Graphic Novel Review – The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures by Noelle Stevenson (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Memoir/Nonfiction/Graphic Novel
Length: 208 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: March 3, 2020
ISBN-13 : 978-0062278272
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars

“In a collection of essays and personal mini-comics that span eight years of her young adult life, author-illustrator Noelle Stevenson charts the highs and lows of being a creative human in the world.

Whether it’s hearing the wrong name called at her art school graduation ceremony or becoming a National Book Award finalist for her debut graphic novel, Nimona, Noelle captures the little and big moments that make up a real life, with a wit, wisdom, and vulnerability that are all her own.”

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book that I borrowed from the library.

Story (4/5): I really enjoyed this and thought it was well done. I liked the look into Stevenson’s road to success and appreciated her candor about her struggles. The book is organized by year and takes us through Stevenson’s start as a writer.

Writing/Drawing Style (4/5): The book is drawn and written in Stevensen’s typical style. It’s organized by year and most of the entries are yearly end summaries she wrote as she was living her life. Some of the pages are a bit sparse with drawing but in general were well done.

My Summary (4/5): Overall I would recommend this if you are interested in graphic novel memoirs in general or have a particular interest in Stevenson. This does cover some about how people deal with being so successful so quickly and what that can do to a person’s mental state.