Even though Stitch by Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt came out in 2021, I found a copy online. And because of that, I was unable to read all the extras at the end as it was too small to read (darn my old eyes an no zoom features). But that just means I will have to get a copy for myself, for several friends and at least two libraries, as I know there is more than I was able to get!
Stitch by Stich is about part of the GLBTQ movement, but one that because it happened “long ago” (the mid-1980’s) we do not hear much about it anymore. And it was not “flashy” with longevity points. But learning how the AIDS movement started and learning about a person who was not “immortalized” by a big act (like unfortunately Harvey Milk was), was a refreshing change. Growing up in the early years I only knew about the “outside” events. I knew that Rock Hudson died of a disease that people would say things about such as “Oh what a shame, he was so sexy, too.” I knew what a 21 Jump Street episode told, but I did not know there were things like memorials being built in a very special and large way. And of course, it was not until I was an older teen/adult that I really started to “get it” and the magnitude of it.
Rob Sanders and Jamey Christoph did not just make a biography of a man, but a memoir of a piece of American history in the fight for equal rights, dignity and for those who died, to be remembered for decades to come. Sometimes, the text is a little poetic and romantic, but at the same time is straight forward. It is done so the older reader is moved, but not necessarily overwhelmed by the theme. The art is busy and detailed, but it is what is needed to bring the points across. They are ae comfortable, warm and supportive of the text/subject.
