Review: Stolen Sharpie Revolution

Stolen Sharpie Revolution
by Alex Wrekk

Since 2002, Stolen Sharpie Revolution: a DIY Resource for Zines and Zine Culture has been the go-to guide for all things zine-related. This little red book is stuffed with information about zines. Things you may know, stuff you don't know and even stuff you didn’t know you didn’t know! 

Stolen Sharpie Revolution contains a cornucopia of information about zines and zine culture for everyone from the zine newbie to the experienced zinester to the academic researcher. Stolen Sharpie Revolution consists of thoughtful lists and step-by-step how-to guides on everything from definitions of a “zine,” where to find zines, why they are important, how to make them and how to participate in zine culture. 

This book has everything you need to get started creating your own zine, or to figure out what to do with the zine you just made. Stolen Sharpie Revolution serves as both an introduction into the wide world of zine culture and as a guide to taking the next step to become a part of it. 

Review

This is any grrrl's dream publication, basically. It's an awesome little book that will "talk" to you about zines, their importance, and how to get started on your own. It is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in the culture or for anyone who has been reading zines (or read A zine) and thought to themselves, "Hmm, I think I could do this." Trust me - I've been there. It's not as easy as just writing or cutting and pasting - there is this whole process that is rewarding, but hard work. 

Don't take my words as discouragement. This is the kind of work that leaves you with something to show for it. But if you're like me, you want someone or something there to kinda hold your hand because putting pieces of yourself on paper and having people actually read it is a terrifying feat for most people. Consider this little red book your hand to hold in your journey of further self-discovery. 

Verdict

Read this. Be creative. Let me know where I can get your zine 💕

About the Author

Alex Wrekk’s life revolves around making things; primarily zines, custom pinback buttons(badges), vegan food, travel plans, and space for a cat in her bed. 

Alex Wrekk has lived in Portland, Oregon since 1999 and has been creating the zine Brainscan since 1997. Brainscan zine has grown and changed with Alex over the years with stories ranging from travel, reproductive health, love and loss, emotional abuse recovery, zine culture, and even fiction all wrapped up in text and photocopier art. She also wrote the book Stolen Sharpie Revolution: A DIY guide for zines and zine culture that is now entering its 5th edition. 

When Alex isn't doing zine things she is doing other zine things like organizing the Portland Zine Symposium, establishing July as International Zine Month, commiserating with Zine Event Organizers around the world, updating the zine event listings on StolenSharpieRevolution.org, hosting the podcast Nobody Cares About Your Stupid Zine Podcast, fidgeting with her Risograph printer, reading from her zines out loud on zine tours or singing in a zine themed pop-punk band called The Copy Scams. 

Alex has been making custom pinback buttons since 2000 under various business names. In 2012 Alex opened Portland Button Works and zine distro, an online and brick and mortar shop in Portland, Oregon selling zines and books and making custom buttons, bottle openers, and magnets in 4 different sizes. She also maintains an Etsy shop with the same name. 

Alex Wrekk twitter http://twitter.com/alexwrekk 

Stolen Sharpie Revolution Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stolensharpierevolution 

Stolen Sharpie Revolution.org http://www.stolensharpierevolution.org 

Portland Button Works Website www.portlandbuttonworks.com 

GIVEAWAY INFO: Alex is giving away 5 print copies of Stolen Sharpie Revolution + a Custom Stolen Sharpie with each one. This is an international giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Tomboy

Tomboy
by Liz Prince

Zest Books

Synopsis

Growing up, Liz Prince wasn't a girly girl, dressing in pink tutus or playing Pretty Pretty princess like the other girls in her neighborhood. But she wasn't exactly one of the guys either, as she quickly learned when her Little League baseball coach exiled her to the outfield instead of letting her take the pitcher's mound. Liz was somewhere in the middle, and Tomboy is the story of her struggle to find the place where she belonged.

Tomboy is a graphic novel about refusing gender boundaries, yet unwittingly embracing gender stereotypes at the same time, and realizing later in life that you can be just as much of a girl in jeans and a T-shirt as you can in a pink tutu. A memoir told anecdotally, Tomboy follows author and zine artist Liz Prince through her early childhood into adulthood and explores her ever-evolving struggles and wishes regarding what it means to "be a girl."

From staunchly refuting anything she perceived as being "girly" to the point of misogyny, to discovering through the punk community that your identity is whatever you make of it, regardless of your gender, Tomboy is as much humorous and honest as it is at points uncomfortable and heartbreaking.

Review

When I first read the synopsis of this book, I knew...I just knew I was going to love it. My experiences growing up mirrored Prince's so much and the evolution of her thinking was much like my own. 

The book is about Prince's experiences growing up as a tomboy - one who didn't "grow out of it." It involves her experiences with others and their view of her as well as how that shaped her view of them. There are some hilarious moments, but there are some heartbreaking ones as well. Prince does a wonderful job of showing the reader how innocent we truly are growing up until someone shares their view of us - which just causes us to shape how we feel about ourselves. I couldn't read this book all in one go - not because I was unable to (it's really easy to get into this book), but because so much of Prince's struggle was my own. I had to let that sink in. 

What I loved the most about this book is Prince's introduction to feminism and her understanding that it wasn't womanhood that she hated, but rather society's expectations of womanhood. 

As a major plus, Liz Prince is a "geek"! I loved the Ghostbusters talk as well as Prince's introduction to zines and such. 

Verdict

Buy this book for yourself and for those growing girls in your life who may be feeling outside the norm because they're not into dresses, dolls and the color pink. Buy this book. Do it. Now. Go. I'll wait. 

Review: Heavy Hangs the Head

Heavy Hangs the Head
by Taryn Hipp

Synopsis

Heavy Hangs the Head is a memoir novella about a woman with an addiction, a mental illness, and a feminist identity. It is the story of one woman's journey from anxiety-ridden child to delinquent teenager to divorced alcoholic. This is the story of how she turned all those years of experiences into a beautiful existence.

Review

I've read this book twice, which should tell you something. I don't often re-read anything since I'd rather read something new each time. Hipp's book is about the journey she took from an emotionally unstable childhood to a self-destructive adulthood until finally arriving at a time in her life where she could accept and love herself. The author doesn't leave any stone unturned and is able to express in the easiest and most delicate way her struggle at learning how to live. 

I very much enjoyed reading this book and believe anyone could benefit from Hipp's story. Although her story revolves around gaining sobriety, it doesn't mean the story won't appeal to the "average" reader. If anything, it inspired me. It taught me that it doesn't matter how old someone is, or even what has happened in their past, but rather what they do with what they have now. It's a powerful message and one that Hipp expresses so well in her book. 

Verdict

I'll give my common warning: there's sex, drinking, etc. etc. Honestly? What the reader gets from the story is so much more than these "labels" we put in warnings. I loved this book and I believe readers of all ages will get something from it. It doesn't glorify drinking or anything like that, it tells the reader the truth - something so rare and highly appreciated. 

Interview: Sage Adderley - Author of Invoking Nonna

Invoking Nonna
by Sage Adderley

Note: As you can see, dear reader, I am running late on this interview! No fear because my good friend Sage, author of the lovely book Invoking Nonna (how AWESOME is that?) has been quite understanding of my lateness. Now, onto the good stuff!

Book Synopsis  

Maggie Sloan is a free-spirited teenager growing up in rural Georgia. Unlike her peers, Maggie is a witch and so is her mother. In addition to normal teenager rites of passage, she must learn about her family lineage and witchcraft. Her mother, Laura, keeps a tight lid on their family secrets - like the mysterious life and death of her grandmother who passed away before Maggie was born. 

Practicing the craft will test solid friendships and introduce Maggie to new realms. While seeking the truth about herself and her family, Maggie is faced with danger from churchgoing classmates who will stop at nothing to make sure she is found out. Laura and Maggie strengthen their bond through witchcraft and work together to overcome their enemies. Are their magical gifts enough to keep them safe? 

Interview 

 1. What inspired you to write a book about a strong teen who becomes/realizes she’s Wiccan? 

 I love YA novels, but it’s rare you come across a teen character that practices witchcraft in modern times without some fantastical theme or character, like dragons or witches flying on broomsticks. I enjoy fantasy stories, but I wanted to depict a teen girl who happens to practice Wicca in present day. I also wanted to show how hard it can be to publicly practice a religion other than Christianity, especially in the deep south of the US. 

 2. How did you do your research for the Wiccan details in your story? It’s detailed in the best way! 

 Thank you! I’ve been reading about Wicca since I was a teenager. So, roughly twenty years. I’ve always been drawn to Pagan spirituality, so I am very familiar with Wicca. I also took advantage of books at my local library. 

 3. I love that you used the library! Many young adult authors appear pressured to include a love story in their books – was this something you considered for Invoking Nonna? 

 Well, I didn’t want a love story, but I was concerned this would be an issue for readers because it’s extremely common in most young adult books these days to have a romance and/or love triangle. Actually, I am surprised by how many people have commented that it’s refreshing not to have a love interest for Maggie. Who knows what the future has in store for Maggie, but right now, her family is the main focus. 

 4. I know I definitely appreciated how strong Maggie was without a male counterpart. Maggie and her best friend are so different – was that difficult for you to write as your story moved forward? 

 Not really. I wanted them to have a good connection while maintaining their own identities. I think that is important. 

 5. Definitely! Also, the mother/daughter relationship is dealt with heavily in your book – something that many women can sympathize with. Why did you pick this particular theme to center your story around? 

 I think many readers can relate to the issue of disconnect with their parents. I wanted to show a particular situation that could be mended between a mother and daughter no matter how bleak things seemed to be. 

 6. In general, what motivated you to write your story? What motivates you to continue? 

 Fun fact about how the story started - The first scene I wrote for the book was about the family of healers that have a magical shop set up at the local flea market. They were my inspiration. I built the Sloan family around Ana and Claudia. I have to continue because there is so much more to this family. More secrets, more pain, more love … and more magic! 

 7. We know you can’t tell us everything, but can you give any hint as to where Maggie’s story is going? 

For you, I will give some hints. In book two we will delve deeper into “the curse” and I think readers will learn more about Maggie’s father, too. The dynamic between Ruby and Maggie has changed, I’ll be touching on that. 

8. Thank you for the exclusive! Do you have any other projects in the works? 

Aside from writing book two of the Triple Goddess Series, I am also churning some ideas for a preschool story that I have in my brain. 

Many thanks to author, Sage Adderley, for taking the time to answer my questions and providing us an inside look into her world of Invoking Nonna. If you haven't read it, keep reading this to find out where you can order your copy today!

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5Dnc1YczF0 

Purchase Links: 
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Invoking-Nonna-Sage-Adderley/dp/0989709825 
Etsy (print & digital available) - https://www.etsy.com/shop/sage 

Follow Sage: 
Website – http://sageadderley.com/ 
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7559413.Sage_Adderley Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MyNameIsSage 
Twitter - https://twitter.com/sageadderley 

About the Author

Sage Adderley is a single (and very busy) mom of three humans and one cat. She is passionate about kindness, coffee, mental health, fat activism, and the DIY lifestyle. 

Sage is the owner of Sweet Candy Distro & Press, Sage's Blog Tours, and writes the zines Tattooed Memoirs and Marked For Life. She is also the creator of FAT-TASTIC! 

Sage currently resides in the magical land of Olympia, Wa.

Zine Review: Echo! Echo! #10

Echo! Echo! #10
by Keet Geniza

First of all, can we talk about this cover? The awesomeness of this cover? I may be biased (let's create a drinking game where you, reader, take a drink of any beverage of your choice whenever you read "I may be biased..." on my blog), but I love the blending of red and orange. It just pops out and looks fantastic.

Okay, now that the geeky artsy part of me has  had its fun, let's get to the actual zine. This zine has a great mix of everything. It has a fantastic quote (Margaret Atwood, 'nut said), comics, personal entries and a little something else. Geniza talks about thrifting with her father, writing/discovering zines and even a bit about trying to be a loyal anime fan. 

"For the rest of the year, zines became my only obsession. I walked around giddy and wakeful and excited about the possibilities."

I found all of the zine, whether Geniza was talking about her dad, anime fandom or telling a story, truly inspiring. Something that really helped along with that was the fantastic illustrations that accompanied the work. Whether it was the comic strip or the additions to the entries - they added a level to the work that just...works.

Anyway, don't take my word for it, go check it out. If you like personal zines with a lil of everything, you'll love this. 

Check out this zine and many other's at my friend Sage's Sweet Candy Distro.

Zine Review: Pieces #8.5

Pieces #8.5: 24 Hour Zine 
by Nichole and Laura

Review

I absolutely love reading and reviewing zines. I don't remember how I got into them, but I know that I love having glimpses of other people's worlds. And the 24 hour zines that I come across are fantastic. 

This issue of Pieces is actually a split zine between Nichole and her mother, Laura. 

Okay, first of all - these ladies rock. 

Seriously. The first pages of both zines have to do with library-love. As an individual who didn't get to go to the library as a kid (I first stepped foot into a library when I was a late-teens teenager), reading about someone else growing up in that world made me simultaneously jealous and happy. 

I'm probably biased, as I adore books, but I really enjoyed reading those memories from both perspectives of mother and daughter. Each author put a lot of themselves and each other into their works and it makes it that much more enjoyable to read. 

Each side of the zine is filled with memories or tidbits of the author. I specially liked this:

Because of how true it is, but also because the reader can tell that the authors held onto a part of themselves from when they were younger - and that is what makes this split zine so entertaining and heart-warming to read. 

Verdict 

Uh, read it. DUH. No, but seriously, if the reader wants something nostalgic, sweet and creative - this is your zine. I suggest reading Nichole's side first, just because it's really great to read her mother's take on the memory afterward.


Look for this zine and many others at my friend Sage's distro, Sweet Candy Distro!

Blog Stop: Greenwoman Magazine

About:

"Greenwoman Magazine celebrates garden writing in all its forms: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, commentary, biography, art, and comics! 
Daring and fun, Greenwoman is for the hip gardener who loves digging into the world of art and environmental thought that underlies gardening."

Greenwoman Magazine is a completely independent, one-woman-owned-and-run publication.  (Well, two-women, when Sandra’s daughter Zora, who is the Deputy Editor, has time from her full-time college work).

Links:

Greenwoman Magazine - http://www.greenwomanmagazine.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenwoman-Magazine/157003514356450

Reviews:

"I think this magazine will be one of the best gifts 2011 has given humanity and I’m absolutely serious about this. I hope you will check it out. When I did that, I clicked immediately on the subscription button and signed myself up. Now for those of you who know me, you will know this is significant because I have a very strict rule about not purchasing anything over the internet." —Tammi Hartung, author of Homegrown Herbs

“. . . I realized that this was a periodical loathe to box itself in or stoop to cliché. The topics would be familiar but the twists and turns would be unique because the human experience is unique."—Grace Peterson, "Gardening with Grace" blog                                                                                      

"Greenwoman is a fresh and hip magazine bringing the spirit of gardening to the forefront . . . It is unlike any other magazine I have read."—Elise Bowan                                                                                                             

“Greenwoman filled the gap in my life that I didn't know existed: a magazine that connected all my interests: the earth, gardening, and a feminine perspective. I couldn't believe my luck upon discovering it! Greenwoman will now replace some of my subscriptions that were only gardening, that ignored earth issues...Viva Greenwoman. —Elisabeth Kinsey, Greenwoman's Sex in the Garden columnist.

Zine Review (8)

Social Animals
by Chloe Hodson

Dear Reader,

I hope you are having the kind of day where you peel your entire orange in one piece, or the kind of day where someone lets you go first.

And so begins the lovely first issue of Social Animals, a zine meant to not only engage the reader, but have them participate. I am a sucker, like most people, for wonderful first lines and that, my readers, is a fantastic first line. It made me feel as if I had just received a hug by someone who cared how my day was going. 

The author warns in her introductory letter to her readers that this zine is different than those they have experienced in the past. She's right, to say the least. In this zine you will find personal experiences written in the second person, tidbits of motivation and writing exercises to get the ideas flowing. 

Not only does the author want the reader to voice themselves, she is providing a forum for it on Tumblr (Social Animals Zine). The Tumblr is full of updates for her upcoming second issue, as well as questions for you to answer. 

I have to say that I really enjoy the fact that this author wants us to think! To go as far as to create a Tumblr for this purpose (so simple, and yet, I had never thought of it!). As someone who loves to write, I am impressed and motivated by the prompts given in this zine. Also, the personal inserts from the author is definitely what grabs my attention - you don't know what's coming up as you turn the page! If you are someone who loves to write, or just likes to read good writing, pick up this zine!

Step One: Believe you have something worth saying.

Good Day Sunshine

by Whitney Billings

I want to be in the hospital because the air is the cleanest you can get. I want to be int he hospital because they bring you your food, they talk like you matter, and they pit you to sleep if you're in pain. No one drinks or yells or hits you there. Hospitals fix things. Hospitals fix broken things. 

You know when you read something, it doesn't matter where, and the words envelope you even though they hurt? That's what this zine did to me, reader. Reading this personal zine felt like heartbreak and hope. It has some beautiful photos that tie into the poems and stories/memories told. It is a text heavy zine filled with personal moments that flow like poetry...and some actual poetry. Seriously though, the lines...

I was rolling in the field of the flowers that were my mother's fears and insecurities that had just so recently been watered with tequila rain. 

The zine is clear and to the point, and moments like these that make you want to curl up into the words. 

As I mentioned, this is a personal zine. I feel the need to warn that it might have a trigger for some readers. Everything about this zine is so powerful - proving yet again that through heartbreak and disappointment, there is the strength to move forward. This author's writing is the proof of that. I highly recommend this zine as it is now one of my personal favorites. 

You can find these zines and many others at my friend Sage's distro:
  Sweet Candy Distro 

Zine Review (7)

Quiet Club #1
by Polly

"I could see her fuming inside with anger and insult,

keeping it in as if it were not right to protest."

This zine first comes off as an eye-opening, semi-political zine centered around what has been said about women in our society. Namely, women's reproductive rights. And although this issue of the zine is that, it's also much more. As a woman, I know that these issues exist - of course I do! But there is something about seeing it gathered up like this, mixed with the zine author's accounts that make it all too real. 


There is a mix of visual tools used: patterns, advertisements, backgrounds - all used to accompany an element of each piece of writing. 

"That's partly what this zine is about, actually.

Being brave and being loud, putting my thoughts out into the open,

even though I'm scared."

I recommend this zine for anyone who has been (1) curious about what others think women should do with their own bodies (be ready...you'll get angry. I know I did) and/or (2) too quiet or shy to speak up. It's refreshing to read someone's venture into the "being loud."

Quiet Club #2
by Polly

"I don't need an excuse not to talk to someone."

In this issue of the zine, the author appears to be more comfortable with her medium and her own voice. It seems that her voice is more entwined within the work, making it more about who she is. 

"Meanwhile, I'm sitting over in the corner frozen solid

except for my mouth, which has permanently affixed smile 

in case anyone happens to glance over at me. 'There, I smiled at you!'"

This zine issue is so much more personal and it's what makes it resounding - ironic to what its title implies. At one point in the zine, the author offers a series of issues to which she would be open to talking about - inviting the reader to begin a dialogue with her. This is an interesting engagement that I would love to embark in!

Again, this issue has unique layouts for sections, making the background a part of the author's story.

You can find these zines and many others at my friend Sage's distro:
  Sweet Candy Distro

Zine Review (6)

Proof I Exist (#15) 

by Billy

This wonderfully written text-heavy zine deals with many of the author's experiences in his every day life. Actually, it's more like taking a glimpse into his personal journal - every thought exposed for us to see. It's truly a brilliant read. 

Some of the topics that are mentioned are the author's experience with insomnia and the realization that everyone (at his workplace, at least) seemed to be taking some sort of medication to go to sleep or stay awake. 

"I floated through my shift, in my own reality."

Another section covers the contemplation of the almost-death of his dog and how it made him think of his beliefs. I thought it was interesting how it lead to thinking about how, even though we like to think that money isn't all that important, moments like these remind us of just how important it can be to our well-being and survival.

There are some beautiful, yet simplistic lines to this zine that just made me smile like an idiot. Like,

"I had fallen in love with a Chicago girl just as I was moving out of Chicago."

It's simple and straightforward, but there it is. An epiphany in ink. 

There are so many tidbits like this in this zine that it made me want more! I believe that anyone interested in catching a glimpse into someone's life would very much enjoy this zine. I most definitely did. 

"[...] I now also realize that whatever you do, if you do it for your own reasons, 

and do it your way, then that is pretty damn cool."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Last Night at the Casino #1 

by Billy

Yup, this zine is by the same author of Proof I Exist, so you know that I was ecstatic to learn that! It's already been established just how much I enjoy Billy's writing and this zine is no exception to that. It has the same wonderful writing, but a different setting, so to speak. This zine is dedicated to the author's experiences as a dealer at a casino. It's a text-heavy zine about what he experiences while on the job. I've never been one to gamble or be interested in it, so I was worried about my interest in the theme of these zines. On the contrary, it was extremely entertaining! It opened my eyes to a subculture of gamblers, people having fun and the dealers. Not to mention all the other different types of personalities that the author, as well as the reader, encounters.

The zine also had its subtle, really-sneaks-up-on-you, thought-provoking moments because of all those personalities that walked through the casino's doors. I'd recommend this zine to anyone interested in the subculture that is the workplace. And in this case? A more intriguing workplace that most. 

"The reality is that nothing has changed. Well, that's not entirely true. 

[...] the thing that has changed at the stroke of midnight is our attitudes."

Last Night at the Casino #2 

by Billy

In this second issue of this zine, we find Billy at a full-time status as a dealer for the casino. He's six months into his job and still encountering the most interesting of characters. In this zine, we learn about his newly found pet peeve, terminology of the casino and the lessons to be learned while on the job. 

One of the most interesting sections in this issue was Billy's "interpretation" (for lack of a better term!) of gambling addiction. There is almost a tragic beauty to the idea that as humans, we are built to seek something and when we don't get it, confusion follows. 

"I've always loved to gamble, but have always been careful not to love it too much."

You can find these zines and many others at my friend Sage's distro:
  Sweet Candy Distro

Zine Review (5)

Echo! Echo! #9 by Keet Geniza

"I wanted that irrevocable proof that, for all her level-headed, practical sense, even she was once in love and vulnerable."

It's beautiful realizations like that which make up this truly enjoyable zine. It did everything from making me wonder what the right way to paint toenails is to relishing the intimacy of personal journal entries. Everything in this zine is just so personal that it makes me feel as if I have stumbled upon an open journal left on someone's bed. There's a section in which she describes her grandmother's home and the nostalgia that comes with explaining the memories and their effects on a physical level. It shows how our memories live under our skin.  Anyone who is interested in the human condition will love this zine. Within its pages are the snippets, the flashbulb moments, of someone's life. 


Everybody Moon Jump #8 by Dave Cave


I don't even know what to quote - it was all quote-worthy. First of all, this zine was different than other zines I've read so far. Its information was given in very unique independent spurts. It leads the reader from thinking about self-image to the observations in the author's life, both past and present. There are plenty of photos and illustrations to accompany the emotions it evokes. The running theme is mental illness, depression to be more specific. Within its almost nightmarish description lies the hope in lines like

"Rome wasn't built in a day and it wasn't built by one person either."

and

"Unhappiness is the ignition for change."

Reminding me that it's okay to cry, to ask for help - to get better. 


And then he leaves the reader with one final piece of advice...

"And if he can't make you laugh...fucking leave him."

You can find these zines and many others at my friend Sage's distro:
  Sweet Candy Distro

Zine Review (4)

Rumlad #5 by Steve

"Amazing."

And it's really as simple as that. One word that is often repeated throughout this zine also does the job of describing the work as well. This zine, which is text and illustration heavy, is about Steve's tour around half of the U.S. with his band, Thou. Plenty of intricate illustrations accompany each of the stories, each one serving as a snapshot of the particular memory.

Frankly, I didn't know what to expect from this zine, but what I found was insight into a world that I could never even think to imagine. A world of people making music and friendships - a beautiful chaos. And with lines such as, "As dusk falls, my spirit is lifted somewhat when I spot some fireflies. I really wish we had them back home," it made me think of the quiet moments we all experience, but might not take the time to realize.

The Discovery of the Zewa with an Anatomical Account

This zine is about the "first documented sighting of the zewa (zee'wah) in the world of ideas." And so begins the journey of philosophical elements mixed with childhood dreams and hopes. This zine was written as if the author was on an expedition...and perhaps it was exactly that.

The reader should expect to enter a world where the presence of solitude is explored and the need for others explained. The author talks about how much we need warmth and what happens to the hopeful heart as we try to "grow up."

What are the Zewa? Are they our dreams? Our hopes? Read and see what you end up believing.  

You can find these zines and many others at my friend Sage's distro:
  Sweet Candy Distro

Zine Review (3)

Pieces #6: On Commuting

by Nichole

"I asked myself multiple  times today, 'Why did I get a job again?' and the answer I got every time was: 'You were more lonely than not.'"

I always look forward to text heavy zines. They tell me, without even reading them, that I'm going to listen to stories that were worth writing down - stories that mean something to someone.  And this zine did not disappoint.

The reader will find an abridged version of the author's commuting journal within its pages. For 3 months, Nichole traveled from her home in Indiana to her job in Chicago and this zine chronicles her feelings about having to wake up every morning at 5 am only to return at 7 pm with hardly any time left for herself. It also describes her observations of others around her as well as those she interacted with. There is a sprinkle of photos, all aimed towards The South Shore, the electrically powered commuter train that served as her transportation. Above all, I enjoyed the questioning the author dealt with and the challenge  she posed for herself - as a sort of personal development. 

"It pops in my head when the discomfort settles a little too deep, but I realize change is necessary not really to survive, but to thrive."

I recommend this zine to anyone interested in catching a glimpse into someone else's life. It was truly interesting in its observation and even made me want to keep a diary! Overall, a very inspiring story for the full time worker in all of us. 

You can find these zines and many others at my friend Sage's distro:
  Sweet Candy Distro

Zine Review (2)

Comic Tales: 

by D. Patrick

Don't Feel So Hot 

"Places that are magical with two become less enchanting when you're alone on a Sunday afternoon."

That line alone would make the entire zine worth it for me - that is, if it wasn't already filled with fantastic stories accompanied by raw drawings that pull you into the author's story. This zine is packed full of stories from real life events. They contain recollections from childhood, walks down memory lane as well as instances that will leave the reader chuckling with empathy. Who doesn't have memories that seem average at first but end up being the ones that stand out the most? This zine is a collection of exactly those types of stories. The tidbits on observations are absolutely wonderful as well. My favorite was the one where the observation took place in a library! It made me want to take an even closer look at the people around me. I recommend this zine to anyone who enjoys comics and content related to true life. 

Economy Cookies

"30 years old & I'm drawing comics at the library! Should I be taking a child to swimming lessons or shopping at Rona?"

Another wonderful line that encompasses my introspection when looking at others from the outside in. This zine collection contains another set of often comical, but an entirely real point of view and stories from the author's life. This volume contains observations of visiting a corner store with an interesting selection in reading material, an afternoon spent zine-making in the library, the legend of the economy cookie and so much more. The author brings about another array of memories (in the form of comics) to get lost in.

You can find these zines and many others at my friend Sage's distro:
  Sweet Candy Distro

Zine Review (1)

Short reviews on some zines. You can see them in my newest video

Brilliant Mistake #4/Your Secretary #8
by Carrie & Jami Sailor

"Let's return to When Harry Met Sally [...] I wish you were my Harry  but you're not."

"Did you write 'I hate you' on everyone's Valentine?"

An absolutely brilliant compilation zine that is basically a narrative about relationships. It has everything from crushes when the authors were younger to crushes as adults. It's interesting to see how even though we grow older, some things don't change. It is a great love letter to the idea of love and others who are important to us. There aren't always happy endings or coincidences, but they all serve as a lesson - something that is similar to all our lives.  


Your Secretary #5
by Jami Sailor

"It's a balancing act which still needs practice."

Diabetes has become a household name for many people. In this zine, Jami does a wonderful job of talking about her own experiences with diabetes which include her family and camp stories. What I enjoyed most was that she included snippets of her camp life, such as what she experienced in camp (not all about diabetes) and how she takes care of herself. The latter is actually very beneficial for everyone as it describes easy ways to take care of ourselves.

Your Secretary #7/Playing Victim #4
by Jami Sailor & Brittany

"...if nothing else, this year has been all about learning boundaries, my own and everyone else's."

"He's changed more than the Smurfs have!"

This is a split zine and both have at the center the themes of what firsts or events happened in 2010 and what both authors expect in 2011. This zine got me thinking about my own little moments that make up my life and I would expect it to do the same for whoever reads them. Everything from traveling, going to zinefests and even the first haircut of the year is in this zine. It's the little moments that make up the bigger ones after all. I also enjoyed Jami's distinction between resolutions and goals - resolutions are usually made once a year, but one can have goals forever :)

You can find these zines and many others at my friend Sage's distro:
  Sweet Candy Distro