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Book Pick: Rebel Girl

 Let's start with confessions......

Confession #1: I was never a Riot Grrrl.  Even though I was the perfect age and demographic, it just wasn't my thing.  I didn't have that kind of anger. 

Confession #2: I never really dug Kathleen Hanna.  And I'm actually still on the bubble with her.

Confession #3: As a writer myself, I understand how a memoir will always be your way of telling  YOUR side of the story.

Confession #4: As wacky as she is, I'm Team Courtney for life.


All this being said, this is a great memoir.  I recommend listening to the audiobook instead of reading to hear Kathleen's voice and raw emotion in some parts.  

Her difficult 70's childhood, late 80's college education and 90's punk rock Pacific Northwest lifestyle are either relatable, memorable or terrifying.

I had a different kind of life myself.  I grew up and went to college as more of Lilith Fair feminist.....let's all hold hands and sing "Closer to Fine" with the Indigo Girls.  I didn't wear Doc Martens with thrift store baby doll dresses.  I was definitely a pro-choice voter and a Girl Power advocate, but my life had generally been easy enough to keep me more in the middle than too far left.

My high school sweetheart had taught me all about punk and the DIY scene.  I respected it, but didn't dig it as music or as my personal brand.  I knew enough to respect Ian MacKaye and H.R.  But I also listened to a lot of Pearl Jam, James Taylor and Toni Braxton.  I loved local shows and I loved zines.  And still do.

I really liked driving through the nostalgia of the 90's through Kathleen's eyes.  I respected her stories of survival and her hard work for women's rights and advocacy.  I winced at the stories of her family life and her horrible father.  She is definitely a bold and brave woman and one you would want in your corner.  

I don't think I fully came to understand my feminism or intersectionality until I was much older, but honestly, I'm not sure Kathleen did either.  Parts of this book read very apologist, but I think that's cool.  I hope people who misunderstood me in the past forgive me now too.  

The best thing about this memoir is that it made me want to learn more, so I dove into online videos, playlists and other books at Kathleen's urging.  She even has a great accompanying playlist on Spotify that pairs beautifully with nearly every story and anecdote she recounts.  I read more bell hooks, watched a documentary on Poly Styrene and was kind of amazed at how many places Kathleen, Bikini Kill and "Rebel Girl" itself is all over our culture.  

At the end of the day, we have to be honest about what the Riot Grrrl movement said about privilege and classism.  I also contend that musical peeps get what they pay for when they decide to tour out of a shitty van across America.  Just sayin.

That being said, there is never a thing wrong with "girls to the front".  It's good for business, for sports, for the Supreme Court and definitely for music venues.  I got no girl beef with that. 

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