It's All About You

Dear Marjane Starpi,

I had recently finished reading your book, Persepolis. I had no Idea that I would it enjoy as much as I do. It makes me recall my childhood of how simple things were for me. Well it wasn’t exactly simple but I didn’t have to grow up during a revolution. From the first few chapters I sometime forgot that you were only ten years old. You seemed so mature for your age, or maybe more prepared.

From the pictures you drew to the words you said you had me captivated. I felt your ups and downs, I related to your emotions. Your confidence and strength is something I really admire and how with each chapter you became better.

We share some similarities an example is your relationship with your family. I too am very close to my family. Especially how wanted to become a prophet to help your Grandmother be relieved from pain. I used to take my Grandmother to see her doctor I hated how when we left he always told her there was another thing wrong with her, it always broke my heart. But I didn’t think I was special enough to become a prophet but maybe smart enough to become a doctor. I have great parents that support me too, although they might not always agree with me they still stand by me.

Faith and religion plays a big part in my life too, I have an uncle who is a priest, I used to think that he was my connection to God. But I never realized that I could be ignored. Like you during hard time I turned my cheek on my faith, although it would return I didn’t completely welcome it. In fact I still fight it. Do you feel the same way? Did you lose faith when your uncle died?

Like I had mentioned earlier I didn’t have such a hard life when I was younger my parents made decent money so we didn’t really struggle. I always had nice things I couldn’t complain. But friends would tell me I was spoiled or that things were too easy for me. While they were getting the short end of the stick I was out and about having all sorts of fun with no worries in the world. So when I read the chapter “the key” I felt my stomach turn. I almost wanted to hate myself, there is people all around the world that are struggling to live and here I was barely caring about what I was doing. I felt disgusted but I knew that did know any better when I was younger. Now that I have come reached the adult age I understand the large concepts in life. And how I can be both humane and selfish, there are situations that have helped me get to this point.

Those are our similarities but as for our differences there are also a few. The environment of where we grew up really affects how we become adults? You were in a revolution and I was growing up having to learn a new culture. I didn’t have to grow up with fear I was free to do as I liked without hurting anyone including myself. I was able to read books from all over the world, you had your opportunity taken away and revised.

We grew up in different worlds I would like to ask, if you regret growing up there? If so where would you have liked to go?

Sincerely,

Christy