Persepolis Reaction

After reading the first half of Persepolis, I have found Satripi's graphic novel to contain many interesting elements. For me, the most interesting element of the story is reading about another culture in a crisis. This time in Marji's life is a very influential one and I found it particularly interesting to follow. It is something that I have very little knowledge in.  I think that my lack of knowledge in this subject only contributes to the naive narration of Marji. I also enjoyed the reading experience of Persepolis. The graphic element of the story really helps the reader understand things that only words couldn't. I also like the quick flow of the story. The panels really help the reader get into the pace of the book. I would recommend that Persepolis remains part of the curriculum in College Lit. Graphic novels are really on the rise and it would be a shame to leave McFarland High School without ever being taught one. It is a reading experience all of its own and I believe that it should be taught in the future.

I am the Messenger

For the choice novel unit, I read I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak.  It is the same author that wrote The Book Theif, for those who read that book. Zusak is from Australia so his writing style is a little different, but I think that this only ads to the book. I think that he does a particularly good job of appealing to a wide audience. Not only does it appeal to young readers, but it also appeals to older audiences as well. Zusak adds so many nuances that even an advanced reader will find this book interesting. The humor and suspense are elements that readers of all levels will enjoy. I am the Messenger has continued to prove why it won the Pulitzer Prize. Markus Zusak did a brilliant job of depicting Ed's influential journey. I loved how Zusak taught the reader 12 individual messages while sticking to the overall themes. I know that not everyone in our class got to read I am the Messenger, but I would highly recommend it to any one who didn't read it for class.

Persepolis

After starting the graphic novel, Persepolis, I thought it would be interesting to read a little into the background of the setting. The title comes from a middle eastern ceremonial capital. The Achaemenid Empire lasted from 550- 330 B.C and Persepolis was the capitol of this Empire during its height. It is located in present day Iran; about 70km northeast of Shiraz. This graphic novel clearly has ties to the middle east just by its title. The connections continue on the first page. The main character is constantly dealing with the outcomes and consequences of the Islamic revolution. This revolution, which the book points out, started in 1978 and lasted through 1979. Also mentioned in the book, the goal of this revolution was to overthrow the Shah and the Iranian monarchy. Revolutionaries, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, wanted to replace the monarchy with a republic. Strikes and demonstration during 1978 paralyzed the nation and after the Shah left the country in January of 1979, millions of Iranians rejoiced as a republic was implemented. This was a very complex issue that effected the middle east for many years. It is clear that it would be difficult for a young kid to understand the complex issues of this event. It will be interesting to see how the main character will respond to the results of the revolution throughout the rest of the book.