#23202
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Fun Home
A Family Tragicomic
Book • 2006
Published in 2006, 'Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic' is a graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel that recounts her upbringing in a funeral home in rural Pennsylvania.
The book focuses on Bechdel's fraught relationship with her father, Bruce, a closeted gay man and high school English teacher who also worked as a part-time mortician.
The narrative is non-linear, using literary and mythological allusions to explore themes of sexual orientation, gender roles, family dysfunction, and the impact of secrets on family life.
Bechdel's meticulous artwork and essayistic writing style combine to create a powerful and intimate portrayal of her childhood and her attempts to understand her father and herself.
The book focuses on Bechdel's fraught relationship with her father, Bruce, a closeted gay man and high school English teacher who also worked as a part-time mortician.
The narrative is non-linear, using literary and mythological allusions to explore themes of sexual orientation, gender roles, family dysfunction, and the impact of secrets on family life.
Bechdel's meticulous artwork and essayistic writing style combine to create a powerful and intimate portrayal of her childhood and her attempts to understand her father and herself.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned as a book challenged in a school library.
11 snips
When Book Bans Came to Small Town New Jersey
Mentioned by Anne in comparison to Persepolis.
Persepolis
Mentioned by Angus Fletcher as a book that uses literary inventions to help readers overcome numbness and rediscover feelings.
Brené with Dr. Angus Fletcher on Life-Changing Inventions in Literature
Mentioned by Zach Stafford , referencing the “ring of keys” moment of recognition and self-discovery.
Men on Film
Recommended by 
Barrie Hardymon for its beautiful illustrations and prose, and its exploration of complex family relationships.
Barrie Hardymon for its beautiful illustrations and prose, and its exploration of complex family relationships.
Bonus: Banned Books
Mentioned by 
David Plotz as Bechdel's colossal work and one of the most important books of the century.
David Plotz as Bechdel's colossal work and one of the most important books of the century.
Gabfest Reads | Alison Bechdel Explains Selling Out the Progressive Way
Mentioned as a seminal work in graphic novels, showcasing Bechdel's evolution as an artist.
The Secret to Happiness
Mentioned by 
Joanna Rubin Dranger as a major influence on her work, particularly her weaving of personal and literary narratives.
Joanna Rubin Dranger as a major influence on her work, particularly her weaving of personal and literary narratives.
Joanna Rubin Dranger, "Remember Us to Life: A Graphic Memoir" (Ten Speed Graphic, 2025)
