Pagan Kennedy's Living
A Handbook for Maturing Hipsters
Zinester, author, maturing hipster, and graduate of the prestigious Wesleyan University, Pagan Kennedy first captured the hearts of America with her personal zine Pagan's Head. Drawing from this source, she presents not only the zine-world standards (an interview with the ever-beguiling Lisa Suckdog, articles on dumpster diving, and eight-track collecting), but also includes some helpful dating tips, such as "Pretend to go to the bathroom and never come back." Indeed, only Kennedy seems to have noticed the bizarre visual similarity between avant-pop neo-beatnik author Kathy Acker and hyperactive fitness guru Susan Powter. In articles and cartoons that address the difficulty of staying hip, Kennedy provides a welcome alternative to People magazine and the later works of Hegel. Cruise through this book only if you want an extremely entertaining read and the opportunity to develop an unhealthy fixation on the fabulous Queen of the Zines. Originally published in 1997, this new edition features "Where are they now" updates.
Santa Fe Writer's Project (26 Jan. 2016)