Here’s a random selection of things we’ve been into recently. If the dog days of summer are keeping you inside, perhaps you’ll consider one of more of these.

Persepolis : This is a graphic novel, turned into an animated movie.  We saw the movie. It’s a great coming-of-age story for adults. The twist? It’s set in Iran during the Islamic “revolution”. This should be required viewing for anyone wanting to understand more about history of the area. Don’t let the animation get you thinking this is a kids movie, it’s not at all, and is wonderfully done.

From Hell : Books like this make you sad that more people don’t read graphic novels. This is a huge and complicated book, focused on the Jack The Ripper mystery. While it’s fiction, it’s based on extensive research (there are forty-two pages of end notes) which lends to real authenticity. Think comics are for kids? Read From Hell.

60′s Spies : For something a little lighter, might I suggest any number of 1960′s era spy programs. A classic, in glorious black & white, is Danger Man (aka Secret Agent) starring Patrick McGoohan. After watching the series, watch the semi-surreal The Prisoner. (The one series does flow into the other, as I’ve found.) Looking for something more Bond-ish? Then go for The Saint, starring (future Bond) Roger Moore. Did you know that Moore was the first choice for Bond, but was under contract for The Saint? He does a better job in this series than the movies. Good fun. For some more humor, look to I Spy starring Robert Culp and Bill Cosby (not Jello Bill, but early, young, Cosby).

Rootabaga Stories : This one is for the kids. A series of stories by Carl Sandburg, originally written for his daughters. Try and hunt down “More Rootabaga Stories” which is a wonderfully illustrated edition. And, if you are looking for keepsake editions of The Fairy series collected by Andrew Lang, be sure to pick up the Folio editions. They are not inexpensive, but will last for 500 years. The series of books collects just about every childrens fable you can think of. If you don’t want to spend the money on the Folio editions, you can find them in trade paper, I believe.