Blankets

Blankets.  Craig Thompson. Marietta, Ga. : Top Shelf, 2003.  $29.95
ISBN: 9781891830433.

Hands down, this is one of the best books I have read in quite a while.  It describes the tangled heartache that encompasses the transitions that mar growing up.  Craig Thompson reflects on his upbringing and how his family and faith have shaped his current life.  He pays particular attention to his relationship with his younger brother, as well as his first love.  He also describes his swirling doubts about his Christian faith.  

The work uses prose that reflect Craig's ideas and feelings; however, the artistic element of the work as a graphic novel, develops the author's ideas and feelings far more vividly than printed text. The illustrations allow an added element of expression to fill the pages of Blankets, allowing the reader to visualize the author's memories and perspectives.  This is truly one of the best works I have read in quite a while, and I feel that is saying quite a bit, since I tend to read a good amount of books as often as possible.

Blankets has won the following awards:
Winner of the Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Awards for Best Graphic Novel and Best Cartoonist.

Craig Thompson has won the following awards:
Harvey Award (Best New Talent, 2000)
Eisner Award (Best Graphic Album-New, 2004)
Eisner Award (Best Writer/Artist, 2004)
Harvey Award (Best Artist, 2004)
Harvey Award (Best Cartoonist, 2004)

You can also follow-up on Craig Thompson at his blog, http://www.dootdootgarden.com/.

The Looking Glass Wars

The Looking Glass Wars.  Frank Beddor. New York:  Speak, 2007. $8.99
ISBN: 9780142409411

The tale of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is only a fraction of the truth.  It only tells part of the tale.  Wonderland is a real place, where a violent war is waging.  Alice Liddell, a.k.a. Alyss Heart, is the long lost princess and rightful heir to the Wonderland Kingdom.  She was forced to flee the magical world when her parents were murdered by her cunning and ruthless aunt, Redd.  Now Redd is queen and ready to unleash her rage and vengeful army, led by the lethal Catt, on anyone who challenges her reign. 

However, there is hope.  A secret, fragmented group of Alyssians, those dedicated to reinstating Alyss' reign, are gathering in the undercurrents of Wonderland.  Yet, will Alice's lengthy time on Earth her make her a disbeliever of Wonderland's existence, or will she be able to remain true her heritage and return to Wonderland in order to reclaim her birthright and free her people from being systematically slaughtered by Redd, the Evil Queen of Hearts?

Frank Beddor was also penned:
Hatter M:  The Looking Glass Wars, Vol. 1
Hatter M 2: Mad with Wonder
ArchEnemy
Seeing Redd

Frank Beddor is a New York Times bestseller and as been reviewed in Booklist.

--Melissa the Librarian

The Treasure Map of Boys

The Treasure Map of Boys.  E. Lockhart. New York:  Delcort Press. 2009. $18.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-90437-7
Ruby Oliver has just made it through one her hardest years at Tate Prep High School, but her junior year isn't looking any more promising.  She really likes Noel, but Nora, one of only two friends she has left, has had a long-standing crush on him--essentially leaving him untouchable.  Her ex-boyfriend, Jackson, is still dating her ex-friend Kim. She is also trying to escape her undeserved reputation as a slut. As if romance problems weren't enough, Roo is also being pestered to run the high school Bake Sale. 

As for the rest of Roo's life--the easiest way to put it is it's just not that easy.  She is conflicted at best.  She wants to be a good friend, but she can't help who she likes.  Her therapist thinks Roo needs to make a treasure map of her friendships, but she ends up creating an illustrated picture of her potential love life.  So Roo knows that she needs to make some tough decisions.  She needs to decide if the boy she really likes is worth losing one of the last friendships she has left.  She could also choose to remain in limbo--an area of hell known to Roo as NoBoyfriendland. Either way, Roo knows she could end up hurting the people closest to her, as well as herself.

Check out other books about Ruby Oliver and her friends written by E. Lockhart, as well as E. Lockahrt's Blog (http://www.theboyfriendlist.com/):

  The Boyfriend List (15 guys, 11 shrink appointments, 4 ceramic frogs, and me, Ruby Oliver)

The Boy Book: a study of habits and behaviors, plus techniques for taming them.





--Melissa Brisbin the Librarian