

#7309
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 ![undefined]()

as a book that uses literary inventions to help readers overcome numbness and rediscover feelings.

Angus Fletcher

Brené with Dr. Angus Fletcher on Life-Changing Inventions in Literature
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, referencing the “ring of keys” moment of recognition and self-discovery.

Zach Stafford

Men on Film
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as her favorite book and a graphic memoir about Alison's childhood.

Mattea Roach

Alison Bechdel on making money and seeing Fun Home in a new light
Mentioned by 

while discussing LGBTQIA+ representation in her podcast.


Debbie Millman

Design Matters with Debbie Millman: Celebrating Pride
Recommended by 

as a complex and insightful graphic novel for older teens.


Glennon Doyle

31. Answering Your Sex Questions with Emily Nagoski
Recommended by 

for its beautiful illustrations and prose, and its exploration of complex family relationships.


Barrie Hardymon

Bonus: Banned Books
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as a graphic memoir with similar themes to "Our Evenings."

Greg Coles

Book Club: Let’s Talk About Alan Hollinghurst’s ‘Our Evenings’
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in a discussion about superhero comics and creative styles.

Dave Busing

Convincible #7: Invincible Ends
Mentioned by 

as Bechdel's colossal work and one of the most important books of the century.


David Plotz

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 

as a major influence on her work, particularly her weaving of personal and literary narratives.


Joanna Rubin Dranger

Joanna Rubin Dranger, "Remember Us to Life: A Graphic Memoir" (Ten Speed Graphic, 2025)