NONFICTION

Shotgun Seamstress: An Anthology

Soft Skull. Nov. 2022. 368p. ISBN 9781593767396. $40. MUSIC
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From 2006 to 2015, Atoe published Shotgun Seamstress, a DIY fanzine about punk rock that brought Black and queer voices within the subculture into the forefront. All eight and a half issues are reprinted in this anthology. Interviews from various musical acts and performing and visual artists entwine with articles from contributors about their experience as fans in the United States, Brazil, and Nigeria. This book is at its best when it showcases think pieces on racism, feminism, and classism. Their rawness makes these essays just as relevant today as they were during their original publication. Additionally, Atoe uses photographs and artwork that project the eclectic vibe of the punk scene. While some of the page layouts and small fonts may make it difficult for readers with vision impairments to read, they don’t take away from the highly charged energy of the anthology.
VERDICT A celebration of Black expressions and queer identities that are seen rarely, if at all, in mainstream media. Recommended for libraries with zine collections, as well as music enthusiasts and budding activists.
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