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People don't call them "men in tights" for no reason. Everyone in the Bechdel family is doing their own thing; their worlds rarely cross except for breakfast. Our next assignment was Barefoot Gen; I knew by then that it wouldn't be a fluff book.After that class I've always looked for graphic novels that really push the envelope. I didn't really know what to expect other than an easy A.
The storyline of sexual orientation is handled with respect and done well. Alison Bechdel and her father are two distinct generations, but similar in ways only a father and daughter can be. I think it was the first graphic novel that I'd ever picked up out of a comic shop. A recent Pod cast (I forgot who actually) mentioned Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel affectionately so I picked it up. At first the dark tone started to make me regret this purchase, but after a few pages it doesn't seem so dark.
I was equally impressed by the way that Alison discusses gay themes without coming across as preachy or titillating. Comic Books tend to have sameness to them, enjoyable but there is a stereotypical sameness. "Fun Home" is an autobiography that centers on Alison's growing up and the issues within her family. It's a rare book that will resonate with you for years to come, truly deserving a place on your shelf.For anyone unfamiliar with graphic novels, "Fun Home" is a great starting out point.
When I was in college a professor assigned the book "MAUS" for us to read. I guess when your standard is depressing even the little flecks of humor. But those flecks stick and "Fun Home" actually becomes a kind of sober, fun book. It's central to the book, but not in a butch-beat-to-the-head sort of way.One of the great themes of "Fun Home" is the baton hand-off between two generations. Alison's father is home obsessed; Better Homes & Gardens would blush. A very accessible book, Bechdel's autobiography will dispel all stereotypes that you may have of the medium and maybe people. The A wasn't easy and MAUS changed my perceptions of what a comic book / graphic novel could be.
When done well, the mix of art and prose can give you an experience that no painting or novel can. Her mother seems to have given up. Her siblings are present. I think for this one point, "Fun Home" is a massive achievement and reaches a high standard in comic book storytelling. "Fun Home" is done very well.
It was a pretty powerful story, and gave me some comparisons in my own life to compare to. I was browsing graphic novels and I wasn't even sure what this was about before I bought it, but the premise of it intrigued me. It will definitely make you think about your home life in ways you haven't before.It's at times funny, enlightening, sad, and pretty deep throughout. It pulled me in by the 2nd page, and it was one of those that I wanted to savor reading because it flowed so well, I could see myself finishing it in about a day or two. Alison Bechdel does a great job of conveying her life, not only with what's written, but the ink art as well. This graphic novel has a lot to offer to anyone, and I will be recommending it to my friends. I loved it and it's is going to stay in my collection so I can read it again in a few years, and while I'm at it, look for something else she's written.
This graphic memoir details the young life of Alison Bechdel, the creator of the long-running (and highly recommended) Dykes to Watch Out For series.I would recommend this to anyone who loves DTWoF, but also readers who enjoy reading personal narratives. Yes -- reading. Even though it's in the graphic format, this reads like a literary memoir. Well-written, well-illustrated, definitely a graphic memoir to watch out for.
The second thread is about Bechdel growing up and how she felt around her father. It's a graphic novel that weaves several stories together. This was very good. and coming out as a lesbian. One of the main two stories is about Bechdel's father who was a very interesting man -- accomplished renovator and decorator of old houses, director of the family-run funeral home, teacher, lover of younger men. Yet, he presented himself to the world as straight straight straight. How the stories loop in and out--expertly done. Highly recommended.
This was an amazing book--an honest, personal memoir, full of fun and awkward coming of age moments, unraveling the mystery of parents, personal identity, sprinkled with literary allusions to Odysseus and Joyce, and the most touching ending I've ever read-seen. Beautiful.it brought me to tears, sobs, complete catharsis. Unbelievable. One of the best books I've read in a long time.
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