Blankets in DC Public Library

Nov 07, 2011 Maria rated it it was amazing

Shelves: loved, graphic, all-time-favorites, favorites

Wow... just beautiful and perfect. My favorite art in any graphic novel.

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Mar 23, 2018 Robert rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: graphic-novels

I thought this was really terrific. Thompson's autobiographical graphic novel takes advantage of all the distinct storytelling tools that elevate the form: pacing (via beautiful illustrations that allow the story to breathe), subtle details in background images, vivid glimpses into characters' minds, wordless sequences, memory scenes & flashbacks, and the melding of the real with the fantastical all in the same image panel. It's a delight to read and, despite its girth (nearly 600 pages), I fini I thought this was really terrific. Thompson's autobiographical graphic novel takes advantage of all the distinct storytelling tools that elevate the form: pacing (via beautiful illustrations that allow the story to breathe), subtle details in background images, vivid glimpses into characters' minds, wordless sequences, memory scenes & flashbacks, and the melding of the real with the fantastical all in the same image panel. It's a delight to read and, despite its girth (nearly 600 pages), I finished it in one sitting.

The story follows the author's coming-of-age process during his teen years, in particular via his first love and the slow decay of his religious fervor. Craig's relationship with god and Christianity is beautifully tracked, as the rural youngster who knows nothing other than the fear of God is slowly exposed to the contradictions and exceptions protruding from the dogma. The most memorable and moving sections involve Craig's guilt from being a lousy older brother (and his redemption) as well as his romance with his first love, a girl he meets at Jesus Camp named Raina.

Craig visits Raina's family for a couple weeks and the home life Thompson paints for them is shattering and sad: mom wants a divorce, dad is fighting for the family, two of her siblings are mentally handicapped, her older sister is married to a jerk who routinely enlists Raina for babysitting duties. Craig's observations reveal Raina as a strong but broken character who teaches him about commitment and exposes him to the thrilling feelings of falling in love... the yearning to touch her hair, the dreaming toward the future, the thrill of feeling responsible for another person.

I won't spoil the end but it turns out okay for Craig (this is his coming-of-age after all), yet the completion of Raina's story is unsatisfying and my biggest regret. I've not often felt such pangs on completing a book. It's a powerful feeling to have become so invested in a character and her family, all in one night. It's why I love this sort of storytelling and why I love this book. ...more

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Nov 09, 2015 Jamie Jones Hullinger rated it really liked it

Someone insisted that I read this. They said it would "give me the feels". It did. It is a heartbreaking story of someone experiencing a crisis of of faith. As a graphic novel it is extremely well executed with Bible verses woven throughout. ...more

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Nov 29, 2015 Kate rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, books-read-in-2016

This was a surprisingly profound and thoroughly enjoyable coming of age story. The author managed to seamlessly weave together anecdotes from his childhood, mostly involving his brother, with a high school romance that actually wasn't cliche. You'll appreciate this book even more if, like me, you've actually had to live through multiple midwest winters. I also really enjoyed his illustrations and drawing style. Highly recommend. ...more

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