Blankets by Craig Thompson

What a beautiful book this is. I've never gone for illustrated novels before as I thought that comics were only for nerdy types. But this book is just amazing.

It's a semi-autobiographical tale of being brought up by strict Christian parents and being an outsider and falling in love. The blurb on the back says it's 'achingly beautiful' and I couldn't agree more. The characters just come alive on the page and I wanted to crawl right in there and experience it for myself (like on the A-ha video!).

I bought this book with my Christmas book tokens (thanks Mom!) on New Years Eve. On New Years Day I was so ill I just stayed in bed and read this book. When I went for a walk I felt all strange and sentimental. Like I was wandering through a cartoon or a novel. I love that feeling. I noticed every little thing around me and got a sense of where I was in the world. And in life.

I'm looking forward to hearing the soundtrack next.