About this ebook
“An honest and genuine DIY punk-rock lesbian love story.” —Kirkus Reviews
Amanda moves to London with nothing but her guitar and her collection of punk music as the soundtrack to her every move. With the company of a few friendly voices in her head, she looks for—and finds—a best friend and new lover. She forms a band, Lesbian Raincoat, and completely rewrites the story of her life. In this irreverently funny yet profound novel, Amanda risks deportation, recalls the fervor of AIDS activism in the United States, connects to the class struggle of punk, and finds redemption in love. But she also must confront her own mental illness, her lover’s rape, and the violence of post-9/11 politics. Pissing in a River captures the glee and turbulence of surviving the cacophony of modern life.
“A love letter to the obsessions that captivated an outcast generation: punk, politics, passion, and provocation.” —Maria Raha, author of Cinderella’s Big Score: Women of the Punk and Indie Underground
Amanda moves to London with nothing but her guitar and her collection of punk music as the soundtrack to her every move. With the company of a few friendly voices in her head, she looks for—and finds—a best friend and new lover. She forms a band, Lesbian Raincoat, and completely rewrites the story of her life. In this irreverently funny yet profound novel, Amanda risks deportation, recalls the fervor of AIDS activism in the United States, connects to the class struggle of punk, and finds redemption in love. But she also must confront her own mental illness, her lover’s rape, and the violence of post-9/11 politics. Pissing in a River captures the glee and turbulence of surviving the cacophony of modern life.
“A love letter to the obsessions that captivated an outcast generation: punk, politics, passion, and provocation.” —Maria Raha, author of Cinderella’s Big Score: Women of the Punk and Indie Underground
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About the author
Lorrie Sprecher is the author of Sister Safety Pin (Firebrand, 1994). Her collection of short fiction, Anxiety Attack, was published by Violet Ink in 1992. Her work has appeared in anthologies including Dykes With Baggage (Alyson Books, 2000); Lavender Mansions: 40 Contemporary Lesbian and Gay Short Stories (Westview Press, 1994); Glibquips: Funny Words by Funny Women (The Crossing Press, 1994). Excerpts of early drafts of this novel have appeared in various journals and online zines.Lorrie was a member of ACT UP/DC (the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power in Washington, DC) and has been arrested six times for acts of nonviolent civil disobedience. She has a PhD in English and American literature from the University of Maryland, College Park. Lorrie and her dog Kurt reside in Syracuse, New York.Her edgy, quirky voice delivers an acerbic cultural critique, and at her readings, she has been told that she should consider a career in stand-up comedy.Before 9/11, Lorrie wrote songs against the Taliban for RAWA (the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan) and is an outspoken critic of elective wars and the US government’s use of torture. The punk song “It’s a Heteronormative World, No!” recorded by her band Sugar Rat appears on a compilation put out by Riot Grrrl Berlin. Sugar Rat’s music is available for digital download. For more information on her writing and music, please visit her websites: www.lorriesprecher.com and www.sugarrat.com. Lorrie is interested in the struggle for human rights and animal rights around the globe. She lives in her head but also in the world.
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