Publisher's Weekly Review
In performing the audio edition of her new memoir, Brownstein, creator and star of TV comedy series Portlandia and a member of the band Sleater-Kinney, maintains an engaging presence with her conversational style. Despite both the emotionally charged nature of Sleater-Kinney's feminist-punk music and the coming-of-age/relationship themes in the story line, Brownstein opts for an understated emotional tone, preferring to leave the screaming on stage. The recording does include clips of original music by Brownstein, in addition to an interview in which she discusses the process of penning her book. One of the most intriguing questions she tackles is the almost total absence of references to Portlandia from her autobiographical narrative. Even listeners not steeped in indie music can at least appreciate the display of artistic devotion. A Riverhead hardcover. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review
Brownstein's memoir of growing up in the Seattle suburb of Redmond, her obsessive love of the indie music scene that developed in the Pacific Northwest in the 1990s, and the birth and maturity of her band, Sleater-Kinney, will delight fans. Brownstein proves an articulate and thoughtful writer, not flinching from her difficult family life, her immature mistakes as she found her feet in the music world, or her role in Sleater--Kinney's breakup. The author's reading is sincere, clear, and personal whether the subject matter is grim or hilarious. Verdict Recommended for fans of Brownstein's music (Portlandia fans should note that the show is conspicuous in its absence from this book), those who enjoyed Sara Marcus's Girls to the Front, and readers looking for a smart and expressive rock bio. ["A strong, engaging pop culture memoir: personal detail, a little dish, and a well-written look at what made the music, and the culture that spawned it, matter": LJ 10/1/15 starred review of the Riverhead hc.]-Jason Puckett, Georgia State Univ. Lib., Atlanta © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.