Pills, Thrills, Chills, and Heartache: Adventures in the First Person

As a long-time fan of "transgressive" literature[...]written in the first-person narrative, I'm frustrated that it took me so long to find this compendium of just about the coolest writers of the 21st century. [...] Just like the character "Abby" played by Perrette on the hit series, there seems to be a dark undercurrent in the actress' background, as well. The complexity presented through the argument of "the person versus the first-person narrative" is rife within this sublime collection. Categorized as non-fiction, yet book-ended by an exclusive submission by the farcical J.T. Leroy "himself," contradictions abound... Though it's the question marks that mark this book as the treasure it is: a testament of a movement, a moment, a somewhat secret society comprised of extravagant iconoclasts. As is often the case, I predict the rule-breakers and risk-takers herein will be revered in future days by many of the same critics who once reviled them. Case in point: the hit-or-miss publisher [Alyson] whose egregious disclaimer that "[they weren't] sure if [they] were proud or if [they] should apologize" about this brilliant collection speaks volumes in terms of milquetoast ambivalence. After all, these are the same pundits who praised J.T. Leroy's presence in the book and placed more of an emphasis on "his" presence than that of the co-editors. It's no surprise this book is Alyson's bastard child not even their 'list of published works' will claim: even their cover choice is reticent. If such a thing as a gutsy, audacious publishing house still exists, hear me out now: This. This is a work that demands to be kept alive, to be kept in print... Until then-- I await

its a great book! i loved the the "short" tales from the indivuals. even though you wont admit it, you can definately find a piece of yourself in some of the stories. Let your mind open and enjoy this not so average world we live in.