Book Review Summary: SuicideGirls

Introduction

"SuicideGirls" is a book that captures the essence of the punk rock pin-up cultural phenomenon known as suicidegirls.com. The book features journal entries excerpted from the site, along with over 200 artful, color photos. It showcases the unique beauty and individuality of the young women who have become a part of this revolutionary culture. In this article, we will explore the book's author, Missy Suicide, analyze readers' views, and discuss the reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Missy Suicide

Missy Suicide, the author of "SuicideGirls," is a young woman with a vision of a new age of Pin-Up. In 2001, she started the web site Suicidegirls dot com, which features Pin-up style photography of young punk rock chicas from all over the world. With 3,481 suicide girls and 11 million pictures, some taken by Missy and others taken by the SG's themselves, the site has become a platform for women to express themselves through their own unique personal styles. Missy Suicide has captured the essence of this movement in her book, showcasing the beauty and confidence of these young women.

Analysis of Views

1. Fascination with Nudity: Many readers find the book intriguing due to its nudity. While some find it interesting to read about the women's experiences and thoughts, others simply enjoy looking at the pictures of beautiful women. The book caters to those who appreciate erotic photography and are drawn to the beauty of these alternative models.
2. Empowerment and Individuality: Readers appreciate the empowerment and individuality displayed by the Suicide Girls. They feel that these women are confident and unafraid to express themselves, challenging traditional beauty standards and breaking stereotypes. The book showcases the unique personalities and styles of these women, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be beautiful.
3. Connection to Subculture: For those who were part of the subculture surrounding Suicide Girls, the book holds a special place. It evokes nostalgia and a sense of connection to a community that shared similar interests and values. The book provides a glimpse into a world that was once exclusive but has now been captured in print.
4. Quality of Photography: While some readers appreciate the quality of photography in the book, others feel that it lacks coherence and rhyme or reason. They find it difficult to understand the selection process for the photos or why certain images were chosen over others. However, many still find the book visually stunning and appreciate the artistic value of the photographs.
5. Limited Perspective: Some readers feel that the book does not capture the full spectrum of Suicide Girls' experiences. They believe that there is more to this community than just beauty and sexuality, and that a broader range of perspectives would have made the book more comprehensive. They feel that while Missy Suicide has achieved her goal of presenting her personal vision of femininity, there is still more to explore in terms of the women's thoughts, opinions, and daily lives.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Celebration of Alternative Beauty: Readers recommend "SuicideGirls" for its celebration of alternative beauty. They appreciate the tattooed young women who defy conventional standards of beauty and express their individuality through their unique styles. The book offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be beautiful and challenges societal norms.
2. Connection to a Subculture: For those who have been part of the Suicide Girls subculture, this book serves as a nostalgic reminder of their experiences and connections with like-minded individuals. It captures a moment in time that resonates with those who were part of this community and provides a sense of belonging.
3. Quality of Photography: While some readers critique the selection process for photos, others appreciate the quality of photography in the book. They find it visually stunning and enjoy admiring the artistic value of the images. The polished punk rock Pin-up portraits add to the overall appeal of the book.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Lack of Coherence: Some readers find that the book lacks coherence and organization. They struggle to understand why certain photos were chosen or how they fit into a larger narrative. This lack of structure can make it difficult for readers to engage with the content and appreciate its full potential.
2. Limited Perspective: As mentioned earlier, some readers feel that "SuicideGirls" does not capture the full spectrum of Suicide Girls' experiences. They believe that there is more to explore beyond beauty and sexuality, and that a broader range of perspectives would have made the book more comprehensive. This lack of depth can be a drawback for those seeking a more in-depth understanding of this subculture.

Conclusion

"SuicideGirls" is a book that captures the essence of a revolutionary cultural phenomenon, showcasing the unique beauty and individuality of young women who embrace alternative styles and expressions. While some readers appreciate its celebration of alternative beauty and connection to a subculture, others find it lacking in coherence and depth. The quality of photography is generally well-received, but some feel that it does not fully convey the full range of experiences within this community. Overall, "SuicideGirls" offers a visually stunning glimpse into a world that challenges traditional beauty standards and offers an alternative perspective on femininity.