Victoria's Book Review: Girl in a Band by Kim Gordon

In Girl in a Band Kim Gordon, founding member of Sonic Youth and role model for a generation of women, tells her story. She writes frankly about her route from girl to woman and pioneering icon within the music and art scene of New York City in the 1980s and 90s as well as marriage, motherhood, and independence.
Filled with the sights and sounds of a changing world and a remarkable life, Girl in a Band is a moving, evocative chronicle of an extraordinary artist.

[@surrealchemist]

I think I might have had some similar feelings though I did enjoy the book it takes a different approach. I think some of it might have been cathartic opening up about some things. I'm halfway through Thurston Moore's book now and it basically covers all the things you mentioned... deep dives on the whole history of NYC music scene, all the ins and outs of the band's history. I was kind of wary going into it considering how their relationship and the band ended but its very nostalgic and Thurston had experience writing for zines so it has more of that feel to it.

[@marcthacker4walls]

Thanks for sharing!

[@booksandallthatjazz1654]

Great review. You provided lots of information on what the book is about. Normally with 'negative' type book reviews I switch off very quickly, partly as I think every book has something to offer, but mostly as the negative vibe of the book tuber is more destructive than instructive. Thanks.

[@VictoriasBookReviews]

Books and all that jazz you're always welcome!!

[@onviekade1023]

What an interesting review - I wonder why she wrote it? Have you read Viv Albertine's autobiography? If not, you might find it quite interesting. She's not the most likable biographer but from a sexual politics point of view it's fascinating.

[@VictoriasBookReviews]

Onvie Kade no I haven't read that book - I will add that to the TBR pile. It's a good question, why did she write this? She gave so little away about the band...

[@tortoisedreams6369]

Fun review! Loved Just Kids & it seems that the generation that can really start to tell us about the role of gender in (immensely influential) pop culture is starting to write books. Maybe I'll start with the bit about Kurt Cobain & go on from there ...

[@VictoriasBookReviews]

tortoise dreams yes, good point. I do look forward to hearing more from women in music. But would like to read more open accounts; this was very closed.

[@freckledbibliophile9548]

I've been wanting to read this. I've heard several mixed reviews. Thanks for your review. It sounds very interesting but a bit "held back." I love memoirs, but I love a gripping one. Thus far, Jeannette Walls and Karl Ove K. are two of my favorite memoirs. Take care. Janay (Freckledbibliophile/Instagram)

[@VictoriasBookReviews]

Freckled Bibliophile yes, that's the perfect description. Kim gives nothing away in this. Perhaps she was writing the book she wanted to write, rather than the one perhaps we wanted?

[@MeanManu]

You should review Sonic Life by Thurston Moore !

[@MeanManu]

Kim Gordon rules !