Book Report

This past weekend, Pete, Maddie & I visited our local library. (We have to do this or we would be broke and overrun with books. All three of us are compulsive readers.) At any rate, I had heard an interview on NPR with Marjane Satrapi, the writer/illustrator of Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood a while back and knew I had to read her book. It's the story of her youth during the Islamic Revolution in Iran, but it's not a traditional book. Instead she uses an illustrated, think comic book, style which is very effective. I couldn't put it down and almost finished it in an evening. I would highly recommend it to all women, as it is not only a story of war, but also of women's rights. And if you have a few minutes to listen to her on NPR, I think you would find it very intersting. (Here's the link to that story again.)

Now on my night stand:

Candyfreak by Steve Almond.

Comments

[Katy]

I _loved_ "CandyFreak". Make sure you have chocolate to eat while reading! And I've added the other book to my reading list.

I also loved the butterfly sweater. Oh, I hear that Noro yarn calling...buy me, buy me...sigh.

[mariko]

Beware of Candy Freak. I have always been pretty involved with candy, but reading this book liberated me even further, and now I am kind of arrogant about my candy obsession. Never again will you walk by a candy aisle without doing a thorough browse...

[kormew]

I loved Persepolis. It's on the reading list of my English class this term, and I read it the first day I brought it home...
The second one is out too, I've been sneaking reading breaks in at the school bookstore when I have the time.

[Iko]

Ohh. I remember someone telling me about "Persepolis" before, but the title and content flitted away from my mind. I'm a huge comic book fan, especially autobiographical comics (check out Craig Thompson's "Blankets" or "Carnet de Voyage" or Jeffrey Brown's "Clumsy"... amazing!). I recently acquired Art Spiegelman's "In the Shadow of No Towers" (which was also talked about on NPR) and it is an awesome work.

Thanks for reminding me! Wednesday is comic-book day and I'm going to check if my favorite store has it in stock.

[Shannon]

I received Persepolis as a christmas gift last year and read it on new year's day. I've been trying to persuade my sixteen year old daughter to read it - I found it as intriguing for it's portrayal of growing up as I did for its personal rendition of history.

I'm also awaiting some noro kureyon to try my first booga bag. I can't wait!

[kelly]

I loved Persepolis too, and have already read her new book, Persepolis 2. Definitely worthy of being added to your booklist!

[Marie]

Actually, the "proper" term for this style of book is graphic novel. I loved Persepolis as well, and there are many more fabulous graphic novels out there if you like the format!

[Julie]

I see that others commented about *Candy Freak* already, but I just had to make my joy about that book public. I've never engaged in such a sensual discussion of candy. I made the mistake of reading from the book one night before bed and then reading it first thing the next morning. Yowsa, did I have some serious cravings!

I hope you love it!