The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures

(7/18/2023) i guess i'm in the mood for graphic memoirs by same-gen creators lately or something? this was fascinating to read mostly because i've seen bits and pieces of ND stevenson's art (and followed multiple projects of his) over the period of time this memoir covers (2009-2019 – and visually 2011-2019) and we were simultaneously on tumblr. i laughed when i saw the very brief pokeymans reference because i remember that unfolding in real time. well, i laughed internally (i was in a library).

i kinda feel like it makes sense to read pageboy next if i'm gonna continue on this theme of reading memoirs by trans and queer creators who are roughly my age. i will say, though, that while yes this book covered a decade and was full of various autobiographical drawings it felt more like, witnessing stevenson's creativity unfold over time in small, encapsulated moments. feels rude to say it wasn't as deep as i'd hoped because like, this is a person's life.

the mid-2010s playlist from the book:

1. riptide (taylor swift version) https://youtu.be/6wyYucOEqV8
2. arctic monkeys - do i wanna know?
3. john-allison weiss - don't go
4. CHVRCHES - keep you on my side
5. the cure - friday i'm in love
6. john-allison weiss - wait for me
7. brandi carlile - wherever is your heart