"Persepolis 1 & 2" by Marjane Satrapi (Pantheon, 2004/2005)

In the case of "Persepolis"--DO NOT see the movie first. I saw the movie after reading the two graphic novels and while it was interesting, it leaves out much of the detail presented in the books. A few months before I picked up "Persepolis" I had caught the BBC documentary "Rageh Inside Iran" (http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/rageh-inside-iran/) which presented several unique stories of Iranian people. My hairdresser is also from Iran. One of my current favorite singers, Azam Ali, is an Iranian transplant to the United States. Iran's history has impacted our lives in the U.S. Whether it was the hostages back in the Carter and Reagan eras; or the current administration in Iran; we are impacted by this country so far away. "Persepolis" gives some insights into the life of someone growing up and living in Iran over the past 40 years. This graphic novel fills us in on life in this misunderstood country.