Persepolis: the story of a childhood

I read Marjane Satripi's first book today. Joyce Mosher, my Lit teacher, gave it to me after class. I haven't read a lot of illustrated books like this. But I really enjoyed it. I like the fact that it reads quickly, and yet still communicates richly and even adds strong imagery.

After Lolita in Tehran, this book seems to pick up on the same theme, except it goes in a more chronological order. It's an autobiographical ... It's amazing to think that her story isn't uncommon in Iran. Many people live like her.

The book was apparently very highly reviewed. One quote saying it's the defining of a new genre. I think that's exaggerated, but I certainly don't see much of this in the States. in any case, I want to get the sequel. lol.



7/10

Reading Lolita in Tehran

I just finished reading Azar Nafasi's Lolita in Tehran. At first, I was afraid that it would be a bit girly, but I actually really enjoyed it. It combined several passions of mine: the middle east, culture, and literature. It not only made me want to go to Iran, but also read more.

Nafasi is obviously a student of literature, because the form of the book is very creative. It's divided into different books: lolita, pride and prejudice, Daisy Miller, etc. It's not chronological, but instead mixes it up. She effectively communicates her frustration with the Iranian regime, but she also balances her emotions out by giving lots of facts and history. She effectively goes through the last forty years of iranian history, and the different revolutionary movements. I learned a lot from the book, and I also got a good feeling for the atmosphere there - I think.


8/10

From Beirut to Jerusalem

Thomas Friedman's book about his experiences in Beyrouth and Jtown is very well written. He makes the history personal and interesting. It's almost all written in narrative format. Even though he's Jewish in a very politically charged situation, he seems to stay fairly objective, if not almost anti-zionist at times.

He goes through the different factions, and introduces you to many historical figures in the middle east. He was amazingly connected, and seems to know everyone of influence - jewish, muslim, druze, aand christian. As you read, you feel like you're reading the journal of an actual player in the negociations and wars.


Good read, and very informative.


8/19