Blankets

...and I've read quite a few.But first, let me tell you about a theory of mine.It is that the more complex the medium, the more powerful a message is possible.So, books, verbal, and art are all simple media, in that they are one concentrated, direct medium. All of these media have matured, in that there are the best books, the best speeches, and the best art already available.Music, graphic novels, and movies would be the next level of complexity in that they combine two forms of media. Music is the only one of these media that has fully matured, in that there is lots of music out there that is better than the best in either vocals or poetry. There have been a few movies that have transcended the separate media of photographs and literature, but really not very many. Movies is still a relatively new media, and I think that in about 20 years you will see lots of movies that are better than either of the components of photographs or literature.Which brings me to this book--this book is a land breaking book in that it finally pushed graphic novels past the point that either books or art can achieve on their own. Craig Thompson has finally brought the medium of graphic novels "into its own."And, then the Internet and "TV of the future" would be ultra-complex media. My guess is that it's about 100 years from now before anyone makes a website that's better than a good book.This story made me cry. Every chapter made me cry. I read it a chapter at a time, and savored it. I recommend that, because there is so much in this book.If you're looking to be surprised by a book, read another one. I could tell the ending from the first chapter or two, but it didn't matter. The strength of this book is in the emotions it evokes.This book did something really cool toward the middle--it portrayed perfection. Everything was perfect for just about 10 pages. I don't know how Craig Thompson did it, but he created something in this book that is larger than life, that is tangible, and that will probably stick with me forever.Maybe in a few years after I've read this book five more times, I'll figure out the magic of it and post another review and explain it all. But, for now all I can say is that I'm awed by how perfect this book is.Also, this book isn't a teenage love story. It's a story about childhood memories. It has the phantasmagoric effect of remembering. I loved it.

This is a coming-of-age story. This is well-drawn, expressive, and nothing immoral about it. Sure, Craig slept with Raina. So? He’s human. So’s Raina. That relationship’s not gonna last long. It’s life. Why be upset with Craig ditching Christianity? It’s inevitable when the seeds of doubt fester. Remember Plato’s cave? Once the prisoner is let out, he sees the world differently. This book left out one detail though. What happens when he comes back to tell fellow prisoners about it. Anyway, excellent story. Strongly recommended. To hell what the bookburners say.

Quality is here! From the book bindings, paper, and weight it is a solid book. The illustrations are immersive and make you feel like you are in the story.The story is a poignant coming of age story. Growing up going to church camp there was a connection there for me personally. In some ways I felt like I was reading my story and others I was having a drink with Craig and he was sharing his story to me like a friend. 100% honesty is placed on these pages.I will say that there are some strong mature themes and illustrations that can be triggering. However, life itself isn’t censored and this graphic novel deals with real life and can be relative to so many people.I read it all within 24 hours and spent a good 3 hours just sitting there and processing what happened once finished. I wanted to read it again for the first time. It wrecked me in the best way.

I ordered this book blindly after recently reading about it being pulled from school shelves and causing all graphic novels in that school to be pulled and reviewed for "appropriateness." Given the odd reasons books have been pulled lately, I needed to read it and attempt to understand.The book does have a few scenes that might be questionable (only because they're drawn out; most teen/young adult romance novels are way more descriptive than this), and I can understand it being pulled from middle school shelves, but I think it's perfectly fine for high school.This story is beautifully drawn and told. Though it contains some heavier material and is heartwrenching at times, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I've already recommended it to a few people, and I'd recommend it to anyone who has ever struggled with their faith.

I got the paperback version, and it came in mint condition. Usually Amazon is a bit of a hit or miss with certain types of books, but the print and pages and binding were all good. I read the whole thing in two days and I'm trying to get my brother to read it next due to how relatable the story is!Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who has had a religious upbringing and have since grown up to see the inconsistencies within christianity.