Persepolis - Marjane Sartrapi

Persepolis isn't just a book that you read, it's a book that you fully experience. You live the words on the page. As someone who knew virtually nothing about the Iranian revolution during the 1980's, I found myself completely invested and ready and willing to learn about this major historical event.

As someone who isn't the biggest fan of history books, I was surprised at how completely invested I was in the story. I suppose that it could have something to do with the fact that it is the memoir of a young girl, or the fact that one of my best friends is an Iranian, living in Tehran.

There are a lot of things to be gained from reading Persepolis. Whether you gain a knew knowledge or understanding about this event, or simply find that you are able to appreciate the themes of love, life and resistance in a time of war, it is not a graphic novel to skip over. The message is powerful, and it definitely leaves you wanting more (good thing there is a second half)!

American Born Chinese

I grew up in Japan, so I am no strange to the world of graphic novels. This one was slower than most of the ones I've encountered, but the way it all comes together in the end is awesome! Not all graphic novels end up providing the reader with such a powerful message. The "slower" pace of this graphic novel is necessary to its message, as it deals with issues of identity. The last time I checked, identity formation doesn't happen over night.

I really appreciated the idea of weaving "traditional" and "modern" narratives together that occurred in American Born Chinese. I was somewhat confused about the triple narrative going on as I read, but because it was so strange .... I didn't want to put it down. I also enjoyed the quirky nature of the book (with an intentionally backwards book cover that makes you look like you're reading upside down).

I feel like there are a lot of preconceived notions about graphic novels. I have to say, young adults (and even grown adults) who choose to read graphic novels over regular novels are not missing out on the literary merits afforded by "regular" novels. The messages are equally as powerful and, in fact, the words have to be chosen in a more deliberate way because there are fewer in a graphic novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed following Jin Wang on his journey, and at the end I had to laugh when I flipped back over to the comic (which I've embedded above) and thought, "If only he had never forgotten where he came from, he never would have forgotten who he was."

I highly recommend this graphic novel!