Run Home: A Graphic Memoir by Alyssa Bermudez for me is a nice, and even with a somber plot point, cozy read. Granted, while I felt that it was not as strong as their first book, Big Apple Diaries, it is a delightful read about coming of age, dealing with changes and loss. It is a good coming of age story that is not overwhelming or too mature. It is a memoir of Bermudez’s feelings, thoughts and events. It is a personal read that is relatable even without having the same experiences.
Bermudez talks about her life in the years after September 11 and going into a private, all girls Catholic school for her secondary schooling. She talks about changes to herself, her friendships, and her family dynamics. Her biracial heritage is a point, her learning about her father’s health issues (not a great thing to be reading when your own father is going through similar issues, but then again, I felt the same way about reading about mothers when my mom was ill and then about the death of mothers) and how she does (or does not) deal with them and general growing up happens.
Bright but softly presented images and colors help move the story along. This graphic novel allows you to be safe and to keep you there even as things happen. Things are accessible for most people. They are simple, not simplistic, and just work on multiple levels. There are lovely photographs included and more information of Bermudez and her father’s relationship. It makes things for ages at least 10 and up, but most ages could access it. There are triggers (SPOILER such as her father passes) but overall it is well written and presented.
