This Week's Book Report

Now that my sales conference over, I can read a few books for myself.

BLANKETS by Craig Thompson – One of the finest graphic novels I have read in a long time. I know I am a little late to the game on this one. But better late than never. Thompson’s autobiographical novel is the story of teenager Craig, struggling with his family, his small town schoolmates, and his own Christian faith. At a religious camp, he meets Raina, and their slowly developing relationship is the core of the book. After the camp, the two correspond until Craig spends two weeks with her and her family. The two fall in love, but once Craig returns home, he is forced to grow up and choose his own path in life. Thompson’s tale avoids the usual trappings of many coming of age tales, focusing on the spiritual and emotional impact of their relationship on Craig. Craig’s search for understanding, for his own place in the world, connects to us all. Thompson’s art captures the tender realism of the relationship as well as the surreal qualities of Craig’s internal struggle. Simple, intelligent, and heartfelt, Blankets captures a universal tale with grace and honesty.

STORM FRONT by Jim Butcher – The first book in Butcher’s Dresden Files series, combining fantasy and hardboiled mystery. Harry Dresden is a wizard for hire in Chicago, solving cases for clients while also working as a consultant for the police. In Storm Front, he tries to solve the mystery of a missing husband while helping the police uncover who savagely murdered two people through magic. The problem is, Harry’s the only local wizard powerful enough to have committed the crime, putting himself in the crosshairs of the Wizard’s Council. Butcher balances the mystery and fantasy elements very well, but it’s Dresden that makes the book a worthwhile read. He is an appealing character, funny, compassionate, tough, and carrying a dark past. As the series progresses, Butcher throws in a longer conspiracy / fantasy war subplot that carries through much of the series, but in the first book, he lays the groundwork for a strong series that anyone can pick up and enjoy. I definitely will read the next installment.