Just finished Ten Imaginary Years. I only ever flipped through a friend's copy way back in the day. Was so thrilled to find a copy for myself at a ridiculously reasonable price when we were at a London flea over the holidays. (Copies are crazy expensive in the U.S.) Was a fun time capsule read!
This is my favorite of my books about TC, I think. I have many that I consider "picture books" but haven't actually read the text from because once you've read 10 Imaginary Years I feel like you're spoiled for anything else.
Post by weedyburton79 on Apr 15, 2024 13:45:54 GMT 1
Ripped through the book Purple Fury in a day and a half. If you're a fan of the movie The Warriors (and if you're not, I'm not sure we can still be friends 😉), it's a fun and easy read. Very much a self-published type vibe, but it has its charm and it's a nice behind-the-scenes look at the movie.
Currently reading Go Ask Ogre. Maybe not for everyone and likely triggering for many because of its frank and casual talk of cutting, suicide, mental illness, and abuse, but I'm finding it absolutely captivating. Here's the summary:
Teenage hell has never been captured with such intense honesty as these actual letters sent in the late ’80s from a desperate girl to the singer of her favorite band.
Go Ask Ogre peers into the world of a misfit "cutter" who lives with an abusive mother in the rust belt. A tailspin of suicidal depression and self-injury leads her to write Ogre, front man for the industrial rock band Skinny Puppy. Soon he receives a flood of elaborately illustrated letters and journals filled with Jolene’s most intimate thoughts-from her most painful secrets to hilarious observations and lucid realizations about her life and those around her.
At a concert, Ogre confides to Jolene that he has saved all her letters. Nine years later, a box from Ogre arrives at Jolene’s door. Re-examining the documents, she realizes that writing these letters had saved her life.
Go Ask Ogre compiles Jolene Siana’s actual letters, artwork, illustrations and ephemera into a unique and powerful story of an extremely troubled teen who made it through the worst years of her life, and, through the power of music and art, transformed herself in the process. Lavishly illustrated and full color throughout.
The author is my age and grew up in Toledo, Ohio, which is about two hours from where I grew up and just south of where I went to college. Although I don't share the most extreme parts of her story, for anyone who was a midwest punk in the late '80s there is plenty to relate to. And even if you don't check any of those boxes, it is a highly compelling read.
Last Edit: Apr 15, 2024 13:46:08 GMT 1 by weedyburton79
Ripped through the book Purple Fury in a day and a half. If you're a fan of the movie The Warriors (and if you're not, I'm not sure we can still be friends 😉), it's a fun and easy read. Very much a self-published type vibe, but it has its charm and it's a nice behind-the-scenes look at the movie.
Currently reading Go Ask Ogre. Maybe not for everyone and likely triggering for many because of its frank and casual talk of cutting, suicide, mental illness, and abuse, but I'm finding it absolutely captivating. Here's the summary:
<snip>
The author is my age and grew up in Toledo, Ohio, which is about two hours from where I grew up and just south of where I went to college. Although I don't share the most extreme parts of her story, for anyone who was a midwest punk in the late '80s there is plenty to relate to. And even if you don't check any of those boxes, it is a highly compelling read.
These both sound so good! I have put them on my "to-read" list.
I'm especially excited about Purple Fury. That sounds like such a hoot! If you live in NYC and are "of a certain age", there is no way you don't love The Warriors. A Warriors team makes a great group Halloween costume. That movie is NYC in the 70's.
I just picked this up from the library. I tried ordering it from the local bookstore, but we think it's out of print. I bought it in digital format a few years ago and started it, but I would much rather read it in physical format. I had forgotten it's set in Brooklyn. I'm so stoked to read the whole thing.
Currently reading Go Ask Ogre. Maybe not for everyone and likely triggering for many because of its frank and casual talk of cutting, suicide, mental illness, and abuse, but I'm finding it absolutely captivating. Here's the summary:
Teenage hell has never been captured with such intense honesty as these actual letters sent in the late ’80s from a desperate girl to the singer of her favorite band.
Go Ask Ogre peers into the world of a misfit "cutter" who lives with an abusive mother in the rust belt. A tailspin of suicidal depression and self-injury leads her to write Ogre, front man for the industrial rock band Skinny Puppy. Soon he receives a flood of elaborately illustrated letters and journals filled with Jolene’s most intimate thoughts-from her most painful secrets to hilarious observations and lucid realizations about her life and those around her.
At a concert, Ogre confides to Jolene that he has saved all her letters. Nine years later, a box from Ogre arrives at Jolene’s door. Re-examining the documents, she realizes that writing these letters had saved her life.
Go Ask Ogre compiles Jolene Siana’s actual letters, artwork, illustrations and ephemera into a unique and powerful story of an extremely troubled teen who made it through the worst years of her life, and, through the power of music and art, transformed herself in the process. Lavishly illustrated and full color throughout.
The author is my age and grew up in Toledo, Ohio, which is about two hours from where I grew up and just south of where I went to college. Although I don't share the most extreme parts of her story, for anyone who was a midwest punk in the late '80s there is plenty to relate to. And even if you don't check any of those boxes, it is a highly compelling read.
I finished this a couple of days ago. Mixed feelings, for sure. It was a familiar story and it was difficult to digest Siana's suffering. As a former (milder) cutter, I understand the feelings and reasons behind inflicting that kind of damage. As a parent, the way in which Jolene's mother treated her is heartbreaking, although I can acknowledge that her own suffering was at the root of her abusive behavior.
I find it interesting that the term "death rock" is used in the title. Skinny Puppy is industrial, right? Seems she also really liked Sisters.
<SPOLER>
The overall feeling I was left with was that she laid a lot on Kevin Ogilvie and I understand why he didn't read all the letters she sent. That's a heavy burden for anyone to bear, but he was also pretty young at the time. It's interesting that even though he didn't read everything, that didn't impact the degree to which writing everything out likely helped Siana at the time. It's the act of expression that was important there or of (possibly) being heard.
There is nothing I can identify as particularly distinguishing about Jolene's anguish and I struggle with her choice to publish the material. Nonetheless, I couldn't put it down and from the perspective of someone who was into SP and Ministry at the same age, it was a trip in that regard. I am glad that the author seems to have found some peace and perspective that she had to grow into. Some people are not so fortunate.
Currently reading Go Ask Ogre. Maybe not for everyone and likely triggering for many because of its frank and casual talk of cutting, suicide, mental illness, and abuse, but I'm finding it absolutely captivating. Here's the summary: The author is my age and grew up in Toledo, Ohio, which is about two hours from where I grew up and just south of where I went to college. Although I don't share the most extreme parts of her story, for anyone who was a midwest punk in the late '80s there is plenty to relate to. And even if you don't check any of those boxes, it is a highly compelling read.
I finished this a couple of days ago. Mixed feelings, for sure. It was a familiar story and it was difficult to digest Siana's suffering. As a former (milder) cutter, I understand the feelings and reasons behind inflicting that kind of damage. As a parent, the way in which Jolene's mother treated her is heartbreaking, although I can acknowledge that her own suffering was at the root of her abusive behavior.
I find it interesting that the term "death rock" is used in the title. Skinny Puppy is industrial, right? Seems she also really liked Sisters.
<SPOLER>
The overall feeling I was left with was that she laid a lot on Kevin Ogilvie and I understand why he didn't read all the letters she sent. That's a heavy burden for anyone to bear, but he was also pretty young at the time. It's interesting that even though he didn't read everything, that didn't impact the degree to which writing everything out likely helped Siana at the time. It's the act of expression that was important there or of (possibly) being heard.
There is nothing I can identify as particularly distinguishing about Jolene's anguish and I struggle with her choice to publish the material. Nonetheless, I couldn't put it down and from the perspective of someone who was into SP and Ministry at the same age, it was a trip in that regard. I am glad that the author seems to have found some peace and perspective that she had to grow into. Some people are not so fortunate.
I agree with your take on this completely. (Including the odd decision to use "death rock" in the subtitle.) Well said, Kirstie.
I finished this a couple of days ago. Mixed feelings, for sure. It was a familiar story and it was difficult to digest Siana's suffering. As a former (milder) cutter, I understand the feelings and reasons behind inflicting that kind of damage. As a parent, the way in which Jolene's mother treated her is heartbreaking, although I can acknowledge that her own suffering was at the root of her abusive behavior.
I find it interesting that the term "death rock" is used in the title. Skinny Puppy is industrial, right? Seems she also really liked Sisters.
<SPOLER>
The overall feeling I was left with was that she laid a lot on Kevin Ogilvie and I understand why he didn't read all the letters she sent. That's a heavy burden for anyone to bear, but he was also pretty young at the time. It's interesting that even though he didn't read everything, that didn't impact the degree to which writing everything out likely helped Siana at the time. It's the act of expression that was important there or of (possibly) being heard.
There is nothing I can identify as particularly distinguishing about Jolene's anguish and I struggle with her choice to publish the material. Nonetheless, I couldn't put it down and from the perspective of someone who was into SP and Ministry at the same age, it was a trip in that regard. I am glad that the author seems to have found some peace and perspective that she had to grow into. Some people are not so fortunate.
I agree with your take on this completely. (Including the odd decision to use "death rock" in the subtitle.) Well said, Kirstie.
Off to Mervyn Peake worlds again. This time Letters From A Lost Uncle. It's a "children's" book that can be read in one sitting, featuring gorgeous fantastical drawings with typewriter text pieces or letters from someone who supposedly isn't good at writing, i.e containing typos etc. You read it with a smile on your face the whole time and marvel at the imagery.
One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain So hit me with music, hit me with music
Currently reading William S. Burrough's Naked Lunch original restored text. I didn't "get" the Finnish translation and didn't read that through. In English it's indeed superior but contains junkie slang, so I don't understand all of it to the letter, which doesn't matter much. It will take a while though.
One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain So hit me with music, hit me with music
I just picked this up from the library. I tried ordering it from the local bookstore, but we think it's out of print. I bought it in digital format a few years ago and started it, but I would much rather read it in physical format. I had forgotten it's set in Brooklyn. I'm so stoked to read the whole thing.
Just seen this. I love Providence, I think is a masterpiece. It blew my mind some years ago when I read it. Last year a volume containing the three parts was released. You should be able to find it.
I just picked this up from the library. I tried ordering it from the local bookstore, but we think it's out of print. I bought it in digital format a few years ago and started it, but I would much rather read it in physical format. I had forgotten it's set in Brooklyn. I'm so stoked to read the whole thing.
Just seen this. I love Providence, I think is a masterpiece. It blew my mind some years ago when I read it. Last year a volume containing the three parts was released. You should be able to find it.
Oh, I see the one in the picture is already the compendium. I thought it was just the first part of the trilogy. And you are right, the english edition is out of print. I bought the spanish edition last year. Hope is reprinted in the US soon.
I just picked this up from the library. I tried ordering it from the local bookstore, but we think it's out of print. I bought it in digital format a few years ago and started it, but I would much rather read it in physical format. I had forgotten it's set in Brooklyn. I'm so stoked to read the whole thing.
Just seen this. I love Providence, I think is a masterpiece. It blew my mind some years ago when I read it. Last year a volume containing the three parts was released. You should be able to find it.
It's my first, completed adult comic book (as Moore prefers to "graphic novel" I understand)! I don't know why I was so drawn to it. I agree that it is an incredible work. It was so intense that I think I will cancel my order with the book store, which they offered to keep open until / if filled. As good as it is, I don't think I can go through that again!
