Four Books That Influenced My Feminism

Pink Think: Becoming a Woman in Many Uneasy Lessons

by Lynn Peril

A look into the world of marketing towards women dating from the 1940's and on. Pink Think questions the motives behind the soft, submissive, blushing lines of girlhood. I have never been apologetic about my scabbed knees and bruised shins, but I have questioned why others saw these as flaws. This book is an eye opener in terms of seeing the intention of everyday media and shining a light on the neat, little boxes we're supposed to fit in.

Bare: On Women Dancing, Sex and Power

by Elisabeth Eaves

A peek behind the curtain, Bare, explores the power of the female body and the industry behind it. Eaves gives firsthand accounts of what it means to be seen as a pair of breasts and a set of legs in today's culture. 

Cunt: A Declaration of Independence

by Inga Muscio

If you know me well you already know this book. Gun to my head I'd claim it as my favorite. Read at a time when the world was a spinning cesspool of hormonal lust laughs, Miss Muscio made sense. Lady love over here begins by breaking down the origin of words that today make soccer moms cringe. From there she shares stories dealing with the "complications" and misunderstandings that come from owning your very own cunt. I swear on my female bits that this piece of literature changed my life.

Rise of the Trustfall
by Mindy Nettifee

This book of poems is magical. Mindy carefully weaves stories of heartbreak and triumph with her words. 

"There is no breakthrough without breakdown."

Watch her in action here:
The First Time

One and one and one is three.

Jeffrey Campbell Rainbow Platforms

Second Chance - Peter, Bjorn & John : Florescent Adolescent - Kate Nash : Stars 4-Ever - Robyn : Take Your Mama - Scissor Sisters : Her Morning Elegance - Oren Lavie : Listen to the Darkside - Charlie Mars : Poppies - Marcy Playground : Lovefool - The Cardigans : Silver Lining - Rilo Kiley : Heart of Glass - Blondie : Girl Inform Me - The Shins : Sentimental Heart - She & Him : Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths : Riders on the Storm - The Doors : Daydream - Smashing Pumpkins : Us - Regina Spektor : Maneater (Hall & Oates Cover) - The Bird & the Bee featuring Shirley Manson : September - Pomplamoose

Because Cosmo doesn't count.

The Colossus - Sylvia Plath
Sweet Sylvia. Her poems the windows to her soul and countless freshman females since. She's nestled herself securely into the hearts of many men in my life. Wanting and waiting for the slightly insane fresh-faced wonder to come breezing through the coffee house door. He wants to show off his record collection and keep her pretty head out of the oven. Seriously. It's like that. It is called The Colossus, after all.

Fifty Shoes That Changed the World

The Most Beautiful Woman in Town - Charles Bukowski
I've been questioned countless times over why someone who would have the  female reproductive organs to throw about Gloria Steinem quotes would be so careless as to plug a Bukowski book in the same e-breath. The thing is if I'm going to be quick to shout "Keep your laws off my body!" I'm sure as hell not going to tell a dead man to watch his language. I don't need to tell you how celebrated he is or why. That bit you can do on your own if you're so inclined. Just read it. Does it move you? Are you angry? Turned on? Afraid someone saw you crying in the corner of the bookstore? Then he did his job. 

Magnificent Macrame - Marie-Jeanine Solvit

Miss Charming's Cocktail Rings

A liberated woman is one who has sex before marriage and a job after. 
- Gloria Steinem

Tacky is as tacky does.

Think of this leopard print train case as your grown-up Caboodles. 

[They still make those, by the way.]

You better check yourself before you wreck yourself.

Don't worry. They'll wait. 

They always do.

[This is a clock.]

I don't care if it's hip.

I still think brains are delicious.

Because I'm not the only one who loses things around here.

Because I'm not the only one who thinks this is classic.

And because I don't think you read enough.

How to Get Along With Boys

Night of the Living Trekkies

Mary Jane's Hash Brownies

Female Chauvinist Pigs

The Diving Bell & the Butterfly



Train Song - Feist & Ben Gibbard
Creep - The Pretenders
Stroll On - The Yardbirds
Make My Day - Common & Cee-Lo
Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin
Taxi Driver - Gym Class Heroes
Play Crack the Sky - Brand New
Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Don't Fear - The Honey Trees
Love of my Life - Erykah Badu & Common
Brightly Wound - Eisley
Linger - The Cranberries
By Your Side - Sade


Brian rides bikes. And writes articles.

And another letter to the editor.


"I wouldn't give myself any advice, because advice is kinda bullshit. Take a deep breath and don't take any of it too seriously." - Cher