I’m not a fan of being told what I’m not going to read by an author. It sets a tone of not being told a full story. This author starts by saying “I’m not interested in sex, drugs, and rock and roll”, this is a look at the feminist culture. As much as it’s not what she’s interested in, the full story of women in rock includes sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I wasn’t looking for gossip or dirt, I just wanted the full picture.

This isn’t the worst oral history I’ve read, but it seems to follow a stricter narrative than most others. I didn’t hate it, but I just felt like the author was trying to prove a point rather than letting the story be the story.

I’d recommend this to certain people.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

This was a fun trip down memory lane and an interesting look behind the scenes of the record industry in the 90s. I know the book focuses on “rock” bands, but it could have used a few more voices, especially from solo women in alternative music like Tori Amos, DiFranco, PJ Harvey, etc. it also felt like the drug use and and infighting that was so prevalent at the time was largely pushed aside as a reason that a lot of these bands aren’t around. Small criticisms though for a book that remains an interesting read throughout and offers up lots of discussions for fans. Slightly scholarly, Pearson does a really good job of never being too dry and keeps the pace going and pages flying.

Thanks to he publisher and Netgalley for an early peek.