Review: Blankets by Craig Thompson
December 9, 2009 in Biography, Memoir, Reviews
Loosely based on the author’s life, chronicles Craig’s journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring the people, experiences, and beliefs that he encountered along the way.
This is one that I’ve been wanting to read for ages. Ever since I first saw it sitting on the shelves in my local bookshop. It has, I think, one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen. That shade of blue is just perfect.
Anyway, it’s quite a big GN at over 500 pages, and because of this and the fact it is fantastically presented on a high quality paper stock, it’s not the cheapest in the world, so I never quite convinced myself to buy it…
Then a few weeks back I was browsing my library’s online catalogue and happened to come across it! 
So I quickly put a hold on it and waited for it to come in.
It’s everything I hoped it would be, from the reviews I’d seen about it. Detailing the authors childhood and later teenage years, it also combines these two stands with the authors thoughts as he looks back on his life.
It’s an often moving story, and for most of it, quite sad. Ultimately though I think it is a positive story.
Craig Thompson’s artwork perfect complements the story, often saying things he is unable to in words, it’s one of the joys in GN’s when words and pictures combine and compliment each other so well!
Rating: 
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Buy: Blankets by Craig Thompson from The Book Depository
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Alyce (13)
Amanda (10)
Carl V. (10)
Nikki-ann (9)
Adding immediately to the TbR pile. Wow, that’s gorgeous!
Ooh, I’m so thrilled you reviewed this one now as my GN enabler friend is bringing me this one to borrow next, after I finish Fun Home. It sounds lovely, though I didn’t know it was THAT long.
I thought this book was beautiful. I love the way the illustrations are so dreamlike, it makes them seem more like memories and impressions. And I agree, despite the dark stuff I think the book is ultimately positive.
I really want to read this. I had to ILL because my library doesn’t have it, but I haven’t seen it appear on my list yet.
I’m glad you liked it! I think Craig Thompson’s illustrations are so gorgeous, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.
I’ve read some Thompson in the past and really enjoyed it, and his artwork, and really do need to get to this one. I completely agree with your thoughts on the cover, it is lovely.
I really wish my library would buy Blankets. But alas, they haven’t so it’s up to me. I love Thompson’s artwork. Have you read his other works?
You know, I actually saw this at the library the other day. I almost checked it out. I remember somebody reading it. But I couldn’t remember who or whether they liked it. Now that you’ve reviewed it, I guess I will have to check it out.
You must check it out!
I’ve also had my eye on for this for a while but just like you I thought it’s way too pricey so I haven’t bought it. But anyway, I’d love to read it one day. Sounds great!
It’s not the cheapest in the world, but it is very good.
I bought it when Nymeth mentioned it on her blog. I am going to read it in 2010 for the GN challenge. I’m so glad to hear that’s likely worth the price.
While I think it is worth the price, I am glad I could get the one I read from the library!
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