Review : Blankets

Posted by on August 3, 2010 4:26 am in 5 stars reads | 18 comments

Blankets by Craig Thompson
Pages : 582
Genre : Graphic novel, Autobiographical
Stand alone
My Rating :

In a few words :

A coming-of-age graphic novel, portraying two brothers’ rivalry, church camp and a romance between two passionated teens, wrapped-up in reflexions on faith, love, and life.

Despite all the very positive reviews I had seen prior to reading Blankets, I wasn’t ready for how beautiful and emotional this reading would be. Despite its scary size, I read it all in one day – a day where I laughed, cried, hoped and hurt through the lives of Craig Thompson’s characters.

I think the most surprising thing was how much it didn’t matter that it was a graphic novel. By that I mean that as I read, even though I spent the longest time looking at Thompson’s incredibly beautiful illustrations, I was so taken by the story that I became as involved with the characters as I would have with those of a novel. I had never experienced such a close connection with characters of a graphic novel before, and I believe it speaks a lot about the author’s talent at both writing and drawing his story.

The telling of his romance with Raina is so beautiful and heartfelt that I couldn’t help relive with them the emotions of a first love. At the same time, his experience of growing in a strict Christian family reminded me too much of people I knew growing up, and of my experience of it as a teenager. Now, I know Thompson’s (and mine) experience isn’t necessarily what everyone experienced, but it was so close to what I had seen that it made me somewhat uncomfortable emotionally. The idea of a young man growing up with so much shame saddens me more than I can say.

I found Thompson’s illustrating so beautiful and raw, too. It said everything the words didn’t, and I felt like the characters were moving through the pages. They felt real, alive, which contrasted with the immobility I often find in graphic novels.

I highly recommend this one, even if you aren’t into graphic novels. This story just has so much to offer!

18 Comments

  1. I think I have seen this book somewhere. It sounds very familiar and the cover looks very familiar too. Anything that is unexpectedly beautiful is the most beautiful of all books. Surprise is such a good catalyst.

  2. I say this on the shelf at the library and thought about it but passed. Happy to read your thoughts.

  3. Yay! I’m so glad you loved this one. 🙂

  4. Graphic memoirs are my graphic novels of choice, so this sounds wonderful to me. It’s going on my wish list!

  5. Awesome review, so much so, I added it to my new wishlist!

    http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-wishlist.html

  6. I checked this book out from the library because most graphics are hit or misses for me. Oh my gosh it was amazing and beautiful. I knew I had to own it for my shelves. Shortly after returning it I purchased it at Borders. I have to check out more by the author.

  7. Oh wow. This sounds so good!

  8. Oh, so glad you loved this one! I did, too, and read the whole thing in one evening. It definitely reminded me of those first-love pangs and made me cry big tears. Definitely a moving story, and one of the first graphic novels I’ve really loved!

  9. so glad you loved it Kay!! This is one of my favorites.

  10. I think I also read this one straight through in a day, even though it’s so huge I didn’t think that would happen.

  11. I’m not so much into graphic novels but this book has been loved by so many I have to read it. Glad you loved it so much…

  12. Lex : I completely agree Lex, surprise is an excellent catalyst – especially if it’s a positive surprise!

    Diane : It’s too good to stay on the shelf! Give it a try! Hihi! 😉

    Amanda : Your review is one of the reasons I picked this one. It was great advice!

    Kathy : I haven’t read that many graphic memoirs but I will definitely want to read more after reading this one. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this one!

    Freda : Oh, I’mm happy to read that! 🙂 I’ll take a look at your wishlist!

    Christina : I have to check out more by the author, too! I was amazed, especially since, like you, graphic novels really are hit or misses with me too!

    Juju : It IS good!

    Meg : It’s really hard to put it down once you start it, isn’t it? Really moving, too.

    Chris : Mine too, now. I know it will be on my best of 2010 list!

    Kim : I was really scared by the size and was really surprised how fast I was going through it too!

    Violet : Yes, you should really give it a try; borrow it maybe if you have the chance? Many readers who usually don’t like graphic novels seem to have liked this one.

  13. I read this book earlier in the year and loved it too. I’m so glad you did too! 🙂

  14. Wow a five star book! This is definitely going on my list. I’ve never read a graphic autobiography before, but it definitely sounds interesting.

  15. Wonderful review. I have this on my Amazon wishlist and reading your thoughts just made me want it more!

  16. Every time I read a review on this one, I can’t help but want it more and more.

  17. I’m trying to look at the book’s price in the amazon.com
    Hope this turns out to be good. =]

  18. I’ve seen this book. My friend also read this and she love it. she also recommended it to me. I saw your review for this book and now I’m entirely convinced.Now I want more of your reviews and also I want this novel ’cause I want to feel like I’m not just the reader but also I want to be part of the story and feel true love.

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