Just added to the Stranger Danger catalog:
Burned Out – With a subtitle of reflections on working in a domestic violence safe house, this zine covers the nearly four years that Sari (of Hoax zine) spent working as a domestic violence and sexual assault advocate at a safe house in New Jersey. It’s split into five sections, covering why and how Sari began their work, interacting with service recipients via a crisis hotline or in person, dealing with nonprofit bureaucracy, encountering outside opinions on this line of work & Sari’s personal experiences as they are connected (or not) to that work, and reflections on their job now that they no longer there. At times this zine made my heart heavy, but it’s a worthwhile, powerful read if you are up for it.
Dig Deep #8 – This issue of Dig Deep (the first in two years!) is split into three sections: Part 1 covers Heather’s shifting relationship with zines and her feelings surrounding stepping down as an organizer of the Chicago Zine Fest. Part 2 recaps her goal of sending 100 pieces of mail in 2016, along with all of the ways that letters and postcards weave their way into her life and strengthen her relationships. Part 3 reveals her process of trying to be good to herself and to others. It has eleven sections, covering things like setting intentions, finding gratitude, etc. She lists the specific movements & habits that she depends on to take care of herself & her community, and she encourages you to do the same.
Hoax #13 – The theme Hoax #13 is feminisms and spaces, and it just may be my favorite one yet. As always, Hoax makes room for wide-ranging interpretations of the theme, meaning that the specific topic of each essay varies, and that is precisely what makes this zine so good. This one includes writing on the ways that bodies can take up space or become invisible, on the idea of safe® spaces (in relation to workplaces, our communities, and the world at large), a brief history of fagazines, passing on the internet, and so much more. I kept having to put this zine down & come back to it, because many of the essays made me pause & reflect. I bet the same will happen to you, too. Â
Tributaries #6 – JC, who has long since been diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, shares what it was like when her hand stopped working like it used to. Unable to move three fingers, and in increasing pain, she writes about the fear of having your body betray you, of how to present your body in ways that can be shielded from inquisitive strangers but taken seriously by healthcare providers. Doctor’s appointments & x-rays explain JC’s diagnosis, and as she prepares for her fifth major surgery, she reveals the deep emotions behind what’s to come. JC is one of the world’s kindest, loveliest humans, and I am thankful that she continues to share her experiences through her writing.
Tributaries #7 – I could say that this issue of Tributaries is about JC’s wrist surgery & her recovery process, but it is so much more than that. It’s about how to survive events that change who you are, physically and emotionally. It’s about how to lean on those who care for you and how to reconnect with the world when you are pulled out of your daily routine. It’s about healing and rebuilding and growing stronger. JC’s writing is gorgeous and she is very open with everything that she feels. This zine is how every zine should be. Highly recommended.
Get ‘em over at Stranger Danger!
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