Stitches (book)

Stitches is a graphic novel memoir written and illustrated by David Small, published in 2009 by W. W. Norton & Company. The book recounts Small's childhood experiences, focusing on his troubled family life, particularly his emotionally detached and medically misguided parents.

The memoir details Small's upbringing in Detroit during the 1950s and 1960s. His father, a radiologist, and his mother, silent and emotionally unavailable, subjected him to numerous X-ray treatments for supposed sinus problems. These treatments, as revealed later in the narrative, contributed to Small developing throat cancer in his teenage years. The narrative explores themes of familial dysfunction, emotional neglect, medical malpractice, and the search for personal identity.

Stitches is notable for its stark black-and-white artwork, which effectively conveys the somber and unsettling atmosphere of Small's childhood. The visual storytelling complements the narrative's exploration of trauma and the gradual realization of the true nature of his family dynamic. The book received critical acclaim for its unflinching honesty and its powerful portrayal of a young man's struggle to overcome adversity. It has been recognized with numerous awards, including a National Book Award finalist designation.