Persepolis

I've been wanting to read this "graphic novel" for a long time now because I heard it was so good. Everyone was right it was terrific. I think that a lot of teenagers and young adults can benefit from reading this comic. It explains the situations in Iran that could be understood better, also it shows how teenagers and children are similar to those of American ones. Identity is a big theme in Marjane's novel.  Not only does she discuss her own identity but the women's identity suppressed by the regimin in Iran. Her punk style and attention to punk culture started when she was in grade school. The older genration was not accepting of the new style as of those in Europe later on in the novel. I like the changes that she goes through in the novel trying to find herself by cutting her hair and changing her clothes to fit the punk style. She has a hard time fitting in at points of the book which I can relate to. But more than anything she experiences racism for being Iranian. When she is staying with the nuns they scold her for being Iranian and uneducated. Which is horrifying because nuns are suppose to be holy figures but, they are just as ignorant and insensitive as anyone else. However, I like how she shows how educated she is about them asking them if they were prostitutes before they became nuns. There is another instance where a boy is flirting with her and he asks what she is, and she says French. Everyone has told a lie at one point or another to fit in with a crowd of people and if not they are lying. We all want to be accepted and appreciated and instead of showing people who we really are we lie and tell people what they want to here. But as we get older the more we begin to accept ourselves as we are and care less of what others think. All in all Marji may have her faults every once in a while but she is a badass character. She steps to be beat of her own drum and isn't afraid to speak her mind or put people in their place. Although she maybe too stubborn for her own good at times, it is also her strong point. I really couldn't imagine living as she did. Living in Iran with a corrupt government and then being sent away pretty much to live on our own without the help of your parents. She does struggle with loneliness and depression for most of the book and she has a hard time connecting with people. I think that one of the great life lessons in this book is that at times we may feel like we are alone but we never truly are. Her grandmother is my favorite character besides Marji she is full of wisdom and like experiences I adore her. She is the best mentor and tough yet sweet. I like when Marji comes to visit her and Marji is still wearing the veil and she tells her to take it off. Marji forgets she is wearing it, her grandmother says never forget you are wearing it. She says something like, they will try to take your identity but never let them. Which is still significant today. Today, the most important thing is to be yourself. Which is a new movement that is stressed in America's younger generation. It probably started with the gay rights movement.