Blankets in Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge

Jun 18, 2016 CrystalIsReading on StoryGraph rated it really liked it

Shelves: graphic-novels-comics, memoir-bio-autobio

a beautifully sad reflection on a sad, scary childhood, on the beauty of first love, on the complexities of family, on the harsh realities of growing up in fundamentalist religious communities, and on finding identity and purpose in the midst of all of it. I read it in one night, staying up far later than I meant to. It was a fairly fast and certainly compulsive read.
although the particulars of my early life were different (at least one loving and rather permissive parent, less active bullying b a beautifully sad reflection on a sad, scary childhood, on the beauty of first love, on the complexities of family, on the harsh realities of growing up in fundamentalist religious communities, and on finding identity and purpose in the midst of all of it. I read it in one night, staying up far later than I meant to. It was a fairly fast and certainly compulsive read.
although the particulars of my early life were different (at least one loving and rather permissive parent, less active bullying by most of my peers, etc.), I could relate to so much of what Craig has gone through. the religious passion, trying to find purpose for and comfort in the midst of dark and scary times. the confusion when the people around you preaching the loudest were the ones who didn't really seem to live up to their professions of faith. how concepts of wealth and popularity were just as rampant in the Christian world as anywhere else, and just as destructive. I, too, was an awkward and uncomfortable child isolated in a rural area, lonely, frustrated with my siblings, yet having no one else with whom to play--even having to share a bed at some points in my life. I just didn't have the beauty or the heartbreak of a relationship like his with Raina. Friendships, but not young love like that.
I also appreciated that the story didn't shy away from the hard things. From sexual abuse. from the struggles involved with Raina's siblings. We saw the darkest corners as well as the lightest. (the scene where Craig and his brother got into a pee fight made me laugh out loud right beside my sleeping husband. Gross, but hilarious. and believable. Kids do crazy things.)
So in some ways reading this book was awfully uncomfortable for me. It brought back memories. Memories I really try not to retain. Especially the crowded, unpleasant Christian camping experiences, where I experienced some of the worst bullying of my life. But it was also cathartic in a way. Feeling some sort of solidarity with Craig. Knowing that neither of us were actually alone in our struggles, doubts, and fears--just isolated at the time. We both came through the darkness, and found (relative) peace, although we found it in our own ways (I didn't let the fools around me make me lose my faith.). I think this is a great book to share with any teens you know struggling with feeling hopeless and alone. While they may not always relate to the details, they get another real-life reminder that if we hang in there, there really is something different on the other side of our experiences. Adulthood really can be better. So hang in there. ...more

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Dec 06, 2008 Ching-In rated it it was ok

Shelves: graphic

Really liked the art, but so much build-up of the narrator's Christianity for the 1st 500 pages and then the most interesting part of the book, detailing his transformation (the loss of faith) is summarized? Boo! ...more

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Sep 18, 2010 Melissa Wiebe rated it it was amazing

Shelves: graphic-novels, 2010, seasonalreadingchallenge

I read this book due to the fact that I had chosen it for a reading challenge and had no idea as to what to expect and what I found was a marvelous gem of a book. This is the third graphic novel that I have read, the first two being the Maus books by Art Speigleman, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Part of the reason that I don't read graphic novels is because of the fact that most of them deal with alternative realities and realities that I have a hard time thinking are real. ...more

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Sep 15, 2015 chrisa rated it really liked it

Shelves: graphic-novel

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Thought provoking and very human.

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Nov 05, 2007 Krystal rated it it was amazing

this book made me understand the appeal of graphic novels. the drawings were beautiful and seemed to better convey the intimacy of the story than the prose. and at the same time thompson's words were insightful and perfectly matched the tone of the images.

what i learned from this book: pictures do not neccesarily rule out a good story. a plot about a superhero fighting a stereotypical villain, for me, does. sorry jon :) ...more

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Apr 20, 2010 Sarah rated it liked it

Shelves: graphic-novel, coming-of-age

I loved Thompson’s travel graphic novel, Carnet de Voyage do decided to pick up what he was best known for. This coming of age graphic novel is beautifully illustrated but left me feeling a little flat. I enjoyed it generally and glad I read it, but not as enamored with it as I was his newer work.

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May 13, 2014 Debbie rated it really liked it

Shelves: graphic-novel

This beautifully-drawn memoir illustrates both first love and a journey away from religious beliefs. I absolutely loved the artwork, and will keep a lookout for more from this author.

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