Stitches by David Small

In this graphic novel memoir, illustrator David Small recounts growing up in 1950's Detroit in an emotionally stunted home. Given numerous x-rays to cure sinus problems during his childhood by his doctor father, he ends up unable to speak after an operation to remove one of his vocal cords. Fourteen at the time, David is stunned to discover he has lost his voice--he had no idea he had cancer and was kept in the dark about his condition. Slowly, David grows up using his talent as an artist to escape the trauma of his childhood. Stitches is a moving book, with the black and white pictures adding to the emotion impact of the story.