The Bust Guide to the New Girl Order by Marcelle Karp

The Bust Guide to the New Girl Order Reviews

• 
  Shanna

  Unbelievably 90's.
• 
  Iz

  Although I'd probably have a lot of criticism of this book if I read it again now (and I don't read much of BUST anymore because of this), it's one of those cases of a book being there at the right time and the right place for me. I read it '99 when it just came out, I was 17 and had just moved to North America coming from a very catholic, very anti-woman place. This was just at the time of my life when I was giving up fitting in and accepting standing out, and this book was perfect for that.
  
• 
  Lo

  This is a great reference book for people who like feminist theory with a side of fun fur. Nothing wrong with that. Still it's dated. All the angsty rants seem kind of childish, even though the issues they address are still very much relevant.
  
  read this before you go on messsage boards and rant about stuff. It's probably already said equally as whiny.
• 
  HeavyReader

  I always want to like Bust magazine more than I actually do. So I want to like this book more than I actually do. In fact, I gave this book three stars, but then thought about it and decided I really only like it two stars worth. So I changed it.
  
  I can't remember when or where I read this book. But I vividly remember the essay by the young woman who decided just once to do some sex work, but didn't get the money first (I was about to write "and got stiffed" until I realized how that was going to sound)... Anyway, she didn't get the money up front and ended up not getting the money at all. I learned a valuable lesson from her.
  
  And I think there was some unfunny parody of young Hollywood actresses that made mad fun of Minnie Driver.
  
  That's all I remember.
• 
  Emily Rose

  I first picked up "Bust" magazine at the Printer's Row book fair when I was twelve. I believe I had the third issue of "Bust", and was mainly attracted to the bright pink cover, with a curious intent as to what was inside. Mainly text, this b/w magazine was so different than anything I had ever read. I have subscribed to the magazine ever since- a subscription that has lasted almost fifteen years! This book contains short stories from the first five years of "Bust". My favorites include "Girlfriend, listen up" and "Don'ts for Boys".
• 
  Janice

  A story of mine from 1994, called "Watching Him Fuck Her," appears in this book
• 
  Elyssa

  Good, but not great. I am more interested in political feminism that is more inclusive of all women and recognizes the need for radical social change. This is more 'zine-type rantings that aren't really going to change the world.
• 
  April Hamilton

  Collection of essays and articles ranging from the editorial to the humorous to the practical to the erotic. It's like a field guide to womanhood in the post-feminist era.
• 
  Dana

  I've had this book for years. I don't know why I never got around to reading it until now, but at least I finally managed to. Because its age, there is a lot about this that is quite outdated, but it's still pretty fun. Mostly. There are some articles that are excellent, some that are hard to get through, and a huge majority that fall somewhere in the middle. It was rather fun to see how different people define feminism and to see just how eclectic pro-women people are. I think one of my favorite take-aways from the book were the insights into the history of women and feminism. That was often eye-opening for me, and for that alone I am grateful that I read this. It's not going to be a keeper, but maybe someone else will benefit from it.
• 
  Kristen Northrup

  I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as the Bitch compilation. It was less substantial and there was a lot more attempt at empty shock value by some of the writers. It probably works better as a periodic disposable magazine than as an attempt at essays with long-term relevance. I did really enjoy the introductory essays in each chapter by the editors (one of which is still there), and Lynn Peril writes for them these days, so I'll probably still try the magazine. It is also very dated, but I was in my early to mid-20s when the stuff was written, and I can still remember how I felt about all that at the time, so it wasn't really a problem.
• 
  Nicki

  This compilation was absolutely fantastic! It covers a variety of topics from beauty standards, motherhood, sex.... and believe me when I say no stone is left unturned. It is so bold and honest and some of the stories I read were so unbelievably truthful and shocking to read in print! There is definitely something in here for everyone and it was an excellent read. My only issue was that some of the pop culture stuff was slightly dated (but that's to be expected). Other than that, awesome read for budding feminists, seasoned feminists, or anyone who just wants to read something with the perfect amount of sincerity, brazenness, and sass. Highly recommended!
• 
  Kelsey

  This is SUCH a 90's book. There were a few great articles, and I especially loved the essays at the beginning of each chapter that did a great job of summarizing the comprehensive history of feminism. However, most of the pop culture references were extremely outdated and I found it hard to relate to them at all. I also wasn't a fan of the blatant man-hating found throughout the book. A lot of these writers seem to be angry misandrists and they come off as overly pissy and extremely whiny.
  
  Overall, a decent look at the history of feminism and a great blast to the past for those who love anything '90's.
• 
  Bookshark

  This book is enjoyable but not particularly serious. As an alternative to publications like Cosmo and Vogue, Bust is great. At its worst, this collection at least avoids deepening the major neuroses mainstream women's magazines tend to inculcate; at its best, it actively pushes us to overcome them. However, this collection is hardly revolutionary or mind-blowing. Many of the articles are juvenile, navel-gazing, or basic 101-level.
• 
  Tammy Salyer

  So many creative tales and beautiful experiences shared by a myriad of authors from many walks of life between these pages. I skipped over a few with subject matter that just didn't interest me, but the articles run the gamut from hard-core feminist theory, to interviews with Iggy Pop and Judy Blume, to the joys of the Hitachi Magic Wand. I found the essay about Yoko Ono especially poignant and interesting. Something for everyone!
• 
  Erin O'Riordan

  'Bust' is just about the only U.S. magazine for adult women that does not suck, and this book captures some of the best offerings of its early days. Some of its highlights include "The Mysterious Eroticism of Mini-Backpacks" by James Reling and "My Keanu: A Fantasy"
  Lisa Palac (which I credit with giving me the permission I needed to write some of my early writings).
• 
  Erica

  This collection of stories/articles from the pages of BUST magazine is enlightening, heart-warming, hysterical, empowering and in-your-face... just like Feminism should be. The brutal honesty of the writing is so refreshing. I really enjoyed reading it, and could relate to many of the stories myself. It comes highly, highly recommended.
• 
  A.K.

  25% hot shit in a pile of lukewarm diarrhea. I am not of the you-can-do-whatever-you-want-and-it's-girl-power! school. (I can do whatever I want, but that's different, and you are not the boss of me.)
• 
  Nancy

  This book feels a little dated because of some terms kind of 1990's but otherwise it feels classic. Also I can skip around in it to read things which gives it a feel of make your own adventure. And I love the magazine that the articles are from.
• 
  Jen

  i'll agree with the other reviewers...this is a dated, very 90's feminist guide. however, it's from BUST magazine, one of the only mags i subscribe too. it's definitely worth the read, but perhaps not essential.
• 
  Anna Pearce

  I have not enjoyed this book, which isn't to say that someone else I know wouldn't love it. I think it's aimed at a different demographic of feminism than the one I'm in. If anyone wants a copy, drop me a line, and we can talk about shipping.
• 
  Gus

  Very 90s, but fun and cute. I've owned this book for 9-ish years now and still pick it up to read now and again. I don't think this was meant to be a "feminist bible" or anything like that, just a compilation of articles. Even Courtney Love writes in there!
• 
  Michelle

  I read this book in early high school and it definitely contributed to my riot grrrl, 3rd wave feminism leanings. It gave me a sense that it was ok to be strong and sex-positive, and it showed me that I wasn't alone--there were other people out there who held similar views about life.
• 
  Kelly

  Ooh, third-wave feminism.
• 
  Amy

  my favorite part: Don'ts for Boys
• 
  Alissa

  Kick-ass!
• 
  Stefanie

  A great collection of works for any fabulous feminist.
• 
  Cherie

  A+ Wonderful anthology!
  
• 
  Hilary

  i'm a fan of 'bust' magazine, but i wasn't totally into this book...
• 
  Amy D.P.

  This is probably one of my favorite anthologies! I love the interview with Thurston Moore and the curator of the Menstrual Museum. It's the perfect book to pick up and read in increments!
• 
  Kirstin

  Bust kicks ass. It's the only magazine I read religiously. <3