I read this twice because it was short and I didn't really like it the first time. The second time I think I appreciated it more, but I still found the way Chunky's neighbor-friend talks really annoying. But in a way it's a sweet story. Totally weird, but sweet and sad. ( )

L'oceano è sempre
qui con me, ma non è mai
uguale. A volte è agitato
e tumultuoso, altre
trasparente e calmo,
quasi fragile.

(102) ( )

Sad, but sweet fable of moving away. Craig Thompson is da bomb. ( )

After reading Craig Thompson's book, Blankets, I had to read Chunky Rice. I ran home and immediately dug in. Why am I reading about a mouse and a turtle? I put it down figuring I had adjust my expectations (note to self - be careful of Indiana Jones Crystal Skull)

A few days later, I picked it back and was rather charmed by this book a goodbye between friends. You will have to suspend belief that you have a turtle and a mouse being friends and they interact in the human world like Alvin & the Chipmunks. I'm not sure why Chunky Rice (the turtle) has to leave or how old they are.

Hm, looking back, I think the book makes even less sense. Perhaps, you should look at the book from an emotional standpoint and just enjoy the ride. I feel like I'm more connected (emotionally) with Chunky Rice than many of my own family members. ( )

I have to admit that immediately after finishing "Blankets," I set out to read anything else by Craig Thompson that I could get my hands on. Though this has a very different feel than Thompson's seminal work, it is beautiful and charming and subtle in its own way. ( )