Hairstyles Of The Damned

(Paperback)

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Description

Hairstyles of the Damned is an honest depiction of growing up punk on Chicago's south side: a study in the demons of racial intolerance, Catholic school conformism, and class repression. It is the story of the riotous exploits of Brian, a high school burnout, and his best friend, Gretchen, a punk rock girl fond of brawling. Based on the actual events surrounding a Chicago's segregated prom, this work of fiction unflinchingly pursues the truth in discovering what it means to be your own person.

Reviews

"This book is hella good. Joe Meno manages to sink into the teenage-outcast experience, challenge segregation, and provide step-by-step instructions on dyeing hair pink in this realistic account of finding your identity. After reading Hairstyles of the Damned, I'm glad I'm not in high school anymore."
--Amy Schroeder, Venus magazine

"Hairstyles of the Damned is observational comedy of the best kind, each glittering small detail offering up a wave of memories for anyone alive in the latter part of the previous century. Did you imagine you had forgotten the smell of arcades, the allure of muscle cars, the dress codes and emotional rebellions, the cringing horror of adolescence Beware: Joe Meno can make you remember."
--HipMama.com

"What makes Hairstyles of the Damned compelling is Meno's ability to create compelling is Meno's ability to create the rhythm of teen-speak without pandering, and his ability to infuse the story with pop-culture references. A good read for those wanting to remember their youthful mischief."
--Tablet

"Meno's recounting of first concerts, first loves, and the first tragedies of adolescence are awesomely paired with the heavy backbeat of late-'80s subculture. The contagious foot tapping that is symptomatic of a good record is the same energy that drives you as you follow Meno's narrative."
--FresnoFamous.com

Author Bio

Joe Meno's previous novels are Tender as Hellfire, and How the Hula Girl Sings. He is the winner of the 2003 Nelson Algren Literary Award and he is a columnist for Punk Planet magazine.