I will state that I am not a graphic novel enthusiast.  I am a dyed in the wool, old fashioned reader of books that only reads a few comic strips in the daily newspaper.   Life is too short and there are far too many great books to waste my time on drivel.  Now that I have alienated most of the youngish crowd that are the main readers of blogs such as this, let me share a graphic novels that I have recently appreciated, thereby attempting to redeem myself.
Carnet De Voyage by Craig Thompson, one of the top American graphic novelists, is an autobiographical travel diary he wrote while traveling three months through Africa and Europe.  He documents his views of traveling sometimes as a tourist and sometimes as a famous cartoonist on tour.  Thompson spends time in Paris being wined and dined with his French publisher during book signings.  Then he goes to Morocco and is unhappy there as a lonesome tourist in a very alien society.  He is insightful and introspective regarding traveling which makes this book something most every one can identify with.  Craig shares funny stories, such as the time he gets everyone kicked off a train because he leaves his luggage in a rack outside their train compartment and the authorities fear a terrorism attack.
We meet all kinds of fellow travelers and natives that befriend him or annoy him.  The drawings do a great job of telling his story, just as effectively as beautiful dialogue.
Carnet de Voyage is a very personal experience where we gain insight into Craig Thompson’s thoughts, desires and despair through traveling.