Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk BY Kathleen Hanna

In Rebel Girl, Kathleen Hanna, the iconic frontwoman of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, offers a raw and electrifying memoir that charts her journey from punk rock pioneer to enduring feminist icon. Hanna’s personal and powerful lyrics on anthems like “Rebel Girl” and “Double Dare Ya” have defined the feminist punk movement, but the story behind these transformative songs is even more compelling.

Hanna takes readers through her tumultuous childhood, the challenges of her college years, and her groundbreaking experiences in the punk scene. Navigating a male-dominated industry fraught with violence and antagonism, Hanna’s determination and resilience were paramount to her survival and success. Her memoir sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of being in a punk “girl band” during a time when it was anything but easy.

The book also delves into her influential relationships with bandmates Tobi Vail, Kathi Wilcox, JD Samson, and Johanna Fateman, as well as notable figures like Kurt Cobain, Ian MacKaye, Kim Gordon, and Joan Jett. Hanna’s personal revelations include her romance with Ad-Rock of the Beastie Boys and her battle with Lyme disease, alongside behind-the-scenes insights into her work with Le Tigre and The Julie Ruin.

Rebel Girl is not just a memoir but a candid exploration of the Riot Grrrl movement’s grassroots origins and its evolving dynamics. With her unfiltered voice, Hanna reflects on her revolutionary art and music, celebrating both her darkest moments and greatest joys.