I read a LOT. I read as much as I write. I try to keep track on my Goodreads page but I don't list everything I read there (sometimes I forget to include books). Nevertheless, I don't normally do "Best Of" lists. I know so many writers...it just feels uncomfortable for me. But this year, I'd like to share my BEST read of the year because it was so so good...
I can’t recommend this graphic novel enough. It is a testament to the fact that the physical book should never die. It's a gorgeous work of art, both physically and narrative-ly. Habibi by Craig Thompson is whirling with Arabic calligraphy, bleeding pages and detailed imagery that is both Arab and African, ancient and modern, playful and serious. And equally as exquisite, compelling and daring is the book’s story which follows the lives of two slaves, one African and one Arab and how the world shapes, destroys, and evolves them. Note: This novel deals with some very adult material. It is not for children. Don't leave it lying around for a child to pick up and open.
This is my signed sample copy of Habibi from when I met Craig at Comic-con. I didn't know it was him when I met him. I just saw art that looked in the same style as Thompson's previous novel Blankets and my curiosity was piqued. So I approached the booth. There I was, talking to him about Blankets and how excited I was about Habibi (he was the one who told me about the new forthcoming book and I might as well have clicked my heels, I was so excited). Then at some point he told me that HE was Craig Thompson. My jaw nearly fell open and I started giggling. It was really funny. I didn't bother reading the sample. I waited for the full novel to come out. I didn't think it could possibly be better than Blankets and I am pleased to say I was wrong. It was the best book I read in 2011.
Go out and buy it and then be amazed.
I can’t recommend this graphic novel enough. It is a testament to the fact that the physical book should never die. It's a gorgeous work of art, both physically and narrative-ly. Habibi by Craig Thompson is whirling with Arabic calligraphy, bleeding pages and detailed imagery that is both Arab and African, ancient and modern, playful and serious. And equally as exquisite, compelling and daring is the book’s story which follows the lives of two slaves, one African and one Arab and how the world shapes, destroys, and evolves them. Note: This novel deals with some very adult material. It is not for children. Don't leave it lying around for a child to pick up and open.
| Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  |
| He drew her right in front of me :-D!! |
This is my signed sample copy of Habibi from when I met Craig at Comic-con. I didn't know it was him when I met him. I just saw art that looked in the same style as Thompson's previous novel Blankets and my curiosity was piqued. So I approached the booth. There I was, talking to him about Blankets and how excited I was about Habibi (he was the one who told me about the new forthcoming book and I might as well have clicked my heels, I was so excited). Then at some point he told me that HE was Craig Thompson. My jaw nearly fell open and I started giggling. It was really funny. I didn't bother reading the sample. I waited for the full novel to come out. I didn't think it could possibly be better than Blankets and I am pleased to say I was wrong. It was the best book I read in 2011.
Go out and buy it and then be amazed.
