rach_eb's review against another edition
4.0
This was an incredibly nostalgic read for me. Having grown up in a rural part of the Midwest, many of the beautifully-illustrated scenes struck a chord with me, especially those about his faith growing up. I would have liked to have seen a few loose ends tied up more succinctly, especially his transition out of faith, but it was overall a wonderful, thought-provoking read. And as for the art, his use of white space really makes the illustrations *work* and gives a wintery feel that would be hard to capture otherwise.
tinmanreading's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
4.0
nglofile's review against another edition
5.0
I've been punched in the gut with this one.
More than that, it feels like a story that will linger in the recesses of my thoughts, occasionally illumined by a turn of the earth. This is an exquisitely wrenching coming-of-age story. It is also by turns difficult and sweet and tangy and uncomfortable and comforting. The realism and the bald honesty of internal conflict inject a beauty that is matched in the illustration style, one which is capable of both fear and tenderness. The graphics even shift in tone and density according to scene, and it is only afterward that the reader might reflect how immersive the story experience was.
This may seem an odd assessment. Many will instead focus on the narrative of first love and wonder at the snapshot I present. I'm not dismissing that at all, merely putting the thread in the context of the greater story. The question of longing, of a hunger for more, is core, and the exploration of whether that might be found in faith, in relationship, or in vocation is ripe, especially when we consider whether those obsessions become by definition mutually exclusive.
I don't agree with all the ideology or conclusions, but I do understand and empathize with them. The fact that I am haunted by this story -- in both word and image -- despite my differences is a testimony to its power and complexity.
More than that, it feels like a story that will linger in the recesses of my thoughts, occasionally illumined by a turn of the earth. This is an exquisitely wrenching coming-of-age story. It is also by turns difficult and sweet and tangy and uncomfortable and comforting. The realism and the bald honesty of internal conflict inject a beauty that is matched in the illustration style, one which is capable of both fear and tenderness. The graphics even shift in tone and density according to scene, and it is only afterward that the reader might reflect how immersive the story experience was.
This may seem an odd assessment. Many will instead focus on the narrative of first love and wonder at the snapshot I present. I'm not dismissing that at all, merely putting the thread in the context of the greater story. The question of longing, of a hunger for more, is core, and the exploration of whether that might be found in faith, in relationship, or in vocation is ripe, especially when we consider whether those obsessions become by definition mutually exclusive.
I don't agree with all the ideology or conclusions, but I do understand and empathize with them. The fact that I am haunted by this story -- in both word and image -- despite my differences is a testimony to its power and complexity.
itsrowan's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
lauren_mccune's review against another edition
4.0
A gorgeous hefty graphic novel from Portland comic book artist Craig Thompson. Thompson illustrates this memoir with poetic and sad pen & ink drawings. It brought me right back to high school, my first love and how shitty/brilliant it feels to first question everything around you.
*re-read Dec 2017 for book club*
*re-read Dec 2017 for book club*
marieisreading's review against another edition
4.0
Very heavy physical copy, didn’t expect such a big book when I ordered it
bookscreentalk's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful book!
Blankets is a coming of age story of the author, told through most gorgeous art.
The book is about self-discovery, love and growing into an adult with all the memories and experiences of one's childhood.
Would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick light read !
Although a light and fluffy read, the book does contain some profound ideas, about religion, self care and kindness.
The thing I liked most about his work is how effortlessly two frames merge into one another, making you smile like an idiot. Not quite sure, whether at the story or the artwork.
Prettiest book I've ever read, hands down.
Blankets is a coming of age story of the author, told through most gorgeous art.
The book is about self-discovery, love and growing into an adult with all the memories and experiences of one's childhood.
Would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick light read !
Although a light and fluffy read, the book does contain some profound ideas, about religion, self care and kindness.
The thing I liked most about his work is how effortlessly two frames merge into one another, making you smile like an idiot. Not quite sure, whether at the story or the artwork.
Prettiest book I've ever read, hands down.