Against Memoir

In this PEN Award-winning essay collection, Michelle Tea explores the vibrant yet turbulent lives of those on America's fringes, including figures like Valerie Solanas and a troubled lesbian biker gang. With a blend of sharp insight and dark humor, Tea intricately weaves together their stories alongside reflections of her own experiences. Through this raw and honest narrative, she navigates the complexities of queer identity and the sacrifices demanded by art, encapsulating both profound pain and exuberant joy. This groundbreaking collection stands as a compelling homage to queer counterculture and human resilience.