January book: Stitches by David Small

Stitches is a graphic memoir by David Small that recounts his traumatic childhood, including a misdiagnosed cancer that left him virtually mute after a throat operation. The book details his difficult relationship with his emotionally distant parents and his eventual escape from home at age sixteen to pursue his dream of becoming an artist. It is a National Book Award finalist and has received critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of childhood trauma and the power of art for survival.