Journal 9: Wrapped in Blankets

Warm and welcoming...
... are not words I would use when describing Craig Thompson's graphic novel, Blankets, which reflects his youth and the struggles he faced growing up in Wisconsin. The trailer for the book, however, captures many of the moods and ideas that are scattered among the book. It does a great job of pointing out that this novel isn't all sunshine and happiness, but rather the saddening truths of growing up and developing into one's self. It makes good note of his emotional change from his youth to his younger-adult years when he meets Raina (his first real love). It also captures other themes in the book, such as family conflicts and religious faiths; something rarely touched in modern novels for young adults.

If I was to create a trailer of Blankets for other students, especially those younger than me, I would be sure to include all that I mentioned above, and I would also leave out some of the more upsetting details that are registered in the book (but not in the trailer).
One of these would be the hints that he left in his childhood that he was sexually abused by his babysitter (which is demonstrated in vague flashbacks, much how someone who was sexually abused would view it). Another thing that I would leave out of the trailer would be the conflicting family lives, both Craig's emotional distance in his household and the complications faced at Raina's household. I do believe that these details are highlighted well in the book, but if it was added to a trailer it might distract the potential reader with details that they would easily figure out if they read it.
Something that I would highlight more that the original trailer didn't would be his school life and the struggles he faced throughout his teenage years. Now, these weren't exceptionally great moments in his life, but if this book was reaching out to younger readers, it might connect with those who also feel out of sorts with their community and religion; helping them connect with the fact that they aren't the only ones who have been dealt this certain hand of cards in this life.