Blankets / Craig Thompson / 582 pages

This book is a memoir of Thompson’s growing up in a dysfunctional family, and the bond between brothers – from fighting over the blanket in bed to pretending the bed is a giant ship at sea. Interspersed with his reflections on growing up is the story of his first love, Raina. The two meet at church camp and Thompson goes to spend two weeks with her family in Michigan. The novel is sweetly told and the story is enhanced by the illustrations. In addition to family and love, Thompson also explores the topics of abuse (both sexual and child), faith, personality, coming-of-age, loss, and special needs adults.

I had never read a graphic novel before and was not sure I would enjoy it. This turned out to be a good choice for my first foray into the genre. The story is compelling and moving. I read through it quickly and was sorry to see it end.