David Small's radiologist father subjected his young son to repeated X-rays, hoping to cure his sinus problems. When a lump appeared in his neck, his mother complained about the cost of the surgery and stalled it for three years.
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At 14, following numerous operations, Small lost his voice and later learned he had cancer.
Small put it all in a new graphic novel "Stitches," a memoir, coming-of age-story and tale of redemption. He'll talk about it at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, in Bonchek Lecture Hall, Barshinger Life Sciences and Philosophy Building, Franklin & Marshall College.
A Barnes & Noble reviewer said "Stitches" "melds ink-washed drawings and incisive captions to tell Small's devastating story about growing up in a silent, angry household with miserable parents. With its menacing, child's-eye view of Detroit smokestacks, hospital corridors, and scowling, bespectacled adult faces looming up close, 'Stitches' reads like a silent horror movie."
Small, whose artwork appears in The New Yorker and The New York Times, is a well-known illustrator of children's picture books, including two Caldecott award winners: wife Sarah Stewart's "The Gardener" and Judith St. George's "So, You Want to Be President?"
• Earlier in the day, Small will sign books at F&M's own Comic Con, running 4:30-6 p.m. in the Steinman College Center Atrium. Those attending may buy, sell or swap comics and graphic novels. There an awards presentation will recognize the winners of F&M's first student comics contest.
