Thompson, C. (2003). Blankets:
A Graphic Novel. Marietta, Ga.: Top Shelf. ISBN: 978-1891830433.
Annotation
Autobiographical graphic memoir that takes major “coming of age” themes (first
love, spirituality, angst, anxiety) and puts them into comic-strip form.
My thoughts
Blankets details the story of Craig Thompson’s life
starting from his childhood to adolescence.
It tells the story of his first-love, Raina, his wish to become an
artist, and his search for faith. Even though, this is the story of a specific
person in a specific place (Wisconsin), it really can be a story for everyone.
The tenderness and sincerity make this a beautiful story that should be
experienced.
There is so much to write about and so many great interpretations of this
near 600-page story, and I encourage readers to seek out other opinions after
reading the memoir. A couple of things that must be noted- this will be the
quickest 600-page book that most readers will encounter. This is not because
the pages are lacking content but because they are quite full and will
draw the reader’s heart into the story.
In addition to the story, there is Thompson’s art. He knows how to take
advantage of the comic median. There were panels that left my eyes teary (his
account of his brother’s molestation and the cubicle incident along with all of
his recounting of his first love experiences). The art creates a great part of
the book’s emotional tone and the line work is beautiful and expressive.
I can’t seem to write anymore. This really is a sentimental book. I
highly recommend it.
Curricular
connections
Thematic connections with religion, family issues, and literature. It
would be great to see this in the classrooms, but high school is so brief and
there are so many great literature choices. Plus, there is some mature content
that parents might see as inappropriate for the classroom setting.
Favorite
Quotes
“Which is scarier-- lust or temptation? ”
“Sometimes, upon waking, the residual dream can be more appealing that
reality, and one is reluctant to give it up. For a while, you feel like a ghost
-- Not fully materialized, and unable to manipulate your surroundings. Or else,
it is the dream that haunts you. You wait with the promise of the next dream.”
“On my first visit to the public library, I was like a kid at a candy
store where all the candy was free.
I gorged myself until my tummy ached.”
“I wanted a heaven. And I grew up striving for that world-- an eternal
world- that would wash away my temporary misery.”
“Shame is always easier to handle if you have someone to share it with.”
“How satisfying it is to leave a mark on a blank surface.”
“To make a map of my movement--no matter how temporary.”
“I couldn't fathom that the soul trapped in my child body would be
transplanted to its grotesque adolescent counterpart.”
“Maybe I'm sad about wanting you. I'm not too comfortable with wanting
someone.”
“We both knew that nothing existed for us outside of the moment.”
“Even a mistake is better than nothing.”
“But in that little pathetic clump of blankets there was comfort.”
Reading level/ Interest Age
High school and
up.
Reviews and Awards
2004 Harvey
Award for Best Artist
2004 Harvey
Award for Best Cartoonist
2004 Harvey
Award for Best Graphic Album of Original Work
2004 Eisner
Award for Best Graphic Album
2004 Eisner
Award for Best Writer/Artist
2004 Ignatz
Award for Outstanding Artist
2004 Ignatz Award
for Outstanding Graphic Novel or Collection
2005 Prix de la
critique
Author website:
http://www.dootdootgarden.com/
Media: Pen and ink
Genre: Graphic Novel, fiction
