Stitches: A Memoir (by David Small)
common sense media says
Powerful look at abusive childhood for mature readers only.
parents & educators say
- 67% say sexual content is an issue
- 33% say violence is an issue
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book was originally published as a memoir for adults, but it is a 2009 National Book Award Finalist in the Young Adult category. Like most graphic novels that explore childhood, they are a challenge to categorize by both awards committees and publishers. Technically it can be called a coming-of-age story, but Small did not write it for a young or even teen audience. As an adult book it has been accurately called disturbing and cathartic. The horror of a boy being subjected to repeated radiation treatments by his father, losing his vocal cord and ability to speak to cancer at the age of 14, and being lied to about all of it by his parents is nightmarish enough, but the scenes of David finding his mother in bed with another woman, and later his grandmother trying to kill his grandfather in a fire and dancing naked outside the burning house mark it further as a book for very mature readers.
Educational value:
Parents and teachers can use this book to talk about different kinds of abuse -- and also the power and popularity of graphic novels. See our "Families Can Talk About" section for some ideas.
Positive role models:
David endures a painful childhood, expressing his pain through art. The first supportive adult he finds is the psychologist he goes to after stealing his parents' car and being kicked out of school. He leaves home at 16 and finishes school, becomes a successful artist, and marries, but this memoir focuses more on the hell he lived through than on the resiliency required to survive it.
Violence:
The emotional abuse by David's parents is just as horrific as the verbal abuse. But other violence abounds, as when David's grandmother goes insane and locks his grandfather in the basement before setting the house on fire. The stark visual images reinforce the horror David faces as a child and in his nightmares; a shot of a fetus suspended in a glass jar outside a lab is frequently in his nightmares. David is barely able to speak after cancer surgery -- a surgery his parents put off for years.
Sex:
David and his brother look at their father's medical books when they are young and point out breasts and penises. One of his mother's friends is very sexy and he is attracted to her; when he is 15 he finds this friend in bed with his mother. He later states that her repressed lesbianism caused many of her emotional problems. David is taunted for acting gay while young because he is sensitive and imaginative. His grandmother is drawn dancing naked outside when she goes insane.
Language:
"T-t" and "hell."
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
The adults are shown smoking cigarettes and drinking cocktails or wine in many if not most of the illustrations. David's father, a doctor, always gives his son health advice (on posture) or bad news (that he has cancer) while puffing incessantly on cigarettes.
More on Stitches: A Memoir
Review It
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
- 67% say sexual content is an issue
- 33% say violence is an issue
Most useful reviews by all members
aghurrican
parent of 8 and 13 year old
parent of 8 and 13 year old
A Disturbing But Powerful Memoir for Ages 12+
I'm confused as to why this book should be kept out of the hands of kids younger than 18! Indeed, it is disturbing material, but I feel it is handled in a sensitive and accessible (graphic) format. A child experiencing any kind of abuse might find this book to be an extremely hopeful and redemptive reading experience. For kids fortunate enough to come from healthy households, this book can open up productive conversations with parents about mental health, family dynamics, and the resiliency of the human spirit.
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ellanaRox
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
good Book
I really liked it,
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Jess-thejoysof ...
adult
adult
For mature young adults not recommended for younger audiences
Personally I thought this was an excellent graphic novel. I read this one because it was nominated for a National Book award in the Young Peoples category. Though entered in this category, I would not recommend this title for anyone under the age of 16. Emotional abuse, sex, a little swearing, and some images of smoking are found throughout.
I would recommend this title for older mature teens as this book would lend itself well for discussion, a great book to read along with your older teen.
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serlibnf
parent of 10 and 13 year old
parent of 10 and 13 year old
I read the advanced reader's copy of this book, actually given to me and autographed by Small himself at a national library conference. He cautioned me not to have any children read it; so I read it at night when the kids were in bed. A very frank look at a really disturbing childhood. That Small was able to overcome everything he experienced/witnessed as a child could be inspirational but only to those older than 17.
It does send a very good message about getting professional help and how mental health professionals saved his life. However, once I read it, I felt uncomfortable keeping it in the house. I was worried that if my [tween] kids found the graphic novel on a shelf, they may pick it up thinking it was something they could read.
Did it deserve a National Book Award-yes, for young peoples, no.
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Amaar Nazarani
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
good
Its very educational to learn about challenges. David explains about his painful childhood.
Grand mother abusing him. unloving mother. Dad who smokes and gives him treatments like radiation what causes cancer.
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