Customer Reviews

Good-bye, Chunky Rice

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Chunky Rice is like no other book I've ever read. Its at one time adorable and depressing, but always captivating. Comparable to Melvile's MOBY DICK, this tale of a wandering sprit's driving desire to leave his safe and almost perfect life in exchange for the uncertantity of life at sea is one that anyone can relate to. The fact that the central character is an almost genderless cartoon turtle makes him truly iconic so that anyone can put their own identity into the character's life journey. Once Chunky Rice sets sail we are introduced to a strange crew of freakish characters each with a striking vulnerability that they try to keep buried within them only to find it constantly resurfacing. This is the type of book to read and then share with a friend. I Highly encourage everyone one to pick up this book. It's quietly poetic and beautifully drawn with a wild imaginative style that truly stands out.

Honestly, what a wonderfully innovative artist and writer Thompson is. His drawings are absolutely maginficant in both this and 'Blankets', and his tales are sweet and utterly likable. I daresay, at the tender age of 28, Thompson has some wonderful years of graphic novels writing ahead and we are in for some divine and quirky treats.

This little work is bittersweet and kind and sensitive and beautifully texturised. It is also quite a novel concept for this genre, and I daresay I have read no graphic novel which even lends itself to some kind of comparison. Its just delightfully simple and there is so much in the artwork. Every glance warrants a new discovery, and Thompson is already a master at evoking feeling. I particularly loved the frames where Chucky and his mouse love were lying under a quilted blanket and Chunky was telling her not to cry. Just gorgeous.


However, the work is relatively short and can be difficult to follow. It is not flawless, but remains a timeless addition to any graphic novel collection. 'Blankets; is clearly Thompson's incredible and unusual masterpiece, and while both are worth getting, 'Blankets' illustrates how Thompson has developed as a writer and artist in the last four years.

That said, I would still highly recommend 'Good-bye, Chunky Rice.' It stands alone as utterly beautiful work and a gentle and innovative credit to the graphic novel genre.

A potent story to pass around...skirts the edge of the maudlin, but is rescued by the author's keen sensibilities. Reinvigorates the American graphic novel.

I have become a big fan of Craig Thompson, but I think I read his books in the wrong order. I started with his Carnet De Voyage (Travel Journal), which is his most recent work. That got me interested in the book for which he was on tour, Blankets. As a newbie to graphic novels, I was completely blown away by Blankets which is more of a memoir than novel. So I felt compelled to get Good-bye, Chunky Rice, Mr. Thompson's first book. The characters, the writing, and the visual style are good, but not nearly as interesting to me as the other two books.

I loved this book. I ,like many others, read Blankets first and fell in love with it. So I was very excited to read this. I was captivated the whole time. Its a great story. I was really looking forward to where it was going. But as I started nearing the last 2 or 3 pages I started to realize that there are not enough pages to wrap things up. And before I knew it It ended. It really does feel like the last 10 pages were stolen from the book.
Like I said its a great read it just leaves something to be desired.

Good-bye Chunky Rice by Craig Thompson is the tender story of the eponymous turtle who leaves his beloved mouse friend Dandele to go away. Where Chunky Rice goes is never defined, but he is driven by his need to leave. The story is told with many flashbacks and cut-aways to supporting characters. The strange man who helps Chunky with his luggage is a pathetic man whose abuse by his father and siblings has left him haunted. Dandele speaks in beautifully turbulent poetry comparing her anguish at the loss of Chunky to the stormy waves of the sea. She tosses countless bottles into the sea, pouring out her heart in hopeful and hopeless SOS's to Chunky. Meanwhile, Chunky is on a small ship with a crude captain, conjoined twins, and a slatternly cook. The storm the ship encounters on the way seems almost too metaphorical for the changes in the passengers' lives. While the artistry is almost a little too charming, the story's dreamlike telling is compelling and poignant. I look forward to reading more of Thompson's works.

This book is very stunning in art, and bold colors on the cover.This book is perfect for somebody that passed away or just departed from a trip that wants a quick read. I think Goodbye ChunkyRice is a little pricey for such a short book,but is a beautifully written story in It's short number of pages. Even If you like It or not It will still be unforgettable and that's what matters! So go out and buy It and snuggle up in a quiet place, and watch the story takes It's toll, and on you!

This foray into the full graphic novel has proven quite successful for an innovative artist. The intricate, interwoven plots address issues few would expect from a first novel. The author/illustrator reaches out to those of us who have experienced life in "an isolated farming community" and experienced not fitting in. His character Chunky is touching and realistic. He knows that carrying his home on his back is not the best, but that he must make the best of it. The author also emphasized the point that each individual must seek out to find that one place, that one lifestyle that will make them happy, regardless of the obstacles.

I was also impressed by the mosaic illustrations. A very creative view of the mundane and allows the reader to discover many things on their own. I am looking forward to further works by this newcomer.

Overall, I am raving over a book by a fellow I am proud of!

Craig Thompson's debut graphic novel Good-bye Chunky Rice is a delight. The title character is a small turtle who sets off on a sea voyage of self-discovery. Thompson interweaves this quest with those of friends Chunky has left ashore and with flashbacks from their lives. An initially complex structure becomes clear after twenty pages or so. What distinguishes the book is a moving story rendered beautifully by Mr. Thompson's pen.The transitions are unique and surprising and the images range from starkly simple to dense and complex. The book is suitable for adults and children but one episode involving drowned puppies is disturbing. I eagerly await Craig Thompson's next books.

I got my "Good-bye, Chunky Rice" 6th printing copy last week and read it twice. The first reading, I savored the letters; and the second, I focused on the visual art. Both elements are excellent. The story is not new but with the honest and juvenile yet pure approach of the author made it fresh.In simple words, this is poetry. The visuals are simply delightful. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the author's rendition of the sea. I loved the bittersweet fable with quirky characters. And oh, the ending was pure genius just like the ending of the movie "Before Sunset". I'm glad graphic novelist like Craig Thompson is discovered and accepted by the readers. I congratulate him for delivering a first-rate literature. Write on, Craig. "There are no words" to express how much I loved your work. Bravo!