The Complete Persepolis

"beautifully unique, raw, and intense; this memoir was deeply human. Satrapi's personality shines through her bold artstyle and gritty wit, making for a charming and genuinely touching read. "

"This is SUCH an interesting autobiography!!!!!! Normally, I don't like autobiographies, or even biographies, but Marjane Satrapi wrote this SO exceptionally well!!!!!! Not to mention, she is just a Fascinating person in general!!!!!!"

"Amazing writing and love the graphic novel concept"

"I think the way she showed every event and how drastic it was made it very interesting "

"What a brilliant concept: Satrapi writes her memoir about growing up in Iran during times of war and a fundamentalist takeover as a graphic novel. The fact that it was done in this style in many cases made the themes and issues come out even more strongly than I think they would have in prose. For me, since I've not read many graphic novels, my experience with this style is mostly still from childhood comic books, so the juxtaposition with something I associate with fantasy and humor against the reality of her life was jarring--as it should be. <br/><br/>I devoured this book in two days--it was hard to put down. Yes, it's a "fast read" as any graphic novel would be, but it's not an easy read. I so appreciated how transparent Satrapi is about how these experiences affected her own behavior--how her own anger and confusion came out towards others, things she did as a child based on the violence she'd been seeing, her time living on the streets, her difficulties adjusting. But throughout are also stories of love, learning, hope, and strong family relationships. <br/><br/>I chose to read this book in preparation for some activities around Banned Books Week in September--I'll be doing a fiber art project based on it. When reading through the lists of banned or challenged books and hearing the stories around this one having been challenged in a school district in Chicago, I found the paradox of an attempt to ban a book about freedom too intriguing to pass up. After reading it, I can see why some parents would have concerns about their children reading the book but still can't be in favor of banning it. (Well, to be clear, I'm never in favor of banning.) When my kids were younger I don't ever recall telling them there was a book they couldn't read. I'd just make sure I'd read the book too and could discuss it with them. This book gives a wealth of opportunity for excellent discussion: political and international events, of course; freedom of expression; human rights; extremism; how life events can effect how people behave; healthy relationships...and much more. I handed off the book to my now-college-aged daughter in hopes she'll read it too, so we can have just such discussions."

"Very educational and eye opening. It is also very humanizing. Loved every word and every drawing."

"3.5/5"

"It's been a hot minute since I read a graphic novel...Marjane is witty and relatable as she seeks to discover herself through the lense of her own culture, wartime, family, religious oppression, and Western influence. She shows Iran in a way that I have never experienced before. Would definitely recommend!"

"I don’t think I ever read a graphic novel that’s also a memoir and tells the story of so many tragic events but also shows the resiliency of powerful women. Almost done with it! #women #memoirs #empowering "

"One of my favorite memoirs. I feel like this should be required reading for students. "