Embroideries (SqueakyChu's Bookray)

by Marjane Satrapi | Graphic Novels |
ISBN: 0375423052 Global Overview for this book
Registered by wingSqueakyChuwing of Rockville, Maryland USA on 4/4/2007
Buy from one of these Booksellers:
Amazon.com | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Bol.com
47 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by wingSqueakyChuwing from Rockville, Maryland USA on Wednesday, April 4, 2007
I received this trade paperback book from Lodi, California, via Bookins.

I've become a big fan of graphic novels and seriously enjoyed Persepolis by the same author. I'd love to share what I like about them with others who appreciate graphic novels or newbies who want to begin to explore them. Take a chance on this one.

When I finish reading this book, it will travel as an international bookray. Enjoy!

Begin International Bookray - 4/04/07:
SqueakyChu (Maryland, USA) done
Isabel-Batteria (Puerto Rico) done
icekween01 (Missouri, USA) done
Joanthro (Colorado, USA) done
Minerva101 (Canada) done
KarenZero (New York, USA) done
BooksnBeer (Virginia, USA) done
mfa (Portugal) done
Triggerfish (UK) done
AnglersRest (UK) done -- Stop # 10
chelseagirl (UK) done
Beebarf (UK) done
chich (France) done
ETMadrid (Spain) done
penelopewanders (Switzerland) done
book-man-8 (Germany) done
Sternschnuppe28 (Germany) done
VeganMedusa (New Zealand) done
Hengameh (Iran) done -- 1 year of travel
sudokugirl (Bosnia-Herzegovina) done -- Stop # 20
wanderingstar8 (UK) done
red-dianthus (Canada) done
azuki (Florida, USA) done
Ilios (Florida, USA) done
MaryZee (Maryland, USA) done -- 2 years of travel
cisco (California, USA) done
UnwrittenLibra (Maryland, USA) done
kobie03 (Canada) done
AliceF (UK) done
katrinat (UK) done -- Stop # 30
Tregossip (UK) done
KiwiinEngland (Ireland) done
zzz (Serbia) done
okryhoe (Greece) done
kasenka (Finland) done
Jean-Sol (Australia) done
Carole888 (Australia) done
Sherlockfan (New Zealand) done
snufkin81 (South Africa) done -- 3 years of travel
Elddau1 (Australia) done --Stop #40
D-face (Australia) done
NMReader (Virginia, USA) done
pashmack (Florida, USA) done
KateKinTail (Virginia, USA)
End International Bookray - 8/09/10:

The bookray ended because I could find no more takers for it. I asked that it be mailed to KateKintail who manages the OBCZ (official Bookcrossing zone) for BC in DC (the DC area Bookcrossing group). It seems that there is a newly sparked interest in this book among BC in DC members, so I'm hoping that this book will continue along its merry travels in the future. At the end of its journey, this book has been travelling for 3 1/2 years and will have had 44 stops in 15 countries, including 8 states and territories in the USA.

Thanks, everyone, for a most successful bookray!!

ETA: On 09/21/10, this book was #24 on the BookCrossing List of Top 100 Most Travelled Books.

Journal Entry 2 by kplatypus from Kensington, California USA on Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Excellent book! I picked it up and just had to read it straight through right away. It's a book that reveals women's issues related to the Iranian culture.

I take this book to mean that not all marriages or sexually-related issues are unhappy for Iranian women, but that here are some issues that are often not pubicly discussed for a variety of reasons. In this book, Iranian woman are being urged to reveal their secrets to one another.

The book is funny, ribald, enlighting, and sad all at the same time.

I love the artwork. Even though from page to page the same set of faces appear, they are so full of emotion and expression. You'll get to like this group of ladies!

Enjoy the book, everyone. It's a real treat!

This book is now in the mail to Isabel-Batteria in Puerto Rico.

Journal Entry 3 by Isabel-Batteria on Wednesday, April 11, 2007
I liked this book very much. The technique was not as polished as in Persepolis, but the format (no boxes, the use of space) is the one I would like to use when I write my own graphic novels. A graphic novel I love for the same reason (and countless others) is Craig Thompson's Carnet de voyage.

Thanks so much for the uber fast delivery, SqueakyChu. I will do the same.

Journal Entry 4 by icekween01 from St. Louis, Missouri USA on Monday, April 16, 2007
arrived today safe and sound.

Thanks!

Journal Entry 5 by icekween01 from St. Louis, Missouri USA on Monday, April 23, 2007
It may have taken me all of 15 minutes to read this. I did not enjoy it as much as Persepolis 1 & 2, but it was still interesting to read. Thanks SqueakyChu for sharing your book. I will be sending this on as soon I as receive the address of the next participant.

Journal Entry 6 by icekween01 from St. Louis, Missouri USA on Wednesday, April 25, 2007
sent to Joanthro to continue the ring.


Journal Entry 7 by Joanthro from Denver, Colorado USA on Sunday, May 6, 2007
The book arrived safely in yesterday's mail. I am looking forward to reading this!

Journal Entry 8 by Joanthro from Denver, Colorado USA on Sunday, May 13, 2007
This book was great! I loved the "simple" renderings of the narrator's family and friends and how they nevertheless clearly showed their emotions and responses to the stories. I also loved the glimpse into a family that was in many ways so much like my own, but was also different in some ways. I am so glad I was able to read this. I will definately look for Persepolis.

Thanks for making this available SqueakyChu! Mailed to Minerva101 today. Enjoy!

Journal Entry 9 by Minerva101 from Calgary, Alberta Canada on Friday, May 25, 2007
Picked up from the Post Office today. Just on time for weekend reading!
:)

Journal Entry 10 by Minerva101 from Calgary, Alberta Canada on Monday, May 28, 2007
I read this book last night before bed - a quick little read!
It was cute and odd. The anecdotes told by the ladies in the story were something else! I didn't like the old lady on opium - what a sad existence.
:(
I also enjoyed the simple illustrations.
I will most definitely go on to read both the Persepolis books after reading this.
Thanks for sending this out to share, SqueakyChu!
I will mail it off to KarenZero tomorrow.

Journal Entry 11 by KarenZero from Maplewood, New Jersey USA on Saturday, June 2, 2007
Received safely! Will read and pass on ASAP.

Journal Entry 12 by KarenZero from Maplewood, New Jersey USA on Saturday, June 9, 2007
This was a cute book! It kinda ended abruptely, but overall I enjoyed it and want to read more of her stuff.
Thanks for sharing it, SqueakyChu!

Released 16 yrs ago (6/9/2007 UTC) at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

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RELEASE NOTES:

Sent along to the next reader!

Journal Entry 14 by BooksnBeer from Pasadena, Florida USA on Thursday, June 14, 2007
Received this in yesterday's mail. What an interesting looking book. This will be my first graphic novel. I have two rings in front of this but I'll get to this as soon as possible.

Journal Entry 15 by BooksnBeer from Pasadena, Florida USA on Thursday, July 5, 2007
A quick very interesting read. I had to keep looking at the publishing date to remind myself what year/century the author was writing about. It boggles my mind to think that these practices are still being carried out and that some of the women felt they had no other choices.

This was my first graphic novel and I really enjoyed it – the simple pencil type drawings didn’t allow you to get away from the messages presented in the story. But, I didn’t really get the ending.

I will definitely look for Persepolis I and II.

I have the next address; I’ll be passing this along shortly.

Journal Entry 16 by mfa from Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Sunday, July 15, 2007
found it on the mailbox yesterday - thank you so much, BooksnBeer!
i'm a big satrapi fan (thanks to persepolis), and t's been quite some time since a bookring came my way... so, i'm looking forward to reading this.

Journal Entry 17 by mfa from Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Thursday, August 9, 2007
i really like this sober and realistic style - i was more impressed with persepolis, though, but that''s probably because the scope is wider than in this book.
from a feminist perspective, it''s always interesting to realise different cultures always try to deny women their sexual rights - there''s always the odd lady who stands up for the right to be happy, but be it iran or most of europe, a lot has to be done yet.

posted to Triggerfish in scotland last week.

Journal Entry 18 by Triggerfish from Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom on Saturday, August 11, 2007
Arrived safely today. Will read this very quickly.

Journal Entry 19 by Triggerfish from Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom on Saturday, August 11, 2007
Well, i'm sorry to say I was disappointed with this very slight book. I found the characters and their stories to be completely lacking in depth. Having recently read Bechdel's "Fun Home", I was very keen to read more graphic novels - however this did not compare with the standard achieved by Bechdel.
The book is described as a memoir, so I am rather horrified that Satrapi outed her grandmother as a drug addict in a comic book!!
Thanks to all for sharing and passing book along.

Posted to AnglersRest on 13th august.

Journal Entry 20 by AnglersRest from Teignmouth, Devon United Kingdom on Thursday, August 16, 2007
Received with thanks, in a rather damp Devon

Journal Entry 21 by AnglersRest from Teignmouth, Devon United Kingdom on Friday, August 17, 2007
It was an interesting concept, and written in an interesting style, encouraging Iranian women to share and discover things about taboo subject matter. Although not the best book I had read recently, it was a book that I did manage to zip through and like a previous reader found the ending a little strange.

I have chelseagirl's address, so this is in the post as soon as I can get to the post office.

Journal Entry 22 by chelseagirl from Faringdon, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Thursday, August 30, 2007
Thanks for this, a lovely surprise as I'd forgotten all about signing up for it1 i really enjoyed persepolis and will sit down with this at lunchtime.

Journal Entry 23 by chelseagirl from Faringdon, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Just read through this in one go. Very simple but illuminating - I was quite shocked by how open the Iranian women were about talking about their love lives, and also by how few of them had encountered decent, nice men who weren't just there to use and abuse them!

I'll pass this on to beebarf as soon as possible.

Journal Entry 24 by beeofgoodcheer from Stowmarket, Suffolk United Kingdom on Monday, November 5, 2007
Arrived safe and sound in Sheffield - it's my only bookray here, so I should get to it pretty quickly - that said, I have a Uni assignment due this week, so I'm going to hide this to avoid temptation!

Journal Entry 25 by beeofgoodcheer from Stowmarket, Suffolk United Kingdom on Tuesday, December 18, 2007
This is a great example of a graphic novel - I couldn't imagine it working as successfully in any other form (and I'm not a graphic novel fan in the main.) There were moments when I laughed out loud on the bus, but equally, there are some very sad moments too.

Although it's not for the prudish (let's just say it's not cross stitch they are talking about when it comes to embroidery...) it's a great insight into the lives of ordinary Iranian women, and shows that despite the cultural differences, women everywhere have the same concerns. Perhaps if more people read this, there would be less fear of the "Axis of Evil" in the world.

The book has been mailed today to the next reader.

Journal Entry 26 by beeofgoodcheer at Bookring in Mail, Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Released 16 yrs ago (12/18/2007 UTC) at Bookring in Mail, Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Journal Entry 27 by chich from Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Image hosting by Photobucket Book received today, thanks for passing it on Beebarf! And thanks for hosting this ray SqueakyChu:-]

Happy Holidays to all previous readers!!!

Journal Entry 28 by chich from Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Sunday, December 30, 2007
Of course, Embroideries is not as poignant and striking as Persepolis but I still enjoyed reading it a lot! I just love the mix of humor, sarcasm, satire and pervasive sadness used by Satrapi, not to mention her style and artwork!

You're absolutely right SqueakyChu, this is a real treat, thanks for sharing it with us!

I've PMed ETMadrid for her address and will send her the book as soon as she gives it to me.

Journal Entry 29 by chich from Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Book sent to ETMadrid today, enjoy!

Journal Entry 30 by ETMadrid from Rotherhithe, Greater London United Kingdom on Friday, January 11, 2008
Received today! Thank you. It'll be the next book I read.

14/01/2008 This has had two readers whilst with me. My husband, not yet entirely pro the concept of bookcrossing, actually read this before I did! We both whizzed through it (it's very short - perhaps too short) and both liked it. It made me chuckle out loud quite a number of times. Like the style and the underlying observations. (One little bit though I guess to an easily-influenced reader might be taken to be advocating plastic surgery, which I'm not sure is such a wonderful idea...) It did feel like I was sitting in amongst the women (though the shortness of it doesn't allow one to get too ensconced) and I was reminded of when sitting amongst girls of my age in a family in Algeria, talking about a marriage proposal received from an older man living in France...

Journal Entry 31 by ETMadrid from Rotherhithe, Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Posted this evening: on its way to penelopewanders.

Journal Entry 32 by wingpenelopewanderswing from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Saturday, January 19, 2008
This graphic novel arrived here safely this morning.. along with a few other rings. I'll try to get to this one soon as it looks like it won't take long to get through. Thanks so much for making it available!

This was indeed a lightning read. Thanks for sending it and making it available. I enjoyed it, even if this is not my favorite genre. (Graphic novels, I mean). Waiting for confirmation of book-man 8's address.

RELEASE NOTES:

Now on its way to Germany. Enjoy!

Journal Entry 34 by book-man-8 from Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg Germany on Tuesday, January 29, 2008
I just got it. Thanks!

Journal Entry 35 by book-man-8 from Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg Germany on Wednesday, January 30, 2008
A very quick and funny "in-between" read. My favorite words: " ... every time he kisses my breasts, it's actually my ass he's kissing."

RELEASE NOTES:

This book is off to "Sternschnuppe28". Enjoy!

Journal Entry 37 by Sternschnuppe28 from Flörsheim am Main, Hessen Germany on Saturday, February 2, 2008
just received today, thanks! It looks like a quick read in between ...

Journal Entry 38 by Sternschnuppe28 from Flörsheim am Main, Hessen Germany on Sunday, February 3, 2008
"That´s life! Sometimes you´re on the horse´s back, and sometimes it´s the horse that´s on your back." - a cute book on women, love and sex giving nice insights into Persian relationships. Sad and bittersweet at the same time. Please, Marjane, draw and write more of these books!

"Embroideries" continues traveling to VeganMedusa tomorrow.

Journal Entry 39 by VeganMedusa from Invercargill, Southland New Zealand on Monday, February 11, 2008
Thanks Sternschnuppe28, and SqueakyChu! I'll PM the next person now.

Journal Entry 40 by VeganMedusa from Invercargill, Southland New Zealand on Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Wow, I loved this as much as the Persepolis books, although it was quite different. I think I'll have to get a copy to keep one day.
Hilarious stories, but tragic of course. Immensely likeable women. Amazing how many ways women can be abused in such a rigidly controlled society.
And I loved the ending (although kind of abrupt I think it worked). Poor Satrapi. ;)
My favourite part: What white stuff? (The whole image of that story will keep me giggling for weeks)
Thanks SqueakyChu & Sternschnuppe28. :)
Posted to hengameh today, economy - should take 15-25 days.

Journal Entry 41 by Hengameh from Tehran, Tehran Iran on Sunday, April 6, 2008
i got the book and just finished it. thanks for sharing. actually,i liked persepolis more than this one.anyway, i 'm going ask for the next bxer's address.thanks again for sharing.

Journal Entry 42 by sudokugirl from Sarajevo, Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The book arrived here this morning. Looks great, I'm sure it'll be ready to travel on by next week.

Journal Entry 43 by sudokugirl from Sarajevo, Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday, August 8, 2008
This pretty book is a quick and entertaining read, but still raises some important issues. I enjoyed reading it.

Thanks for sharing, SqueakyChu.

Sent to wanderingstar8.

Journal Entry 44 by wanderingstar8 from -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Just arrived - so excited about reading!

Journal Entry 45 by wanderingstar8 from -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Sunday, August 31, 2008
What a great book - brilliantly funny, and very real - I can just imagine the women all sitting around and having a gossip. I also especially liked the way that the facial expressions and gestures were so evocative, despite often only being a couple of lines. I wanted to race through the book but I had to make myself slow down and look at all the drawing.

Journal Entry 46 by red-dianthus from Surrey, British Columbia Canada on Friday, September 5, 2008
this arrived today...i can't wait to read it.

Journal Entry 47 by red-dianthus from Surrey, British Columbia Canada on Monday, October 6, 2008
After a delay this book is on its way to azuki. I hope it gets through customs quickly as some books I have sent down to the states have been very slow arriving.

The book was great , my husband and I both loved it.

Journal Entry 48 by Azuki from Miami, Florida USA on Friday, October 24, 2008
Thi book actually arrived a few days ago but I was out of town, and before I get to journal it tonight I even finished reading it already.
An interesting read and an eye-opener into the lives of Iranian women. Thanks so much for sharing the book, and I hope to see more of Satrapi's work.
I will contact Ilios and hopefully get to mail this on when I visit the post office next week.

Journal Entry 49 by Ilios from Tampa, Florida USA on Wednesday, November 26, 2008
I received the book two days ago and devoured it immediately! Last week, I got Persepolis from the library. While checking the forum, I noticed that this book was offered as a ray and I singed up immediately. I love graphic novels and this one didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the lighter tone of this one (compared to Persepolis), but really loved the ironies and the sense of humor women in Iran display to cope with a very restricted life. In this book, a group of women related to the author speaks candidly about men, sex, marriage, and appearances. A very close look at the life of women in Iran, living in their own universe.

Journal Entry 50 by wingmaryzeewing from Taneytown, Maryland USA on Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Book arrived safely yesterday. Will be reading this within the next week or so.

Journal Entry 51 by wingmaryzeewing from Taneytown, Maryland USA on Saturday, April 11, 2009
I haven't read many graphic novels, but I always enjoy trying something new. Thanks for sharing this one, SqueakyChu.

I think the last graphic novel I read (also a bookring, several years ago) was The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. A very different style. I was very sad for the women in this story, and I found it rather surprising as they wove their tales and shared their gossip that Satrapi was in the very next room.

I have Cisco's address and will be mailing this on to her later this week.

Journal Entry 52 by cisco from El Granada, California USA on Tuesday, April 21, 2009
4/27/09 - on its way to the next reader, UnwrittenLibra!

4/24/09 - This was a fun and fast read. Although not as engrossing as Satrapi's Persepolis books, I enjoyed having "tea" with these women and learning more about their lives and culture.

Waiting to hear from UnwrittenLibra to send the book on its journey.

4/21/09 Received in El Granada, CA! Thanks MaryZee - will get into this one over the weekend coming up.

Journal Entry 53 by UnwrittenLibra from Middleton, Wisconsin USA on Monday, May 25, 2009
This was one of 5 books waiting for me upon my arrival back to Baltimore, Maryland, my home, after graduating from UMass Amherst on Saturday. A lot of unpacking and settling in to do but fortunately only 3 of the 5 are rings/rays - I'll get to it soon and do my best to keep it moving. Thanks cisco and SqueakyChu!

Journal Entry 54 by UnwrittenLibra from Middleton, Wisconsin USA on Monday, June 15, 2009
Read and sent off a little while ago to Newfoundland. Safe travels, little book!

Journal Entry 55 by kobie03 from Lewins Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Thursday, June 18, 2009
This well-travelled Book arrived today. Thanks UnwrittenLibra, Congratulations on your graduation!. I read it straight away and enjoyed the humorous stories the women told about sex, love, marriage and men. I laughed aloud at some of them and the drawings well illustrated the stories. An unique way to tell about sensitive parts of your culture.The reader gets the message in a memorable way. Thanks SqueakyChu for sharing.
Will mail to next participant.

Journal Entry 56 by kobie03 at Lewins Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Thursday, July 2, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (7/3/2009 UTC) at Lewins Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada

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mailed to AliceF.

Journal Entry 57 by ARTurner from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Gratefully received in the post today (with a postcard and two bookmarks... I'll see if I can send a postcard and two bookmarks on with it when it travels on)... thanks!

Looking forward to reading this; currently half-way through another ring book, so this will be next.

Journal Entry 58 by ARTurner from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Friday, August 14, 2009
I agree with Triggerfish... this wasn't as substantial as I'd come to expect from Satrapi, not as emotional, and therefore a little disappointing. Nonetheless, an entertaining, light read (finished with in one evening!)

Got katrinat's address; will be posting next week.

Journal Entry 59 by katrinat from Southend-on-Sea, Essex United Kingdom on Saturday, September 5, 2009
Arrived this morning, thanks for sending. Looking forward to this as I enjoyed Persepolis (my first ever graphic novel).

Journal Entry 60 by katrinat from Southend-on-Sea, Essex United Kingdom on Saturday, September 19, 2009
Loved this, so like women to gossip but a good way of showing the problems faced by some women in marriage. Asking for address today, hoping to post on early next week
Thanks for sharing
26/09/09 Haven't recieved next address yet, sending another pm now in case it has been missed

Released 14 yrs ago (10/2/2009 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom

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Off on its travels, enjoy

Journal Entry 62 by Tregossip from St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Arrived 5/10
and read in half an hour, first impression was disappointing.

So gave it another read today and not changed my mind.
My 1st graphic novel and my mistake as understood graphic novel as giving a vivid description/graphic account - -oops

Will pm next in line today

Journal Entry 63 by Tregossip at St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (10/7/2009 UTC) at St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom

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On it's way again

Journal Entry 64 by kiwiinengland from Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand on Monday, October 12, 2009
arrived today - thanks. At least the book didn't get caught up too long in the mess that is Royal mail at the moment!

Will read ASAP.

Journal Entry 65 by kiwiinengland from Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand on Tuesday, October 13, 2009
I liked the use of space on the page, and how I felt like I was sitting in the room listing to the women speak.

Like Veganmedusa my favourite part was "what's this white stuff".

Strange to think that Europe is seen as a mythical place of fun and freedom...

Awaiting next readers address

Journal Entry 66 by kiwiinengland at Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland on Friday, October 16, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (10/16/2009 UTC) at Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland

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Posting to the next in the ring airmail via An Post.

Journal Entry 67 by zzz from Rakovica / Раковица, City of Belgrade Serbia on Friday, October 23, 2009
on the photo is Marjane SatrapiThe book arrived today. I peeked inside and have put it down after I’ve read its last page LOL

I have "Persepolis" (complete work) on my TBR pile (I’ve seen and loved movie very much indeed) in which I peeked but manage to stop myself at the page 50. I didn’t want to spoil savouring with greediness.

”Embroideries” is quite different of course, less ambitious which shouldn’t be taken as a flaw. It was very entertaining story which is giving us the face of Iranian society that many on the West aren’t quite familiar with. They are exactly the same as we are. I’m sure many girls and women are telling the same little stories about us [guys] here. The difference we have about common people elsewhere is only our own projection. All we have to do is scratch the surface a little bit and look what’s beneath. We might be surprised … or not.

At the end I’m adding small piece of her artistic interview to NY Times few year ago (for more check: http://satrapi.blogs.nytimes.com/).

SqueakyChu thank you for organizing this lovely bookray! Thanks everyone who made this little book such a huge traveler (at the moment we share 58th place on the 100 most traveled BC book). I’m waiting okyrhoe’s address so that we could climb even more on the list :)




Journal Entry 68 by zzz at BookRay, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Serbia on Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (11/4/2009 UTC) at BookRay, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Serbia

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This book is on its way to Greece as of today.
While waiting okyrhoe's address I loaned book to my friend to kill the time while waiting me and she's delighted! Now I'm loaning her "Persepolis" as well :)
Cheers to everyone!

Journal Entry 69 by okyrhoe from Athens - Αθήνα, Attica Greece on Thursday, November 19, 2009
Arrived in Athens :-)) Wow, I think this is the most-traveled ring/ray book I've laid my hands on.

Thanks SqueakyChu for including me in the ring, and zzz for posting the book to me!

Also for the drunken carp!

Journal Entry 70 by okyrhoe from Athens - Αθήνα, Attica Greece on Tuesday, January 5, 2010
I'm really sorry for holding up the ring! It's on its way to kasenka, the package was posted today although it was ready to be sent several weeks ago.

Thanks SqueakyChu for the opportunity to read this. It's a small book, and 'reads' very quickly in less than an hour. I found myself taking time to observe the artwork instead, which is deceptively simple at first. I recently read Women without Men, and I find that Satrapi's light and humourous touch is more effective than the didactic pro-feminist approach of Shahrnush Parsipur.
There's a theatrical adaptation of Embroideries playing in Athens this season, and I may decide to go see the play.

Journal Entry 71 by kasenka from Rautjärvi, Etelä-Karjala / Södra Karelen Finland on Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The book arrived today, thanks okyrhoe!

Journal Entry 72 by kasenka from Rautjärvi, Etelä-Karjala / Södra Karelen Finland on Thursday, January 14, 2010
This was a quick read, as you just wanted to get to know their stories, but this book is not something you would mull over for ages. Of course the stories are mostly sad, but then again you already knew that would be the case.

I'll send this to Supertalya as soon as I get her address.

EDIT 18 Jan. 2010
Supertalya asked me to skip her on this ray so I will send the book (via surfacemail) to Jean-Sol who's next.

Journal Entry 73 by kasenka at on Monday, January 18, 2010

Released 14 yrs ago (1/18/2010 UTC) at

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I sent the book today to Jean-Sol, happy trails!

Journal Entry 74 by wingJean-Solwing from Melbourne CBD, Victoria Australia on Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The book arrived in Melbourne, Australia, today. It looks like it's the first time that it's been down in Oz and it's nice to hold a book that's been in so many places. I have a few TBRs ahead of this one but should be able to have it sent to Carole888 within 6 weeks or so.

Updated on 7 Feb 2010: this was such a quick and wonderful read! I read it in one evening, after having finished a harrowing 700 pages book just before. It was refreshing. I read Persepolis and loved it, this book is to me the continuation of the same themes. Satrapi's style is sharp, elegant and to the point and I like that. She has a strong message for women not only in Iran, but all over the world. I hope that she carries on spreading the word. Go Marjane!

I'll get the book packed and ready to go to Carole888 at the other end of Australia.

Journal Entry 75 by wingJean-Solwing at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, February 6, 2010

Released 14 yrs ago (2/7/2010 UTC) at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Embroideries is on the road again!

Journal Entry 76 by Carole888 from Perth City, Western Australia Australia on Friday, February 12, 2010
The book is now in Perth, Australia. I am looking forward to it!! Thank you Jean-Sol ..... I just love the post-card and book-marker .... both so colourful!! :)

(3rd March, 2010)
I am so glad to have had the opportunity to read this book. I loved it. The pictures are simple, yet add so much more to the impact of the tale. I felt for those poor women, loved the cheek and humour in the telling of their stories but I also and kept thinking about women all over the world who have to endure a life such as theirs ...... Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

I have the next reader's address and will be sending it on shortly.

Journal Entry 77 by Carole888 at Perth City, Western Australia Australia on Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Released 14 yrs ago (3/9/2010 UTC) at Perth City, Western Australia Australia

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The book is travelling now. Thank you so much to everyone who helped it on its journey and to SqueakyChu for organising the bookray. Happy reading!

(Aus Post tracking no: RP003103429AU)

Journal Entry 78 by Sherlockfan from Upper Hutt, Wellington Province New Zealand on Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Arrived in New Zealand today. Thanks Carole888.
By an odd coincidence I received Persepolis yesterday, having tracked down a copy after first reading Persepolis2 and deciding I really like Marjane's style of writing. Looking forward very much to reading this. Thanks to everyone involved in sending this book around and specially to SqueakyChu for starting this ring.

Journal Entry 79 by Sherlockfan from Upper Hutt, Wellington Province New Zealand on Friday, April 2, 2010
Sorry to be a bit slow in writing about this book. Thoroughly enjoyed and amused by it. Women seem to be so much the same under the skin but I'd often wondered how women think under such male dominated regimes - now I have a bit of an idea.
The book detoured through my daughter who doesn' write journal entries but also enjoyed the novel approach to communicating ideas.
Delighted to have been part of this bookring and will be posting it off today.
Once again thanks to all involved in its journey, and especially SqueakyChu for sharing it in the beginning.

Journal Entry 80 by Sherlockfan at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, April 2, 2010

Released 13 yrs ago (4/2/2010 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Hope the book travels safely. Such a joy to read and share.

Journal Entry 81 by snufkin81 from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Thursday, May 13, 2010
This arrived a few days ago but I didn't have a chance to journal it then. I did however manage to read it in one short sitting as soon as I took it out of the parcel! :)
What a great, fun read! I've read Persepolis, which I thought was brilliant; this book is lighter but just as informative in its own way of Iranian culture and the life of Iranian women. I was very surprised by how liberated the women in the book are! How very different to my expectations!

Thanks so SqueakyChu for starting this ray, and Sherlockfan for sending it to me.

I'll send it on once I have the next person's address.

Journal Entry 82 by snufkin81 at To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, May 31, 2010

Released 13 yrs ago (5/31/2010 UTC) at To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Sent by airmail to Elddau1. Safe travels, little book!

Journal Entry 83 by Elddau1 at Gundaroo, New South Wales Australia on Friday, June 11, 2010
Picked up from the village post office today. A very cold wintery walk around the block. There's snow in the air!

After reading Persepolis I and II I'm looking forward to this.
Thanks snufkin81 for sending it to Australia.

Journal Entry 84 by Elddau1 at Gundaroo, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Not sure whether to rate this book 7 or 8*.
It’s a very quick read - I would have read it in one sitting except that it was getting late.

I was startled by some of the things mentioned in the book - it's a bit graphic (no pun intended). It’s like ‘secret women’s business’. Having said that, I loved being on the inside of the women’s circle of confidence. Satrapi has a way of bringing you into the story - was it the immediacy that the drawings give? or her familiarity with the members of the circle of friends and family?
Again, I loved seeing Satrapi’s world and experiencing a little of her Iranian life. Amazing how women have the same issues - although I’m glad that I grew up in a western culture and in modern times. The ‘traditional’ values of some in the book, towards women, their status and sexuality, were appalling to me.

An interesting and moving book with a serious subject, given more immediacy and punch by the medium of the graphic novel. It was a more light-weight read than Satrapi’s Persepolis I and II, possibly because of the cobbled nature of the all the women’s individual stories - there was no continuous story line.

I felt a little uncomfortable and squeamish at times - it's not light entertainment - but I can say that I’m very glad I read it.
Many thanks SqueakyChu.
________________
Finished in time to hand to the next reader on the list, at the Canberra BC meet-up on Saturday. or I'll post it.

Journal Entry 85 by Elddau1 at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, July 5, 2010

Released 13 yrs ago (7/6/2010 UTC) at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia

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countdebeans will pass this on to D-face for me some time in the next couple of days.

Journal Entry 86 by D-face at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Picked this up today from Elddau1 via countdebeans and read it as soon as I got home.

I really enjoyed hearing the various experiences and narratives of the women meeting together over tea, not that there are many positive depictions of men. I am sure Ms D-face will enjoy it.

This slim and enjoyable book is about to travel again over the seas.

Journal Entry 87 by NMReader at Herndon, Virginia USA on Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Arrived today. Added to mount TBR

Journal Entry 88 by NMReader at Herndon, Virginia USA on Monday, July 26, 2010
I decided to finish this off over the weekend so I could mail it before I leave on my vacation.

I am not a huge fan of graphic novels but this was an interesting look into Iranian women's lives.

Waiting for an address to mail this out.

Journal Entry 89 by NMReader at Herndon, Virginia USA on Thursday, July 29, 2010

Released 13 yrs ago (7/29/2010 UTC) at Herndon, Virginia USA

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I have address and hope to mail it on my way home from work. This is one of the last books I will be mailing before leaving on vacation.

Journal Entry 90 by pashmack at Lake Worth, Florida USA on Monday, August 2, 2010
This book arrived in today's mail, in good condition for such a well-traveled book. It certainly was a quick read, this glimpse into tea-time gossip. I did like the author's previous two books better, but this was entertaining (and somewhat sad). Thanks for sharing, SqueakyChu. It will be off to the next participant as soon as I obtain the address.

Journal Entry 91 by pashmack at Lake Worth, Florida USA on Saturday, August 7, 2010
Mailed on 8/7/10 to KateKinTail for the OBCZ for BC in DC.

Thanks again, SqueakyChu.

Journal Entry 92 by wingSqueakyChuwing at Rockville, Maryland USA on Monday, August 9, 2010
Thanks, everyone, for making this a super sucessful bookray!

Journal Entry 93 by wingKateKintailwing at Burke, Virginia USA on Monday, August 30, 2010
Arrived safe and sound! Thank you!

My thoughts:
I haven't read Persepolis but I did see the movie, so I was already familiar with the style of storytelling and art. The subject matter took me off guard at first with its bluntness. But the thing that first startled me was also what I most admired the book for. It felt so real; like you were sitting in the living room with this group of women and talking with them. Their dialogue was so realistic and familiar; I know people who would have replied that way or would have reacted to the stories that way.

I went back and forth from being a little shocked to amused. But most of all, I just liked hearing the stories, knowing they were real, and feeling for the different characters in their unique situations. Without evev trying, it speaks to the culture and the situations these women find themselves in that are different from my culture, but it's also a book of personal accounts/narratives so you can't be broad and apply those to everyone. That's what makes the book both broad and specific at the same time.

It ended a bit too abruptly for my liking (I'm not sure I get the last line, actually, *blush*) and I had trouble keeping a few of the women straight in my head (was SHE the one with the friend who so-and-so or was she the one who did such-and-such?). And it certainly didn't pack the same sort of punch that Persepolis or Fun Home or Maus did. But I did enjoy the read and think it works quite well as a memoir in graphic novel format.

Journal Entry 94 by wingKateKintailwing at Burke, Virginia USA on Monday, August 30, 2010
This is going to be a local bookring for a little while, then we'll probably include it in a Convention 2011 Raffle prize.

Local bookring:
melydia
LittleWhiteBird
KateKintail

Journal Entry 95 by wingMelydiawing at -- Geocaches, Virginia USA on Friday, September 3, 2010
KateKintail handed this to me last night at our monthly BookCrossing 2011 Convention meeting. Looking forward to reading it, but it might be a little bit because I have quite a bit on my literary plate at the moment. Thanks for sharing!

Journal Entry 96 by wingMelydiawing at -- Geocaches, Virginia USA on Wednesday, September 22, 2010
This was my first graphic novel in quite a while. The art style was very simple, like it had been drawn with black Sharpie, yet amazingly expressive. The framework is of a group of women (the author and her relatives) sharing tales of past relationships. Some of them are funny, some are sad, but all are memorable. It's also a very quick read; I finished it in a single sitting. I'm not sure so sure it needed to be a graphic novel - most of the drawings are just of women's faces speaking - but it worked well in this format all the same. I'll be on the lookout for Satrapi's more famous work, Persepolis.

Thanks for sharing this. I'm going out of town for the weekend but I'll see how best to hand it off to LittleWhiteBird next week.

Journal Entry 97 by LittleWhiteBird at Arlington, Virginia USA on Saturday, January 29, 2011
She finally got a chance to hand the book to me at our BC in DC meeting today at Cosi in Rosslyn. I must have expressed an interest all those months ago, because this is from the same author as Persepolis. Thanks for still thinking of me. I'm looking forward to reading this.

Journal Entry 98 by LittleWhiteBird at Arlington, Virginia USA on Thursday, January 12, 2012
I read the book today - on the bus, at the bus stop, and the end at home.

The simple graphics where the most distinguishing features are the facial expressions and features of the women kind of underline the things that the women are saying. I was a bit surprised at all the sexual themes they were talking about. It was a bit sad to hear about so many marriage troubles and the things the women would try to improve things. It's strange how they don't realize that in many ways "Western" women have similar problems. Although it was shocking to see that "embroidery" mentioned as a solution in such a flippant way. Although the women have many modern ideas mixed in the traditional culture, they seem to be very naive and uneducated in some areas at the same time.

I did remember that I had gotten the book from a local bookcrosser, but had all forgotten that it goes back to katekintail. I'll give it back to her at the next BC meeting.

Journal Entry 99 by LittleWhiteBird at Ballston Common Mall in Arlington, Virginia USA on Saturday, January 21, 2012

Released 12 yrs ago (1/28/2012 UTC) at Ballston Common Mall in Arlington, Virginia USA

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At the next BC in DC meeting, I'm giving this book back to katekintail.

Journal Entry 100 by wingKateKintailwing at Burke, Virginia USA on Sunday, January 29, 2012
This book is back in my hands! I didn't get it back in time to offer it up at the 2011 Convention, but I occasionally do graphic novel bookboxes so I might include it in one of those (unless Squeaky instructs me differently) with a note about this book's history--which is wonderful and extensive. It's so amazing to hold a book that's been reviewed and enjoyed by so many BookCrossers from all over the world!

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