9/12/11
I have never read a graphic novel before and for just starting one, I can't think of a better novel to have to start. Instantly I can't help but relate the novel Persepolis, to everything that has been going on in the world, as well as my own life.
It seems like every time you are watching the news you hear about a middle-east country that is revolting against their leader that indulges on the riches while leaving there people to scavenge. You hear the same story on how that leader who everyone is revolting against had been appointed by a Westernize (U.S.) country to benefit their own interest in a oil rich (Middle-east) country.It just illustrates how little we have come to bring equality to all people and how greed never succeeds.
Another enthralling prospect of the story is seeing the inter-workings of a revolution and political struggles of a nation in the perspective of a young girl name Marji. It is a real coming of age story where a young girl is faced with the challenges of growing up in a world of chaos, and seeing how she comprehends the events that she is prescribed by the world that is all around her. Another alluring aspect of seeing the world through Marji is the battles that she has within her self. One being really whether she believes that Shah is really a king chosen by god, or if Communism is really for her, and even whether she believes in forgiveness.
I'm so glad to read that you are interested in our first novel and that this is your first experience with the graphic novel form. I like how you connect with your own personal experience in this post as well as what the character is going through. I too am very excited to talk about this book, but for different reasons. I, like so many others, have been so busy with work and family and life that I feel that I have not put enough time into really understanding what is going on in the Middle East. I wanted to start with a subject that I am not an expert on so that I can teach students how a writer/student/thinker can explore challenging topics without much prior knowledge on the issues surrounding this topic. After all, this is what is demanded of all college students at the University. Based on my experience at SJCC, I felt like the majority of the class would also have little prior knowledge on this topic. I am so grateful, surprised and appreciative of the fact that there are several students in this class who have much experience and knowledge on this topic. This makes me even more excited to read, discuss and write with our English 1b writing community:)
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