This well-documented account of Janis's life delves deeper into her bisexuality, her insecurities, and her brassy persona than previous biographies. Ms. Echols has captured Janis without the usual condescension or idolization to which other biographers have resorted. Janis is shown as a person here --- not as "Janis Joplin, megastar." Included is a chapter of "Where Are They Now," which gives the reader an update on the lives of key players in Janis's life. Also included is a discography, as well as copious notes and sources. In all, this is the best biography of Janis and her times to come along in a while. It is well worth the read.

How truly thrilling to read a biography of Janis Joplin from a radical feminist historian. The research is impeccable, the writing clear and engaging, but best of all is that for the first time a story of the 60s has been successfully conceived and narrated. Everyone from the 60s generation as well as young people today, particularly young feminists must read this book.

Janis Joplin is an exquisite focal point around which the life and times of the era she lived in are profoundly illuminated. It's been said that if you can remember the 60s, you probably weren't there. I can now vouch for accuracy of that statement. So much of what Ms. Echols writes about is material that would have completely disappeared, considering the mind bend of the participants. It's a hard book to take, especially if you, or one you love, is an offspring of this generation. I know this happened to me. The book should be read at least twice. It's really not about Janis Joplin; it's about a ridiculously impaired time of fun, laughter, sadness, and tears. It's also a time of many blanks, which Ms. Echols has caused to surface. I recommend this book.

This book, the foundation of other writings about radical feminism of that time, is based upon the personal biases of a few elite women. Such book needs to be more respectful of women's history. It needs to be based upon solid research of radical feminist documents and a quantitative research survey of the hundreds of women who participated in radical feminist activities at that time.
Also, for the record, New York Radical Feminists ceased functioning in its intended role, consciousness-raising, in 1989, not 1975. That year we stopped sending out the manifesto and consciousness-raising group guidelines. Most of my friends have remained politically active feminists writers and organizers.
I spent at least two full evenings a week on radical feminist activities from mid-1970 to 1982. I also have almost every New York Radical Feminist document. I was not considered "daring to be bad" or an "outlaw woman" by my family or co-workers in my career jobs. They looked upon my activities as social justice work.