Persepolis is an autobiographical graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi. Written from a child's (her younger self's) perspective, it tells the story of her childhood with revolutionary Iran as the backdrop. We learn about the many changes and upheavals that take place in Iran during that time and how these affected her and her family.
The illustrations are minimal and almost child-like. Yet, these belie the highly nuanced story that is being told. The way the story is told makes it very relatable. I personally found it very interesting as I knew little about Iran's revolutionary history before reading this book. This may be an interesting book to discuss in a class that is learning world history. However, I would recommend this for older teens as there is some foul language used.
Overall, a great read. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Author and illustrator: Marjane Satrapi
Published in 2003 by Pantheon Books
Originally published in French. A film adaptation (animated) was released in 2007.
Age range: 16 years old and above
NA's rating: 5/5
The Fault in Our Stars is the story of Hazel and Augustus, two teenagers with cancer. It is a story about love and cancer but it is neither a love story nor a cancer story. It is much more than that; it is a story about hope and the human spirit.
John Green is a master at writing characters who are real and believable. His protagonist is a teenaged girl with cancer and he is a man who has never been a teenaged girl or had cancer. Yet, Hazel feels real and not at all made up. His stories show great insight into the human condition. The themes explored, the interactions between characters and the emotions they feel are very relatable.
This is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it to anyone, not just teenagers. There are some "love scenes" so it would be more suitable for readers aged 16 and older. Keep the tissues handy. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
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Author: John Green
Published in 2012 by Dutton Books
Age range: 16 years and older
NA's rating: 5/5
Lola and the Boy Next Door is a coming of age story for girls. As the title states, it is about Lola's relationship with the boy next door. It is also about her journey in learning to accept herself as she is. Lola is a colourful and flamboyant character who comes across as someone who doesn't feel pressured to fit in. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that she too suffers from the insecurities that are common during adolescence (and life).
Stephanie Perkins has a writing style that is natural and highly readable. However, I found it difficult to get behind the story's protagonist. She came across as being very self-centred and lacking self-awareness. The writing is good but the characters are not particularly sympathetic, with the exception of the long-suffering Cricket who has the patience of a saint.
This book will likely appeal to teenaged girls. It may also appeal to teenagers who are different/not mainstream as it champions being unique and true to yourself. Its themes of love and romance as well as the "love scenes" make it more suitable for older teenagers. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Published in 2011 by Dutton Books
Age range: 16 years and older
NA's rating: 3.5/5
