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A Fade of Light
An intimate and moving graphic memoir dedicated to a loved one quietly affected by a rare form of dementia.
The first time Nate met his future stepdad, Ron, he thought Ron was nice, goofy, and kind, the type of guy who wasn't afraid to be himself. Ron liked to honk at other Jeeps when driving his own, pretend he was Buddy Rich and bang on the drums without abandon, and order almost the whole menu at drive-thrus. Nate found it at times embarrassing, amusing, annoying, and funny, but one thing was for sure: life with Ron was never dull.
But as years passed, Ron's behavior became erratic and strange. He forgot obvious things and seemed more stubborn and irritable than before. Finally after some tests, Ron received a diagnosis: he has frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder that affects about 10 percent of all dementia cases. There is no cure.
Honest, heartbreaking, and full of love, A Fade of Light tells Nate and Ron's story in stylized black-and-white drawings to capture the fullness of a life well lived--the ups and downs, the laughs and tears, the joys and heartaches, and the unforgettable memories.
The first time Nate met his future stepdad, Ron, he thought Ron was nice, goofy, and kind, the type of guy who wasn't afraid to be himself. Ron liked to honk at other Jeeps when driving his own, pretend he was Buddy Rich and bang on the drums without abandon, and order almost the whole menu at drive-thrus. Nate found it at times embarrassing, amusing, annoying, and funny, but one thing was for sure: life with Ron was never dull.
But as years passed, Ron's behavior became erratic and strange. He forgot obvious things and seemed more stubborn and irritable than before. Finally after some tests, Ron received a diagnosis: he has frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder that affects about 10 percent of all dementia cases. There is no cure.
Honest, heartbreaking, and full of love, A Fade of Light tells Nate and Ron's story in stylized black-and-white drawings to capture the fullness of a life well lived--the ups and downs, the laughs and tears, the joys and heartaches, and the unforgettable memories.
232 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 29, 2022
One of the most gut-wrenching, heartbreaking books you can read. Although Fakes takes his memoir on a less conventional route, by making it graphic, it is no less captivating and moving.
Dementia is one of those anomalies that will always leave families wondering, " WHY US?"
It will always leave scientist in the gray, because they cannot do research on a living brain.
So the question remains, how can we find a cure?
Why, all of a sudden is Dementia and Alzheimer's disease at an all time high?
For the author to watch the light go out of his one time, happy go lucky stepfather must have been unbearable.
It goes without saying people:
Live your life everyday as if it's your last, for tomorrow isn't promised.
Thank you, Goodreads Giveaways, and to the author, Nate Fakes for this "RIVETING" book.
Dementia is one of those anomalies that will always leave families wondering, " WHY US?"
It will always leave scientist in the gray, because they cannot do research on a living brain.
So the question remains, how can we find a cure?
Why, all of a sudden is Dementia and Alzheimer's disease at an all time high?
For the author to watch the light go out of his one time, happy go lucky stepfather must have been unbearable.
It goes without saying people:
Live your life everyday as if it's your last, for tomorrow isn't promised.
Thank you, Goodreads Giveaways, and to the author, Nate Fakes for this "RIVETING" book.
June 30, 2023
Nate Fakes introduces us to the colorful personality of his stepfather, Ron Malish, and reflects on their life together as Fakes pursues a career as a cartoonist and an illness begins to affect Malish's cognition and memory. It's a straightforward and sad little tale told fairly well.
December 21, 2022
This was incredibly heartwarming and the artwork was so well done. For anyone who has had a family member with any kind of dementia or Alzheimer’s, there a thousand complicated emotions that come with it and you could really feel all of that here.
Super thankful to have won this in a Goodreads Giveaway!
Super thankful to have won this in a Goodreads Giveaway!
November 16, 2022
An emotional journey of what its like to know someone with picks disease (frontotemporal dementia). There is no cure for this. Watching someone you love slip away is incredibly difficult. They become someone else. I know this from watching my mother wake up from brain surgery and not knowing my name and my Grandfather and his Alzheimer’s. Breaks your dang heart.
I loved how the author navigated this story. First starting with his relationship and how special Ron is to him and then the slow fading away.
I think anyone who’s known someone with memory issues can relate.
I loved how the author navigated this story. First starting with his relationship and how special Ron is to him and then the slow fading away.
I think anyone who’s known someone with memory issues can relate.
November 10, 2022
4.5 stars—This is a compelling and emotional look at the artist’s stepfather Ron, who was a supportive, funny, and dynamic force throughout his stepson’s young life, until his personality and mind were cruelly taken by a rare and especially aggressive form of dementia.
Anyone who has seen a loved one absolutely altered by any sort of degenerative brain condition will relate strongly to this story. I also thought about some of the library patrons we have had over the years, some of whose behavior reminded me quite a bit of Ron’s once his illness started making itself constantly apparent.
Once again, we see the power of comics to depict some of the most difficult things humans experience. A FADE OF LIGHT is one of those books I would suggest to a person who thinks they do not like graphic novels.
Anyone who has seen a loved one absolutely altered by any sort of degenerative brain condition will relate strongly to this story. I also thought about some of the library patrons we have had over the years, some of whose behavior reminded me quite a bit of Ron’s once his illness started making itself constantly apparent.
Once again, we see the power of comics to depict some of the most difficult things humans experience. A FADE OF LIGHT is one of those books I would suggest to a person who thinks they do not like graphic novels.
July 7, 2022
5 Stars!
A Fade of Light is a graphic novel that follows the story of Nate and his stepdad, Ron. It’s told in a black and white cartoon look, but don’t let the word “cartoon” trick you into thinking this will be hilarious and cheesy. There are moments that had me smiling so big, but this story will tug on your heartstrings by page one, and have you tearing up and possibly crying by the end. It’s a beautiful way to remember a loved one and such a lovely tribute to Ron.
This graphic novel is part memoir and part reflection of how a rare form of dementia can have such heartaches for families. I personally liked the very specific moments in time Nate talked about when realizing things weren’t quite right with Ron. Forgetting the exit to the art store, not quite remembering how to pay at a restaurant, and when the girl came to the door to sell a calendar for the school band.
The book is divided into five different sections/chapters. Each section dives into Ron’s story a little more and we see how his once bright and infectious personality slowly becomes more depressed, angry, and erratic. This title is incredibly fitting for this story and honestly a little heartbreaking. Nate watched his stepdad’s personality that once shown so bright slowly start to fade. It’s heartbreaking.
This short graphic novel taught me a lot of Pike’s disorder and how dementia can affect not only the person, but also the friends, family, and loved ones they are surrounded by. There was a moment towards the end of the book where Ron was running through a store or mall (something like that) as a grown man and the faces of the people in the background were done so well. That’s exactly how I would imagine people looking on during a situation like this, but this part also taught me to have a little more patience and understanding. We don’t know what people are going through…just be kind.
Overall, I’m so glad I was given a chance to read this early. I did struggle reading it on my laptop. I’m not sure if it’s because of the way it was formatted or if it’s because my computer is on the slow side, but I had to wait quite a bit between each page turn, which took me out of the story a little bit. I think this would have had even a more emotional punch if I would have been able to read this physically or even on my kindle.
I would suggest this to my friends; especially to those who have a friend or family member with dementia. The characters are relatable and were very complex.
*Thank you very much to Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced e-arc of this book in return for an honest review.
I loved it!
A Fade of Light is a graphic novel that follows the story of Nate and his stepdad, Ron. It’s told in a black and white cartoon look, but don’t let the word “cartoon” trick you into thinking this will be hilarious and cheesy. There are moments that had me smiling so big, but this story will tug on your heartstrings by page one, and have you tearing up and possibly crying by the end. It’s a beautiful way to remember a loved one and such a lovely tribute to Ron.
This graphic novel is part memoir and part reflection of how a rare form of dementia can have such heartaches for families. I personally liked the very specific moments in time Nate talked about when realizing things weren’t quite right with Ron. Forgetting the exit to the art store, not quite remembering how to pay at a restaurant, and when the girl came to the door to sell a calendar for the school band.
The book is divided into five different sections/chapters. Each section dives into Ron’s story a little more and we see how his once bright and infectious personality slowly becomes more depressed, angry, and erratic. This title is incredibly fitting for this story and honestly a little heartbreaking. Nate watched his stepdad’s personality that once shown so bright slowly start to fade. It’s heartbreaking.
This short graphic novel taught me a lot of Pike’s disorder and how dementia can affect not only the person, but also the friends, family, and loved ones they are surrounded by. There was a moment towards the end of the book where Ron was running through a store or mall (something like that) as a grown man and the faces of the people in the background were done so well. That’s exactly how I would imagine people looking on during a situation like this, but this part also taught me to have a little more patience and understanding. We don’t know what people are going through…just be kind.
Overall, I’m so glad I was given a chance to read this early. I did struggle reading it on my laptop. I’m not sure if it’s because of the way it was formatted or if it’s because my computer is on the slow side, but I had to wait quite a bit between each page turn, which took me out of the story a little bit. I think this would have had even a more emotional punch if I would have been able to read this physically or even on my kindle.
I would suggest this to my friends; especially to those who have a friend or family member with dementia. The characters are relatable and were very complex.
*Thank you very much to Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced e-arc of this book in return for an honest review.
I loved it!
May 24, 2022
This book explained the devastation that a family can experience when someone you love has dementia. The person you know is gone and is replaced with someone you don't know any longer. This is what happened to Nate. His stepfather, Ron, has been diagnosed with Pick's disease. Nate has trouble finding the old Ron and trying to help the new Ron. He deals with a sense of embarrassment, sadness, anger, and guilt. Dementia is an unforgiving disease and can be devastating to the patient and their families and friends.
November 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! What a deeply personal story shared with such tenderness.
The story really touched me, as did some of the perfectly timed illustrations (the empty mailbox).
To the author, Nate Fakes: Thank you for sharing your story and for bringing awareness to this disease.
I believe Ron would indeed offer a super high-five on this book!
I won a kindle copy of this book via Goodreads Giveaways and am so glad I did, as I don’t normally read many graphic novels but now have a new appreciation for and interest in reading more of them.
The story really touched me, as did some of the perfectly timed illustrations (the empty mailbox).
To the author, Nate Fakes: Thank you for sharing your story and for bringing awareness to this disease.
I believe Ron would indeed offer a super high-five on this book!
I won a kindle copy of this book via Goodreads Giveaways and am so glad I did, as I don’t normally read many graphic novels but now have a new appreciation for and interest in reading more of them.
October 14, 2022
It was a new experience for me to read a book in comic strip form. I enjoyed reading that format more than I thought I would. The author did a great job drawing the cartoons, and he also managed to tell an educational, thought-provoking, and touching story of his relationship with his step-father, who was later diagnosed with Pick's Disease. The book is educational because it certainly shows and informs the reader about the disease, which is somewhat similar to Altzheimers. It would be a good book for family members, caretakers, and medical professionals to read. It provides good insight into the symptoms and progression of the disease. The book is thought-provoking because it juxtaposes the progression of Nate Fakes' career with the digression of his step-father's hopes and dreams for a career which never materialized and ended so cruelly. It is touching that even though his step-father didn't achieve his own dreams, he clearly provided the author with love and encouragement, which helped him achieve his own of becoming a cartoonist.
September 23, 2022
What an excellent book! Well written and illustrated.
The storyline is well-developed and dramatic. It starts with meeting Ron (Part One). He is an unforgettable character! One of his hobbies is playing the drum (Part Two). Then he begins slipping (Part Three). He forgets things, rejects diagnosis and medication, and slides into mania and unrealistic ideation. His marriage ends, and he stops paying bills while proclaiming that he has perfect health.
Part Four is entitled "The Fall." He is diagnosed with "Pick's Disease" (dementia). Then Ron is admitted to a care facility where his faculties keep deteriorating. In the end, this light keeps dimming to darkness. He is only 59 years old. "Where does all that personality go...?" the author wonders.
This is an emotional tale that rings true with millions of dementia survivors. Well worth the read!
The storyline is well-developed and dramatic. It starts with meeting Ron (Part One). He is an unforgettable character! One of his hobbies is playing the drum (Part Two). Then he begins slipping (Part Three). He forgets things, rejects diagnosis and medication, and slides into mania and unrealistic ideation. His marriage ends, and he stops paying bills while proclaiming that he has perfect health.
Part Four is entitled "The Fall." He is diagnosed with "Pick's Disease" (dementia). Then Ron is admitted to a care facility where his faculties keep deteriorating. In the end, this light keeps dimming to darkness. He is only 59 years old. "Where does all that personality go...?" the author wonders.
This is an emotional tale that rings true with millions of dementia survivors. Well worth the read!
October 25, 2022
Excellent book, in the way it's presented, and of course the emotional content and story Nate Fakes tells. He lets the reader follow his life and watch the light fading from his stepdad/friend, as if you're watching a movie. I was crying by the end, because you can feel Fakes' sorrow in what he's is observing and his frustration in his attempts to do something to help. I recommend this book, especially if you are dealing with a loved one who is facing memory loss or other mental deterioration.
October 14, 2022
Loved this story. It is well drawn and well written. It paints a beautiful picture of family relationship, identifying highlights within the authors life, the foundation of support that helped him achieve his dreams, and dealing with the loss of those you love. Highly recommend this read!
December 5, 2022
I was not emotionally ready for this.
March 27, 2023
Cartoonist Fakes does an excellent job of conveying the personality and deterioration of his stepfather. Sad, but very well done. I imagine it was a difficult story to tell.
January 12, 2024
Nothing like an illness to throw you for a loop. Nate thought his stepfather was somewhat of a goofy guy when he first met him. He liked how Ron treated his mom and he liked that Ron was different. Ron wasn’t a serious kind of guy for he liked to have a good time, laugh, joke around, and he wasn’t shy about being silly and fun. Ron enjoyed being with Nate and he injected himself into Nate’s life whenever possible. Nate wasn’t used to an adult behaving like Ron was, so it took some time for him to adjust.
Nate’s dream job was to become a famous cartoonist for a major newspaper and when his high school days were over, he had to do something with his life. Nate tried to branch out and make a name for himself, but he soon found himself right back home living with his mom and Ron. They stayed close while Nate started college and again, Nate starts writing for the school’s paper. I had to laugh again as Ron becomes Nate’s cheerleader, promoting and hooting about Nate’s work to everyone! When Nate finally gets a big break, I had to wonder what would happen to Ron, as it felt as if he spent a big portion of his life, consumed by Nate. With Nate gone once again, will Ron be able to handle his own business and what will keep him occupied?
Nate had noticed some of the signs earlier, but he didn’t know what he was actually seeing. Returning home once again, he sees the changes in Ron as they are more noticeable and more frequent. Ron’s wife notices and others in the community are starting to see a change. I liked how Ron denied any problem and how he managed to explain it. The family tries to continue living life with Ron’s illness impacting all of them and doing the best they can. As the family tries to address this issue, I expected the book to be more emotional, to feel the characters highs and lows. I felt that the tone was rather relaxed and soft. From all the reading that I have done on dementia, I expected something different.
I liked reading this nonfiction graphic novel. I liked the expressions on the characters and the variety of the sizes of the text boxes used. The story was easy to follow, and I liked Ron and Nate’s relationship. The illustrations were created in black and white, and the print was easy to read. There are so many different types of dementia, but they all seem to have a few of the same characteristics. As I read Nate’s story, I could relate to many of the issues he was going through as he witnesses his stepfather changing right before his eyes. That fun, outspoken, chatty individual has now become someone else. Nate reflects on the memories he has as he now travels down a road where no one knows what lies ahead for them. There is no cure for dementia. Ron has frontotemporal dementia whereas on a personal note, my mother has been diagnosed with Lewy Bodies Dementia. Ron is not walking alone in his journey. There are more than 55 million people that have been diagnosed with dementia and many more who have not been properly diagnosed yet. 4.5 stars
Nate’s dream job was to become a famous cartoonist for a major newspaper and when his high school days were over, he had to do something with his life. Nate tried to branch out and make a name for himself, but he soon found himself right back home living with his mom and Ron. They stayed close while Nate started college and again, Nate starts writing for the school’s paper. I had to laugh again as Ron becomes Nate’s cheerleader, promoting and hooting about Nate’s work to everyone! When Nate finally gets a big break, I had to wonder what would happen to Ron, as it felt as if he spent a big portion of his life, consumed by Nate. With Nate gone once again, will Ron be able to handle his own business and what will keep him occupied?
Nate had noticed some of the signs earlier, but he didn’t know what he was actually seeing. Returning home once again, he sees the changes in Ron as they are more noticeable and more frequent. Ron’s wife notices and others in the community are starting to see a change. I liked how Ron denied any problem and how he managed to explain it. The family tries to continue living life with Ron’s illness impacting all of them and doing the best they can. As the family tries to address this issue, I expected the book to be more emotional, to feel the characters highs and lows. I felt that the tone was rather relaxed and soft. From all the reading that I have done on dementia, I expected something different.
I liked reading this nonfiction graphic novel. I liked the expressions on the characters and the variety of the sizes of the text boxes used. The story was easy to follow, and I liked Ron and Nate’s relationship. The illustrations were created in black and white, and the print was easy to read. There are so many different types of dementia, but they all seem to have a few of the same characteristics. As I read Nate’s story, I could relate to many of the issues he was going through as he witnesses his stepfather changing right before his eyes. That fun, outspoken, chatty individual has now become someone else. Nate reflects on the memories he has as he now travels down a road where no one knows what lies ahead for them. There is no cure for dementia. Ron has frontotemporal dementia whereas on a personal note, my mother has been diagnosed with Lewy Bodies Dementia. Ron is not walking alone in his journey. There are more than 55 million people that have been diagnosed with dementia and many more who have not been properly diagnosed yet. 4.5 stars
March 6, 2023
Those of us who follow pop culture (so everyone reading this, I’m guessing) recently learned that Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition known as frontotemporal dementia. Cruelly, it will eventually strip the actor - once famous for his glib repartee on “Moonlighting” - of his speech, cognitive function, and ultimately, his life.
In this relatable, devastating graphic memoir, illustrator and cartoonist Nate Frakes traces the inexorable decline of his step-father from the same debilitating condition. When Ron begins dating Nate’s mom, the teenager finds himself drawn to the eccentric man with big dreams and a bigger heart. Their adventures forge a bond that stretches but never snaps, even as the initial memory lapses progress into more challenging behavioral changes and communication difficulties.
Building a history with humorous anecdotes to establish the respect and love shared by these two men invites readers to care. So when the first slips occur, our stomachs clench. When the silences go on for panels, we lean forward, waiting for the responses that will not come.
Stories typically rely on words to establish connections. Talented graphic novelists and memoirists recognize instances where only an image can effectively capture the depth of emotion. How fortunate for us that Nate Frakes knows how to meet his moments where they are.
On a personal note: having written my own graphic memoir about losing a stepfather to an insidious terminal disease, I know how painful and rewarding the process can be. Mad respect to the author for sharing his heart in these pages (and as a native of northwestern Ohio, I appreciate the local shoutouts😉).
Turn on the Light if you:
- know someone affected by Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related conditions
- appreciate the power of visuals to say the things that words cannot
- ever loved a person whose legacy outlasted their lifetime
In this relatable, devastating graphic memoir, illustrator and cartoonist Nate Frakes traces the inexorable decline of his step-father from the same debilitating condition. When Ron begins dating Nate’s mom, the teenager finds himself drawn to the eccentric man with big dreams and a bigger heart. Their adventures forge a bond that stretches but never snaps, even as the initial memory lapses progress into more challenging behavioral changes and communication difficulties.
Building a history with humorous anecdotes to establish the respect and love shared by these two men invites readers to care. So when the first slips occur, our stomachs clench. When the silences go on for panels, we lean forward, waiting for the responses that will not come.
Stories typically rely on words to establish connections. Talented graphic novelists and memoirists recognize instances where only an image can effectively capture the depth of emotion. How fortunate for us that Nate Frakes knows how to meet his moments where they are.
On a personal note: having written my own graphic memoir about losing a stepfather to an insidious terminal disease, I know how painful and rewarding the process can be. Mad respect to the author for sharing his heart in these pages (and as a native of northwestern Ohio, I appreciate the local shoutouts😉).
Turn on the Light if you:
- know someone affected by Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related conditions
- appreciate the power of visuals to say the things that words cannot
- ever loved a person whose legacy outlasted their lifetime
Read
April 8, 2025Odd, touching, and heartbreaking. Laser-focused on Nate's relationship with his stepfather to the point where I wondered what role his mother and father played in his life. All of his parents are mentioned, but so casually as to imply that there was no meaningful relationship. I don't think this was necessarily the intent, but they were so absent that it was distracting and instead of just being able to easily focus on the bond between Nate and his stepdad Ron, I kept waiting for some of that other context.
The relationship between Ron and Nate was quirky and lovely. Everyone should have such an enthusiastic support system in their lives. This made it all the more devastating to watch that relationship erode and the disease take over. To get to the end and find out that Ron was only 59 was even more horrifying.
I appreciated the intimate portrait of the father/stepson relationship, and the depiction of this devastating disease was so well done. But now, three years after publication, I looked to find out how Ron was doing and whether Nate had ever spoken about his stepfather's condition again. Even as I looked for a comment or article, I found myself thinking that this wasn't really any of my business. I certainly hope that Ron is okay, but can't imagine that the outlook for him has improved. I hope that everyone who cares about (and actually knows) Ron is okay, because watching someone you love fade away before your eyes while also remaining very much alive is torturous. And all this made me wonder about the tradeoff that occurs when you share your story with the world. Nate told his story, but it's inherently Ron's story, too. And Ron clearly could not have consented to having this story shared.
Brings attention to Pick's Disease (Frontotemporal Dementia), offers information about the disease, and help for caregivers.
The relationship between Ron and Nate was quirky and lovely. Everyone should have such an enthusiastic support system in their lives. This made it all the more devastating to watch that relationship erode and the disease take over. To get to the end and find out that Ron was only 59 was even more horrifying.
I appreciated the intimate portrait of the father/stepson relationship, and the depiction of this devastating disease was so well done. But now, three years after publication, I looked to find out how Ron was doing and whether Nate had ever spoken about his stepfather's condition again. Even as I looked for a comment or article, I found myself thinking that this wasn't really any of my business. I certainly hope that Ron is okay, but can't imagine that the outlook for him has improved. I hope that everyone who cares about (and actually knows) Ron is okay, because watching someone you love fade away before your eyes while also remaining very much alive is torturous. And all this made me wonder about the tradeoff that occurs when you share your story with the world. Nate told his story, but it's inherently Ron's story, too. And Ron clearly could not have consented to having this story shared.
Brings attention to Pick's Disease (Frontotemporal Dementia), offers information about the disease, and help for caregivers.
August 26, 2022
If inevitable was a feeling, this book could make you feel it. This graphic novel was somber yet informative about Bipolar Disorder, Pick's Disease, and other forms of dementia. The memoir is so carefully illustrated and dutifully depicts the frustration of dealing with someone with dementia.
The way Fakes can conceptualize the painful, awkward silences is astounding. As a person currently caring for someone with dementia, I can confirm that the angry and delusional outbursts depicted in this book are entirely too accurate.
A fun little tidbit, though: New Jerseyans will get a kick out of the panels and chapter where he moves to NJ/NY area. I found myself saying, "Oh, hey, I know that place!" and "Oh, yes, of course! The NJ Transit! I'm familiar with that!!" It's like that meme from Friends where Joey points at the TV, and it's him on the TV.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5c/2c/...
The way Fakes can conceptualize the painful, awkward silences is astounding. As a person currently caring for someone with dementia, I can confirm that the angry and delusional outbursts depicted in this book are entirely too accurate.
A fun little tidbit, though: New Jerseyans will get a kick out of the panels and chapter where he moves to NJ/NY area. I found myself saying, "Oh, hey, I know that place!" and "Oh, yes, of course! The NJ Transit! I'm familiar with that!!" It's like that meme from Friends where Joey points at the TV, and it's him on the TV.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5c/2c/...
February 11, 2023
I've officially read WAY too many upsetting medical memoir graphic novels this week.
This is the story of the author's relationship with his stepfather Ron, from their first meeting when Fakes was a teenager to the present where Ron's effervescent personality has been largely lost to a rare (and eventually fatal) form of dementia. Fakes does an excellent job of familiarizing the reader with his stepdad - he's super supportive and enthusiastic of his stepson, the kind of person who's truly a joy to know (if a little bit of an oddball with his love of self-help tapes and Buddy Rich). Almost too good of a job, because as the story goes on and Ron's condition deteriorates, the reader can feel what a loss it is for those that knew him - it's truly devastating to follow this story to the end.
Still an enjoyable look at what was a very special relationship between a stepdad and his son, and a sad example of a disease that's unfortunately familiar to many of us.
This is the story of the author's relationship with his stepfather Ron, from their first meeting when Fakes was a teenager to the present where Ron's effervescent personality has been largely lost to a rare (and eventually fatal) form of dementia. Fakes does an excellent job of familiarizing the reader with his stepdad - he's super supportive and enthusiastic of his stepson, the kind of person who's truly a joy to know (if a little bit of an oddball with his love of self-help tapes and Buddy Rich). Almost too good of a job, because as the story goes on and Ron's condition deteriorates, the reader can feel what a loss it is for those that knew him - it's truly devastating to follow this story to the end.
Still an enjoyable look at what was a very special relationship between a stepdad and his son, and a sad example of a disease that's unfortunately familiar to many of us.
October 25, 2022
Let me just tell you, this book was an experience, from start to finish: the tactile feel of the cover, the bounty of expressive drawings within, and the residual feeling that you just took part in something powerful.
This is a beautiful rendering of a bittersweet story, which I devoured in a single sitting. You can tell every page was crafted with love and devotion. Nate has the gift of keeping the tone positive, even as the heart-tugging tale unfolds. On the surface, you have a spectrum of color and texture. But as the main character's sensibilities wane, you actually feel that through the tonal greys in Nate's artwork.
Thank you for sharing this tender piece of your history, Nate. It touched me, and taught me... the true essence of the ones you love and the kindnesses they've shown outlast the ravages of time.
This is a beautiful rendering of a bittersweet story, which I devoured in a single sitting. You can tell every page was crafted with love and devotion. Nate has the gift of keeping the tone positive, even as the heart-tugging tale unfolds. On the surface, you have a spectrum of color and texture. But as the main character's sensibilities wane, you actually feel that through the tonal greys in Nate's artwork.
Thank you for sharing this tender piece of your history, Nate. It touched me, and taught me... the true essence of the ones you love and the kindnesses they've shown outlast the ravages of time.
December 25, 2024
Watching a loved one deteriorate due to illness has to be one of the most gut-wrenching and guilt ridden experiences one can go through. That is what Fakes’ graphic memoir, “A Fade of Light”, is about. Fakes reminisces about how Ron, his step-father, was a unique but kind and caring father figure growing up. He also shares the changes in Ron that caused Fakes to worry about his step-father’s wellbeing and his future. Aging and illness can be so unfair and cruel. This is, yet another memoir (of many), that remind the reader to try to not take anything for granted, because some things cannot be relived or experienced again once they’re gone. 💔
5 ⭐️
5 ⭐️
December 2, 2022
Reading 2022
Book 171: A Fade of Light by Nate Fakes
Woof! #nonfictionnovember and #nonfictionbookparty has been a heavy month of graphic memoirs. This one was no different.
Synopsis: An intimate and moving graphic memoir by cartoonist Nate Fakes, dedicated to his stepdad Ron, a larger-than-life personality who gradually becomes affected by a rare form of dementia.
Review: Another book with a condition that is awful to watch a family member go through. It took a long time to get a proper diagnosis for Ron which made it harder for Nate’s family. Another book I would recommend, 4⭐️
Book 171: A Fade of Light by Nate Fakes
Woof! #nonfictionnovember and #nonfictionbookparty has been a heavy month of graphic memoirs. This one was no different.
Synopsis: An intimate and moving graphic memoir by cartoonist Nate Fakes, dedicated to his stepdad Ron, a larger-than-life personality who gradually becomes affected by a rare form of dementia.
Review: Another book with a condition that is awful to watch a family member go through. It took a long time to get a proper diagnosis for Ron which made it harder for Nate’s family. Another book I would recommend, 4⭐️
April 17, 2023
In this graphic memoir, Nate Fakes (the author and illustrator) chronicles his relationship with his beloved stepfather, Ron. Through candid narration and deceptively simple black-and-white drawings, the reader accompanies Nate and Ron over the years, getting to know Ron’s larger-than-life personality and his eventual, heartbreaking diagnosis of frontotemporal degeneration (a rare form of dementia). Readers of Roz Chast’s Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? will find a lot to love in this excellent homage to a unique and special man.
December 28, 2022
The author's memoir of his stepfather Ron, who develops a form of dementia called FTD.
The story was really touching. Nate cared for and supported Ron as best he could, even when he moved far away for his job. The drawings were ok, but they didn't always convey the emotional depth of the story, the sadness and confusion of Ron's fading life light. But the last few pages redeemed the story for me and brought hope.
The story was really touching. Nate cared for and supported Ron as best he could, even when he moved far away for his job. The drawings were ok, but they didn't always convey the emotional depth of the story, the sadness and confusion of Ron's fading life light. But the last few pages redeemed the story for me and brought hope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2023
Well-written book about the author's relationship with his stepfather, Ron, and Ron's descent, at too young an age, into dementia. Very sad. Somehow, I couldn't get over what a weird person Ron was from the start. Something was always off with him mentally. He was very nice to the author, always, and was enthusiastic in general but flighty and just...not normal. It probably didn't relate to the dementia, or could it have?
November 3, 2022
Loved, Loved this book!
I love how the author showed the reader in detail Ron's extremely bright light through the dimming of his candle. The drawings were very well done. I think doing them in black and white added so much to the story line. I highly recommend this book. You definitely will not be disappointed!
I love how the author showed the reader in detail Ron's extremely bright light through the dimming of his candle. The drawings were very well done. I think doing them in black and white added so much to the story line. I highly recommend this book. You definitely will not be disappointed!
November 5, 2022
Straight to the Heart
The heartbreaking journey that family members and close friends face when their loved one slowly changes and disappears due to dementia is thoughtfully portrayed in this graphic novel. Well done, Nate! Having experienced something similar, this story was relatable. The honesty and openness that Nate shared was heart touching.
I received this book for free from a Good Reads giveaway.
The heartbreaking journey that family members and close friends face when their loved one slowly changes and disappears due to dementia is thoughtfully portrayed in this graphic novel. Well done, Nate! Having experienced something similar, this story was relatable. The honesty and openness that Nate shared was heart touching.
I received this book for free from a Good Reads giveaway.
January 28, 2023
A wonderful and heartbreaking memoir of Nate and his stepdad Ron's relationship. Ron begins dating Nate's mom when Nate is a teenager, and they become very close. Ron is friendly, good-humored, and supportive of Nate's dreams. Eventually, Ron's personality starts to change, due to Pick's disease, a form of dementia. This is a heartbreaking story, but it is incredibly well told.
July 6, 2023
This broke my mfn heart!!! I found this graphic novel on the new books shelf at the library and didn’t think much other than I love graphic novel memoirs and boy did it blow me away. Fakes did a fantastic job characterizing and using small, quirky details to do so. He effortlessly captured very intense and difficult emotions within his comics and pulled at my heartstrings.
August 21, 2023
A really beautiful story about Fakes' relationship with his stepfather, Ron, a goofy guy who encouraged him in many ways and mortified him at times. Ron is kind of crazy and a good guy, but he also has some deep issues and with the onset of dementia, his life starts to fall apart. A really beautiful graphic novel.
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