form of her in-laws, former fiances, and a new business, not to mention a looming immigration interview. Nevertheless, Tami is repeatedly encouraged to take her destiny into her own hands and fight for the freedom she so desperately desires. A good read that truly makes one think about what it means to be American and the promise the American dream holds for so many people.

[mojomomma_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tami comes to Tucson from Tehran officially to visit her sister, but hoping to find a Iranian man to marry before her visa expires so that she can establish residency in the US. After a string of unsuitable suitors, a handsome American from a coffee shop she had frequented proposes just before she heads back to Iran. The rest of the book discusses her readying for her interview with Immigration, establishing herself in her marriage, and with her new in-laws, and starting a new business with her new husband.This book is a bit predictable, but it's still an engaging story with a tear-jerker ending.

[deslivres5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sorry it took so long to review this lovely book: I first had to track down its predecessor book, Veil of Roses, which my public library didn't carry. AFTER reading Veil of Roses, I was ready to continue the story of Tami (and her family and friends) in the second installment, Dreaming in English. I thoroughly enjoyed the ups and downs of Tami's new life in the US and her coming into her relationships. I wonder if there will be a third installment (maybe?). I REALLY want to know if they eventually went back to the airport to pick up Ardeshir's aunty, who seemed to be totally forgotten at the end of the book (ha!).....

[amaryann21 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Fitzgerald's sequel to Veil of Roses picked up where the first book left off, right into Tami's Las Vegas marriage to Ike. The story is a little slow to show its real substance- Tami finding herself and her freedom. The climax comes to a wonderful close, and you can't help but smile at the end of the book.

[erin9klemm · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read this book without reading the first part, Veil of Roses. Although I enjoyed this different perspective of the American Dream, I think reading the first book would have added to the depth of the story. I liked this book, but I didn't love it. The character development was wonderful, but the story (life in Iran, married life) was lacking a bit, as was the dialogue between characters. I'm anxious to read the first book to see how it compares.

[booksandbutter · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book very much. I loved reading further on the characters from Veil of Roses. I would love to know what happens next too!

[mlraver · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a story filled with hope and promise. A sequel to Veil of Roses gives an insider's look at Tami, a young woman from Tehran, Iran, who lives from happiness in her search for love, family and freedom. Through Tami's eyes we see glimpses of enviable freedom in America...and we also see some of the prejudices and roadblocks that might just prevent others from reveling in their courageous pursuits.

[dlester_32 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Author Laura Fitzgerald continues the story of Tamila Soroush, an Iranian immigrant in her latest novel, Dreaming in English, the sequel to her bestselling book, Veil of Roses. Readers will love finding out what happened to Tami and the love of her life, Ike after their hasty Vegas wedding. Fitzgerald draws on the experience of her husband, a man of Iranian descent to bring authenticity and beliveability to this book, but it's Fitzgerald's knack for character development that readers will fall in love with.While visiting her sister on a three month visitor's visa, Tami makes a spur-of-the moment decision to marry Ike Hanson, the man she has dreamed of her whole life. America will afford her many of the freedom's she could never have in Iran. Leaving her parents and family behind she head to Tucson to start her new life. But, things don't seem to be going her way when she Ike's mother becomes convinced that Tamila is using Ike to get her citizenship. The Immigration Department and Ike's parents are keeping a close eye on their relationship to see if it's real or just a sham. Will she and Ike be able to rise above the controversy and create a life for themselves or will Tami's dream of freedom in America be at an end?Laura Fitzgerald tackles the controversial issue of immigration in her both of novels about Tamila Soroush and her family. Her descriptions about the life of women in Iran and the obstacles they faced are remarkable. I really enjoyed seeing Tami as she began to adjust to life in America. To seeing all the differences from how her life would have been in Iran. Both Veil of Roses and Dreaming in English are well written, with great clarity and emotion. The first book introduced us to Tami, but the second really shows her growth and how she held on to her dreams and made decisions that may have seemed hasty turn into something wonderful.I am sympathize with both sides of the story. Tami had come to America to visit her sister and in hopes of finding someone to marry so she could stay. But she didn't expect to really fall in love. Her relationship with Ike was a surprise and a dream come true, but she didn't consider how it would be viewed by others. I can see why Ike's parents might have been skeptical and worried for their son, but I think his mother took things to the extreme with her behavior. I can totally see how this situation could have transpired in real life and I think the author did an amazing job of bringing the reader a love story that is current and full of possibilities.Fitzgerald's development of the characters was flawless. Tami just seems to bloom as she comes in to her own. She is strong and tenacious but she is also vulnerable and her self-worth and image are challenged a lot in this book. But she comes across as resilient and easily bounces back. I cannot imagine the fear that must go through the minds of women in her situation, knowing that they could be deported and sent back. I think the author did a great job of conveying that earnestness and anxiety. Ike was also a great character, though I wished he would have stood up to his mother a little more forcefully at times. Tami's new friends add a lot of comic relief to the book as there are times when it gets a bit emotional.This book could be read as a stand alone but I think readers would much rather read the two together to get the full effect of the story. I recommend Dreaming in English to all of my readers. It is a great story about the American dream from a different perspective. It is extremely well written and will hold the interest of the reader from start to finish. It's full of wonderful characters and a fast paced plot. This would be a great one to curl up with and read the weekend away.

[lrobe190 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Tamila Soroush comes to America ostensibly to visit her sister, but hoping to find someone to marry so she can stay in America. Her sister tries to arrange a marriage between Tami and a Persian man, but all efforts fall through. On the last day before she must go back to Iran, Tami opens her hotel door to see Ike, an American man she has come to love. Ike knows about her need to marry and so he marries her right away. Even though Tami and Ike love each other, many people don't believe it, instead choosing to believe that Tami only married Ike for a green card. His parents are particularly hostile to Tami. But Ike and Tami continue as a couple, even starting a business together, but the time for Tami's immigration interview is getting closer and she is getting nervous. Will she get to stay in America or will she lose Ike and her freedom completely?Dreaming in English is a sequel to Fitzgerald's previous book, Veil of Roses, the story of Tam's sister. Either book can stand alone, but it's nice to read both. I liked Dreaming in English. The story is told by Tami in first person, present tense. The reader knows what Tami is seeing and thinking at all times. Sometimes funny and sometimes sad, she paints a powerful picture of the reason so many people leave everything and everyone they know to come to this country. Tami is a wonderful character and I didn't want the book to end. Highly recommended.

[beth350 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This sequel to "Veil of Roses," is reall more of a continuation than a sequel. It would not stand alone in that much of the character development is contingent on the earlier book. IIt is a good story that follows Tamila Soroush's attempt to become a permanent US resident after marrying American, Ike Hanson. While the story is well put together, there are few real surprises and the ply chugs along to an expected conclusion.

[schatzi_5 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I really wanted to like this book more than I did, but I found it to be rather dull and predictable. Most of the secondary characters were just flat and lifeless cardboard. I enjoyed Veil of Roses more.

[cmbohn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Tami and Ike are on their way back from their Las Vegas wedding and ready to meet Ike's family. Just in time, Tami gets her dream guy and gets to stay in the US after all. Or does she? She still has to pass the various hurdles necessary to earn immigration status and stay in the United States. Her in-laws aren't convinced this is a love match, and do everything they can to split the newlyweds up. Ike and Tami will have to fight for their Happy Every After.I liked this book, but it could have been better. I'm not sure I really got an accurate picture of what Iran is like. And it seemed like they slipped into newly married life without any troubles at all - no arguments over money, over sex, over chores, nothing? The characters were very likable, but maybe the story was a little light.

[msgemini_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I read Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald and loved it. I was very excited to receive Dreaming in English from librarything. I couldn't wait for Tami's story to continue.Dreaming in English is a continuation of Tami's story but not much of a sequel. While I still love the characters and Ms. Fitzgerald's style of writing, I found this story to be dull. It lacked excitement or surprise and therefore, it was quite predictable. I highly recommend Veil of Roses but would not recommend continuing with the sequel.

[rivkabelle_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I won this through LibraryThing's EarlyReviewers program, and was pretty excited - it sounded really good, and the cover is simply fascinating. When I got the book, I realized "Oops, it's a sequel? Um, okay - the library doesn't have the first one (Veil of Roses), but I'll be brave and go ahead..." For anyone else who may find themselves with Dreaming in English without having access to Veil of Roses, let me assure you: It'll be okay. There's enough 'remembering' that takes place during the story that I did not feel lost or confused. I will still track down and read Veil of Roses, but - right now anyway - I think the two novels can be read as stand-alone works, because of both the 'remembering' mentioned above, and the fact the story has a natural split in focus and theme.Brief synopsis: Tami, a young Iranian woman, had to either marry an American or go back to Iran as her tourist visa expired. Dreaming in English picks up right after Tami and her true love Ike have eloped in Vegas with true knight-in-shining-armor-style. What follows is the battle for freedom that Tami must win to stay in America - not just battling her immigration issues, but also her own personal freedom. Growing up in the repressive state of Iran, Tami has only known the ideologies stating women are inferior, must be kept within certain boundaries, that expression of most kinds - male or female - is dangerous. She grew up knowing only how to live trapped by fear and unrealized, unchased dreams. She never tasted freedom until coming to America - and once here, she was entranced, fascinated, and addicted. But freedom isn't free - nor easy. You have to fight for it. And so this is the story of how Tami fought for her freedom. And it's a beautiful story - passionate, moving.

[blueshelled · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When I read Veil of Roses, the first book in this series, I was captivated by the story of Tami Joon. I watched her navigate the complex system of what it was like to be a foreigner in America and avoid deportation. So, when I learned that Laura Fitzgerald had decided to write a sequel, Dreaming in English, to tell more of Tami’s story, along with Ike, Maryam and other characters from the first book, I was more than excited to get my hands on it and read how this story progressed.When we last left Tami, she’d narrowly avoided deportation thanks to the heroics of her new husband, Ike. He swept in on the proverbial white horse and saved her by a marriage born out of love and not necessity…well, it was a little necessary. Without their marriage, Tami would be deported, and this is the focus of the second book. Tami and Ike’s marriage causes problems with Ike’s family and a surprise visit from the “one that got away” changes everything. Ike’s family balks at what they perceive as a fake marriage, Ike’s dreams for his own coffee house are shattered and the government protests their marriage, which threatens Tami’s status in the country. Will she be allowed to stay in the country she loves so much or will she be deported as her mother was?Ultimately, the characters are still well-developed and lovable. They are dynamic, though there seemed to be less humor in this book than in its predecessor. I found myself missing the friends of Tami’s from her English class and sympathizing more with Ike’s family than I’m sure the author intended. Tami’s ignorance of the way the government worked and Ike’s inability to empathize made me feel like neither of them were very likable in this book. The end felt cliched and too pretty for me. Everything was tied up in a neat little bow and lacked realism. When I was done, the feeling I was left with was that I’d just experienced Legally Blonde 3 and not the great sequel I was anticipating.This was a disappointment after the first novel. If you haven’t read it yet, stick with “Veil of Roses” and allow yourself the option of dreaming your own ending to Ike and Tami’s story. You’ll feel better about it.

[kqueue_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The story opens with Iranian immigrant Tamila and her brand-new American husband, Ike, returning from their unexpected Vegas wedding just hours before Tamila's tourist visa expires. They're madly in love, but now comes the hard parts - telling Ike's family about it and convincing Immigration that it isn't merely a marriage of convenience. To say it goes badly is an understatement. Ike's mother goes ballistic and will stoop to incredible depths to break up the couple, and because of Tami's past engagement history, Immigration isn't convinced that it's a match made in heaven either. This book is a very light read, but the characters are cliched, and the dialogue is stilted and unconvincing. I know that English is supposed to be a second language for Tami, but all of the characters spoke in a very stiff way, especially when they launched into yet another cliche-laden 'Freedom is Great" speech. Ike spends much of the book being disappointed and angry at Tami for not being braver, and Tami spends all her time trying to be the perfect wife and to please Ike. I usually really enjoy books about other cultures, but there were very few glimpses into Iranian culture to hold my attention here. Like all romance novels, it has a happy ending, and it will tug on your patriotic heartstrings so if you really love romance novels or are a fan of Fitzgerald's previous book, then you may like this book, others should pass.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tamila (Tami) Soroush leaves a repressed life in Iran to find opportunity and freedom in the United States. Her plans to find a husband on a visitor’s visa changes drastically when she desperately escapes an arranged marriage and rushes into a Las Vegas wedding with Ike Hanson; an American man she truly loves.Uncertainties build as life in America becomes weighed down with stress and fear. She longs for her parents, who are dominated by fear and won’t leave Iran, worries about her sister’s high-risk pregnancy, is discomforted by her husband’s frustrations, and angered by her mother-in-law’s refusal to accept their marriage as one of love. To top it off, an ominous immigration interview is approaching with a mountain of evidence against her. Through her struggles, Tami continues to appreciate the freedoms that are hers to grab, liberties never afforded her by Iran’s regime. Yet her dreams of starting a business and a family with Ike turn into a nightmare. She questions if she has the strength it takes to live out her dreams when she discovers living in the land of the free comes with a price and never without a fight.PROS: As an American, this book illuminates the things I too often take for granted. Walking in Tami’s shoes clarifies the dreams and struggles of those who weren’t born here. Being born into freedom is a gift we should cherish. Not only does this story demonstrate the struggles for freedom, but entices us to search within ourselves for our strengths, our passions, and our dreams… before it’s too late.CONS: The story is good, but I found the dialogue tags very distracting.

[theeccentriclady · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Having read "Veil of Roses" for my book club I was excited to receive Laura Fitzgerald's follow up book "Dreaming in English" for the early reviewers. I enjoyed this book as much as her 1st one. If you have not read "Veil of Roses", Laura catches you up throughout this book so you are not left in the dark. Laura interjects bits of wisdom and insight making this inspiring as well as enjoyable. Tamila's desire to stay in the US brought strong feeling of pride in my nation that over the past few years has been really lacking. There are many enjoyable characters and plenty of surprises to keep the story from being predictable. I highly recommend this book.

[schoolnurse_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I got this book as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Club. This is the first book I've read by Laura Fitzgerald and it was a real treat. This story reminded me how lucky I am to be free. I love how Tami, the main character, overcame her fears and fought for what she wanted - freedom and the American dream. This was an easy enjoyable read that had me interested till the end. I would recommend this book to others. I guess I need to check out "Veil of Roses" now.

[susanheim · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first book, Veil of Roses, had a light hearted chick lit feel but this book was a soap opera. There are back stabbing villians and deceit and romance and ultimatums...it's Days of Our Lives/Guiding Light/TheYoung and the Restless...drama in the family! I could almost see the closeup contemplative head shots as one scene changed to another. That certainly doesn't mean I didn't like it, I enjoy a good soap opera! There were a few things I didn't like. First was the repeated scenes from the first book. Not a little thought about the past or a quick recap of important events - there was at least one word for word page long scene from the first book included in this one. That example I checked, there were other times I thought she might be repeating but I didn't go verify so am not one hundred percent certain - but I was one hundred percent sure that it was an annoying feeling. I also didn't like how harshly I felt like Ike treated Tami in some instances - it seemed out of character with the ultra sweet guy we fell in love with in the first book. But those two things were it. Other than that, I stayed up late wanting to now how it ends. I really wanted to see the mean girls get their butts kicked - you know, like a knock down cat fight in a water fountain - true soap opera stuff.

[cottongirl7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a wonderful surprise. Living in the USA my entire life, I was afraid I might not be able to relate to the main characters experiences or connect with her life. My worries were unfounded. The book follows Tami, who comes from Iran to visit her sister. Her family wants her to marry someone so she can stay,Tami is caught between her family, and her want to marry for love. Despite all odds, she manages to marry for love even though no one seems to believe it, and is excited about her new life in a country that celebrates everyday acts of freedom. Of course, where there is hope and love, there are always forces working against them. I invite you to read this mesmerizing book, full of hope, love, law, family and courage. It's one of my favorites so far this year and makes me want to go and find a few more from this author. Time well spent.

[riofriotex · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This light, chick-lit beach read is a sequel to Veil of Roses, although it's not necessary to have read that book before this one. In the first book, 27-year-old Tamila Soroush comes to the United States from Iran to visit her sister - and get married. When none of the Iranian-American suitors work out and she's about to go back to Iran with her tourist visa expiring, the all-American Starbucks barista she's fallen in love with, slightly-older too-good-to-be-true Ike Hanson, joins her going-away party in Vegas and marries her.Dreaming in English (which has a beautiful albeit unrelated-to-the-story cover) continues their tale, as Tami deals with Ike's family's misgivings (especially his mother's), Ike's beautiful ex-girlfriend, their efforts to start their own coffee shop, her sister's difficult pregnancy, her own lack of confidence, and ultimately the oh-so-villianous immigration system. Of course the ending is happy.This book felt sappy to me and I had problems with it on a lot of levels. Tami (and her friend Eva) and Ike were incredibly immature for people their ages. The story is mostly told in first person from Tami's viewpoint, in rather good present-tense English, with clashed with the idea that she is still struggling with the language. I was bothered by the notion that Tami came to the United States intending to flout the immigration system, and yet the immigration officials are painted as being in the wrong for being suspicious of her "true love" with Ike. Give me a break. I really can't recommend this book.© Amanda Pape - 2011

[alandee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dreaming in English is the sweet story of Iranian native Tamila Soroush and her quest to secure freedom and a future for herself in America. Ike Hanson is her husband who dearly loves her but is frustrated by her inability to believe in herself. Tami's thinking is reflective of her growing up under the dictates of a cruel regime. Once she understands that the principles of freedom are what people will fight and die for, she begins to believe in the concept that she too has the right to choose what and where and how she wants to live her life. The story is made more poignant by the fact that women the world over should be capable of defining themselves and not be pigeonholed by any government.

[bbellthom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book through the Early Review program. This book is no great literary novel but it is a fun light easy read. This is the second book and I haven’t read the first. The book tells the story of Tami from Iran and Ike from America who fall in love and get married. The problem lies in that Tami is in America on a visiting visa and not a citizen. While Tami is in America her and her families main purpose was to find her a husband so that she could stay. These actions end up hurting her in the end even though she finally did marry for love. The book is sappy and in my opinion Ike is too good to be true but sometimes you just need to read a feel good book and this book did it for me.