The Only Bush I Trust Is My Own

Ashchenbrand is probably most well known for her venture 'body as billboard', a range of political t-shirts that are outspoken to say the least. Hence the title of the book. Granted this book is not going to be to everyone's taste but I think it's one of the most hysterical and passionate books I've read in a long time. Aschenbrand is just like the ultra-cool kid at school that you always wanted to hang out with. Subtle, she is not. 'So maybe I am Mussolini. So what.' 'Being committed to something simply becasue you are or becasue you've been told to be is moronic.' I have to say that I didn't agree with everything she said (I doubt that she'd care!) and I don't think it matters. It's so refreshing to read an intelligent book by someone who is so completely unapologetic. Take a whirlwind tour round her thoughts of religion, periods and a brilliant episode that involves a bruised haemorrhoid, and a conversation in a book shop that made me cry with laughter. Deeply offensive. Thoroughly brilliant. Too cool for school. Highly recommended.

At first I was a little thrown by how this book is written. It is different, just like Periel Aschenbrand. Periel's thoughts are totally brilliant. She is thought provoking and a big voice for reality. She says what most people SHOULD be thinking. I loved this book! It is an easy read. Funny and fabulous. I hope we see much more in book form from this activist / author.

This is one of my all-time favorite books! Periel is witty, clever, and thoroughly engaging. Obscenity is part of her character and I think the book would be the lesser without it. However, if you are squemish about sex and four-letter words, you'll have a hard time getting through this book. I would still implore you, though, to give it a chance. She has some wonderful commentary on life, love and politics -- and mothers. Even if you disagree with her, maybe you'll learn something new from her perspective. As you read through the book, you'll learn as well, despite her self-admitted Princess attitude, she has a great deal of concern for certain causes (e.g., women's issues, education/development of youth). Give her and the book a shot -- it isn't all bitchy egomania. It is a quick read; definitely worth the investment of your time.

There's a James Baldwin quote about how in this country we "smash taboos without being liberated from them." In a way that feels something like a cross between Carrie Bradshaw, Woody Allen and Richard Pryor, Periel not only smashes taboos but she makes us feel as though there is hope--that we can be liberated from them. The book is not only smart and insightful but it really is so funny that it made me cry. I was on the subway in NY and was laughing so hard on the train that someone asked me if I needed help. I'm a gay male and Periel is the first girl I've ever been in love with.

This is truly less of a political work than it is a glittering expression of a smart, savvy, sartorial professional New York gal who obviously speaks her mind first, last and always. And her editors have had the good sense to ensure that her "voice" is translated into some of the wittiest writing I've ever read. Regardless of your political POV, you don't need a bush to enjoy this wonderful can't-put-down book. I literally devoured it in a single sitting, only putting it down long enough to laugh out loud. It is THAT funny. And it would be even funnier if it weren't so tragically accurate about the state of our society. Please God, don't let author Aschenbrand become a victim of her own intuition and certain success...we need her voice to remain unadulterated! If you're an uptight neurotic, you will hate it but be compelled to continue turning every page. If you read it with even only a somewhat open mind, you will treasure it and want to pass it on. Run to the bookstore or click on something fast and buy this little gem!