'Blood and Guts in High School' is a provocative and experimental novel that intertwines the intense emotions of youth with cutting-edge narrative techniques. Following the tumultuous life of a teenage girl navigating rebellion, desire, and identity, the story challenges societal norms and explores the darker corners of adolescence. Acker's raw and fragmented prose juxtaposes the mundane with the surreal, leaving readers questioning the fabric of reality itself. As the protagonist grapples with self-discovery amidst chaos, the novel offers a daring commentary on the tumult of growing up. Prepare to be captivated by a bold, unapologetic journey that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
By Kathy Acker, Chris Kraus
Published: 2017
"We are all the stories we tell ourselves; even in the chaos and the blood, there is a fierce beauty, a raw honesty that speaks of the struggles of our own making."
The novel that made a cult icon of Kathy Acker, whose work is "like reading William S. Burroughs while watching an avant-garde theater group perform to the sounds of a punk band" (Michiko Kakutani, New York Times)
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“We are all the stories we tell ourselves; even in the chaos and the blood, there is a fierce beauty, a raw honesty that speaks of the struggles of our own making.”
Blood and Guts in High School
By Kathy Acker, Chris Kraus
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Kathy Acker (1944-1997) was an influential American writer and avant-garde feminist known for her provocative and experimental writing style that incorporated elements of postmodernism, punk culture, and a deep exploration of sexuality and identity. Acker's notable works include 'Blood and Guts in High School,' 'Ghost Town,' and 'Empire of the Senseless,' which challenge traditional narrative forms and often blend autobiography with fiction. Her work is characterized by its fragmented structure, intertextuality, and bold themes that examine societal norms, making her a pioneering figure in contemporary literature.
Chris Kraus is an acclaimed American writer, artist, and filmmaker known for her unique blend of fiction, memoir, and cultural criticism. She is the author of several notable works, including 'I Love Dick,' which has garnered a cult following and was adapted into a television series. Other significant titles include 'Summer of Hate,' 'Bristol Fashion,' and 'After Kathy Acker.' Kraus's writing is characterized by its provocative exploration of gender, desire, and identity, often blurring the boundaries between personal narratives and theoretical discourse. In addition to her literary contributions, she is recognized for her role in the feminist art movement and her insightful commentary on contemporary culture.
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