Maybe you've already read the first Persepolis book, maybe not. If not, I'd say to read volume 1 first, as its utterly brilliant. This volume continues the autobiography of an Iranian girl, but now she's been sent to Austria by her parents to protect her from the strictness of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. She's only 14 and fending for herself in Europe, and as always, this is told with wit and honesty by the author. Its a graphic novel, but don't think 'its only cartoons' because its done with such skill that the pictures and words flow in parallel and give each other more impact than the words alone could possibly have. Torn between shame and pride of her home country and torn by the conflicting pressures teenagers face in Europe she has a tough time of it, but the story always keeps a sense of balance and humour. When circumstances send her back to Iran she's even more confused, now that she seems more westernised than her old friends, but she's no longer seduced by the easy rebelliousness of westernisation. Am I making it sound too heavy? These are big themes but its always told with great wit and verve so there's no sense of preaching, just of fallible people strggling to make sense of complex situations. I waited a year looking forward to seeing this second volume and its great. Treat yourself and your friends -- buy both! By the way, I've bought the first volume for several friends and each of them has then bought copies for other friends of theirs -- once you read it you'll love it.