“The cells of your body are dying and growing again every day, and you are always in the process of becoming something new. You’re not sure yet who you will be, but you are ready to find out. You know some things a little better now, and your rabbit heart has grown steadier, and you are learning to be gentler to that soft girl with the bow in her hair who is still somewhere inside of you.”
― ND Stevenson, The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures

Author-illustrator ND Stevenson wrote and illustrated one of the first graphic novel series I ever read: Nimona. This series tells the story of a shapeshifter named Nimona and a villain named Lord Blackheart who wreak havoc on anyone and everyone. He also co-created Lumberjanes, which I absolutely adored. When I found his 2020 memoir, The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures, on the shelves at the library, I knew I needed to give it a read.

The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures is a collection of personal mini-comics and essays spanning eight years that cover the highs and lows of his journey to becoming a creative in the world. Just when I thought I had figured out what direction this story was going to go in, ND switched it up and had me reeling with his honesty. I particularly enjoyed how he mixed the little moments in with the big, while also showcasing the positives with the negatives. If you’re a fan of this author’s work, I highly recommend you checkout The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures as he isn’t afraid to detail his mental health struggles along his rise to fame.