Results tagged “marjanesatrapi”

Last Wednesday night, the Free Library held its first major event since the resolution of the budget crisis. When Mayor Nutter arrived to introduce Marjane Satrapi, the author of 2010's One Book, One Philadelphia choice The Complete Persepolis, he was met with loud applause. He opened with a joking commentary of the fickle nature of politics: "What a difference a year makes." In her introduction to Satrapi and the citywide book group, the chair of the literacy program, Marie Field, asserted the importance of the board's unanimous choice of text, The Complete Persepolis. She hoped the book would not simply give Philadelphians a knowledge of the Persian culture, but that such knowledge would break down "barriers" in a diverse city. This idea of breaking down barriers was a recurring theme in all of the talking coming from the podium that night, and in light of last week's events in Iran, perhaps a study of life in Iran could not come at a better time.

At Phillyist, we love anything that gets people reading books, the real kind that you hold in your hands. There's nothing like the heft of a book with an actual cover to make you feel like part of something larger. In fact, we may have looked like a stalker on occasion when really all we wanted to see was what book you were reading. We love that books open up the possibility to make a connection with a complete stranger. So when the Free Library announced that The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is the 2010 One Book, One Philadelphia selection, we were ecstatic. A "graphic novel," this text will invite voracious and hesitant readers alike. The story is captivating and thought-provoking, of course, but it is also beautiful. Satrapi is giving a free reading at the Free Library on Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. That seems to be her only public reading in the area, so miss the one-time opportunity to see her. (And if you unfortunately do, check back later in the week for our recap of the reading.)

What's new and/or interesting in Philly theaters this weekend.