Grrrls on the Side - Softcover

Pack, Carrie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1945053216 ISBN 13: 9781945053214

Publisher: Interlude Press - Duet Books, 2017

Synopsis

The year is 1994 and alternative is in. But not for alternative girl Tabitha Denton; she hates her life. She is uninterested in boys, lonely, and sidelined by former friends at her suburban high school. When she picks up a zine at a punk concert, she finds an escape an advertisement for a Riot Grrrl meet-up.

At the meeting, Tabitha finds girls who are more like her and a place to belong. But just as Tabitha is settling in with her new friends and beginning to think she understands herself, eighteen-year-old Jackie Hardwick walks into a meeting and changes her world forever. The out-and-proud Jackie is unlike anyone Tabitha has ever known. As her feelings for Jackie grow, Tabitha begins to learn more about herself and the racial injustices of the punk scene, but to be with Jackie, she must also come to grips with her own privilege and stand up for what's right.

About this title

About the Author

Never one for following the 'rules,' Carrie Pack is a published author of books in multiple genres, including Designs on You and In the Present Tense. Her novels focus on characters finding themselves in their own time something she experienced for herself when she came out as bisexual recently. She's passionate about positive representation in her writing and has been a feminist before she knew what the word meant, thanks to a progressive and civic-minded grandmother. Coincidentally that's also where she got her love of red lipstick and desserts. Carrie lives in Florida, or as she likes to call it, 'America's Wang.'

From School Library Journal

Gr 10 Up—A coming-of-age novel set in the 1990s alternative scene. When Tabitha Denton's best friend abandons her, she finds solace in alternative music. While at a concert, she is invited to a Riot Grrrl meeting, where she finally feels like she belongs. Tabitha soon falls for fellow Riot Grrrl Jackie, who is different from anyone she's ever met. Tensions mount at home as Tabitha's mother becomes concerned about her relationship with Jackie in particular. Teens will approach this book as historical fiction, whereas adults may find the 1990s setting nostalgic. However, the universal themes of finding one's voice and community will resonate with all readers. While the dialogue is didactic at times, the narration is well paced and will keep readers turning pages. Tabitha is bisexual and refuses others' attempts to place her in a box. In addition to sexuality and feminism, issues of race also play a central role in the narrative. Each chapter is followed by a page from a zine written by one of the characters. VERDICT An additional purchase for large libraries. Give to fans of Isabel Quintero's Gabi, a Girl in Pieces or Laura Goode's Sister Mischief.—Jenni Frencham, Columbus Public Library, WI

Edition details

• Publisher: Interlude Press - Duet Books
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1945053216
• ISBN 13: 9781945053214
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 250