Book cover of Ginseng Roots

Book description

From the celebrated author of Blankets and Habibi comes a new graphic memoir exploring the class divide, childhood labor, family, and our globalized world—all centered on Wisconsin's ginseng farming industry

"Ginseng Roots is Thompson’s most visually arresting work so far." —New York Times Book Review

“A sweeping story, gorgeously drawn…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Ginseng Roots as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I love graphic memoirs and the scope they give for visualizing life and entire movements. 

I was surprised and thrilled to pick up Craig Thompson’s book Ginseng Roots. Craig grew up in the ginseng farming area of Wisconsin. His family and others—including some I interviewed myself two decades before—give a rich picture of the ups and downs. He tells a story of connections with that tradition from boyhood, and the dreams and mishaps that inspired.

His drawings are rich, imaginative, and precise at the same time. I found this to be a gripping account of…

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