Struggling to find that unique gift for Valentine’s Day? I would suggest Flowers & Chocolates. But if you are the “thinking outside of the box type” I would suggest The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi ($16.47 at Amazon.com).

The book is a compilation of the two graphic novels that Ms. Satrapi wrote about her life starting as a young child in Iran. It is visually stunning, clever, and a fun read. The first half of the book is especially cute as Little Marjane is the prototypical cute kid. You may think this a book for girls though, it’s not just for girls, anyone can appreciate youth the way that Satrapi has drawn it.

It works on so many levels:

For your Mom/Step-Mom: Little Marjane will appeal to their own childhood during the turbulent 1960/70/80s. Musical references put the story in context, as Satrapi shows how it was to grow up in post-revolution Iran while trying to be a teen-ager. Your Mom/Step-Mom may appreciate the Punk nostalgia while remembering their own aerobics career.

For your Sister: Single or attached sister would like to hear from a family member too! So, get her this book to show how hip you are: “Hey, didn’t you hear that the film version of this book was nominated for best animated feature in the Oscars?” See you are automatically helping her cool quotient on Valentine’s Day.

For your Girlfriend: It’s thoughtful! While flowers and chocolates are always good, flowers go bad and chocolates are eaten. This one will be on a shelf for some time.

If you are interested in treating for a movie, Persepolis has opened here in selected cities in the U.S. Dinner and a movie is also a really sweet way of spending 2/14.

Link to the movie: Persepolis, French w/English Subtitles.

Filed under: Books, Comics, Media | Entertainment, Movies — Pilar @ 7:45 am