Persepolis

In Short 

The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is a memoir about growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It was published in 2007 and has 341 pages. Though not published as a young adult book, its graphic novel format and subject matter make Persepolis accessible and intriguing to teens.

Summary  

Persepolis tells the story of Marji's childhood in Iran, her adventures attending high school in Austria, and then her bitter-sweet homecoming.  Through it all, Marji searches for her place in the world.

My Take 

Persepolis is a rare glimpse into life in Iran. Marji is relatable and honest protagonist, and her struggles are real and heart-wrenching. The graphic novel format tells her story brilliantly. I recommend it highly. 

 

Also, if you enjoy the book, check out the movie with the same title.

 

 Have you read this book? What did you think? Please post your comments.

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

 

 

In Short
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl contains Anne Frank's descriptions of  her life  as a Jew in hiding during World War II. Her diary was preserved by a family friend and  first published in 1947 by her father. It has 304 pages.

Summary
Just after Anne's thirteenth birthday, she and her Jewish family go into hiding in the "secret annex" above her father's office. They are soon joined by another family and a single man. For two years Anne keeps a detailed diary of their lives during the most intense years of WWII, not hesitating to include family drama, private hopes, and angry musings.

My Take
I was surprised by how much I personally connected with Anne. Though her life  in hiding was intense, she has a very relatable teenage voice all throughout. When the book ended, I cried. I almost feel as if I knew someone who was lost to the Holocaust. The fact that this story is true makes the sudden ending a more somber experience.

 

What a tragic loss of life. What a beautiful surprise that her story lives on.

Have you read this book? What did you think? Please post your comments.