Girl in a Band: A Memoir

Alternating candor and reserve, this book reminded me of the best in Gordon's singing and songwriting. For the past twenty years, she has been such an inspiration to me -- this book only increased my admiration while bringing her humanity to light.

Well written and interesting post punk rock bio with none of the usual drugs or sex or rock'n'roll for that matter, not specifically feminist but fairly in that point of view. That stated 99% of her work is sophmoric and un-important in a california sort of way. Sequel?

Great insight into a band I followed from the beginning. I also really enjoyed Kim's musings on California, as well as her thoughts on feminism and being a "girl in a band". I only wish that it were longer!

Kim tells a very interesting story without boring us with whining. She is to the point and makes funny and keen observations about people and adds good historical references of a time from an insider's view. In her modesty, she tells of her successes without gloating or bragging and gee, that Thurston guy...well, she has enough strength to continue and be the fine artist she was meant to be.

For starters it had all the ingriedients that an indie musician needs.It told the story of Sonic Youth from the early days to the hardknackin end that so divided the band.And if your after some details about how and why they choose the way they did,then read this book cause it will change your perspective on the band and probably on your own band as well.

Kim Gordon lived and created in the East Village when it was an art mecca, along with being a dangerous (alive) place. Kim has the writing chops to get her unique perspective across without pandering to rock and roll war stories. This book resonated for me in much the same way Patti Smith's Just Kids did.....Yea Im old and miss the NYC of my youth, but don't let that stop you from reading the book...........

Dishy yet honest and personal, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary art or underground rock music- it's an amazing cultural history of LA and NYC from the 60s to the present, from the perspective of a single, brilliant woman. I can't really identify with Kim Gordon, but she tells her story powerfully, and she has a great sense of what her audience wants to read about. Loved the pictures, too.

I remembering seeing Kim Gordon in the 'Kool Thing' video and thinking hmm she looks interesting. Sonic Youth always kinda of reminded me of the post punk version of the Velvet Underground on a surface level. As an Artist she has accomplished an amazing repertoire of unique art that stands on it's own. Reading her well written journey, the insights the history very thought provoking. I definitely recommend getting a copy and delve into her story.

Always interesting to learn the back story around musicians and how bands came to be. Sorry that Ms. Gordon's story had to be all the more personal by being married to a member of Sonic Youth and that the book starts with the demise of her marriage and the band.

Kim tells a very interesting story without boring us with whining. She is to the point and makes funny and keen observations about people and adds good historical references of a time from an insider's view. In her modesty, she tells of her successes without gloating or bragging and gee, that Thurston guy...well, she has enough strength to continue and be the fine artist she was meant to be.

For starters it had all the ingriedients that an indie musician needs.It told the story of Sonic Youth from the early days to the hardknackin end that so divided the band.And if your after some details about how and why they choose the way they did,then read this book cause it will change your perspective on the band and probably on your own band as well.

I anticipated reading this book as soon as I heard about it. When I finally got it reviews were already out and were mixed. I finished the whole thing in less than a week and enjoyed every moment. Kim Gordon offers her perception of the journey of this artist and mother that will be interesting to both Sonic Youth fans and general audiences alike.

Interesting to a point. Too much name dropping. Frankly, Kim is shy to reveal much of herself. Gives a good overview of the music scene and its evolution in late 80's through the 90's. Too bad she didn't have a stronger sense of self. The early stories of her family are revealing. The line about telling her story eith a beoken heart is a good one.

Kim Gordon is honest, straightforward and hurt. She is s good writer,and a not so good vocalist, with a story to tell about fellow artists, love of music and Curt Cobain. She played in one of the most credible bands of the end of the last century. She is beautiful.

Excellent read. Always been a fan and have seen Sonic Youth a couple of times in SF. ALWAYS been obsessed and fascinated with KG. It's nice to know she has problems like the rest of us but she's very strong and inspiring. Very interesting stuff about her childhood and marriage. My favorite parts were about her relationship with Coco!

Tedius recounting of her childhood and love life goes on for chapters and chapters. I gave up before she got to the rock band. Maybe it was therapeutic for her to recount her life in this way but it wasn't what I signed up for.

I found this inspiring and essential reading as an exploration of what it means to be an artist in a mercurial culture. Kim Gordon's excavation of her childhood served as a foundation for a life of making art and music and a family. This was a very moving memoir, and bolstered my own resolve to have integrity in my own work. I highly recommend, especially for any artist trying to remain true to an authentic vision in a commercial world. Excellent book.

Well written and interesting post punk rock bio with none of the usual drugs or sex or rock'n'roll for that matter, not specifically feminist but fairly in that point of view. That stated 99% of her work is sophmoric and un-important in a california sort of way. Sequel?

Good memoir. I wish Kim had an online forum where we could ask her questions. I thought the part at the end of the book, about the horney guy in her car was a little tacky, and unnecessary. I never saw the band, unfortunately.

Really fantastic. I have loved Sonic Youth since I was a lass (80's) and always admired Kim Gordon's style. This book reveals interesting details about the "gestation" of SY, but more importantly, it reveals quite a lot about Gordon and her development. Great read.

Girl who wasnt there is more appropriate. She writes with such emotional detachment and no details. Hardly mentions her band mates. As someone who's been in the most pivotal moments of the 90s she has more to say (like a critic) about things than to tell them. A real shame.

The book was just okay. Did not really provide insight into the band or the music period. The Thurston comments overwhelmed the book for me and while a fan of the band, I'm not a fan of taking sides in a personal life debate.

kim gordon's life has been thus far very interesting, spanning art, travels, knowing famous artists and musicians, being in a band with longevity; it's always interesting to get an inside look instead of just an outside fan's perspective which always makes it appear more glamorous.

Kim's Gordon's memoir is first of all excellently written. It is intimate, shows modesty, humanity, as well as thoughtfulness. Also, her book will stand as an important document of American Post Punk for generations to come. Thanks for the memories.

An intense and personal story from an artistic genius. Kim strips back the mask to reveal the mystery behind Sonic Youth. She has lived such an interesting life starting in the hippie era of the 60's. This is a book you can't put down, it's compelling, deep and colorful, sad and triumphant. You can't help but worship this one-of-a-kind artist. You will laugh, cry and be amazed by this book.

I enjoyed this book. However, she seemed a bit distant from the story. But, that's Kim, I guess. Lots of name dropping in the art world which I knew nothing of. I'm a music lover. The end was very powerful.

Great insight into a band I followed from the beginning. I also really enjoyed Kim's musings on California, as well as her thoughts on feminism and being a "girl in a band". I only wish that it were longer!

I enjoyed the book. She had an interesting life. It was refreshing to read a rock bio without the descent into drug abuse. I would have like to have heard more about the albums and tours. My fav album Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star was not even mentioned. Most enjoyable parts were her early days in New York and the bits about Cobain. There are some boring stretches too. I did not find the art and fashion world stuff interesting. Overall I did enjoy it, an easy light read 4/5.

Really enjoyed this intimate account of an inspirational woman. Kim is one of those people who stands on her own as an artist and creative genius. A strong, independent woman with her own words and memories.

Beautiful in its honesty and truth. My level of respect for KG (which was always high, anyway) has gone up a notch. My favorite moments were reading about her life pre-Sonic Youth, but it's engaging overall.