m is for monster

i read this zine before i read "lila #2", and i started reading it in the doctor's waiting room. i didn't hear my dr. call my name, which is indicative of just how absorbing this zine is. its sub-title is "a one-shot memoir of rape and recovery"- and that is exactly what it is. it starts with a handwritten letter to the readers cautioning us about its content and why she chose to write about such a personal topic. i was gripped at that point, the letter gives a real sense of how important this is to jess, you understand how real this experience is for her.

"m is for monster" is split into 3 parts: the story of the rape, journal entries following the assult and finally, her recovery. throughout the zine there are some photos to illustrate her story of models and pills and cigarette packages. it is largely text though, and it is not a light read. i found that her writing drastically changed how i viewed rape and allowed me to appreciate a bit better, what it is like for the victims. i am grateful for this knowledge- everybody needs be aware of rape and speak up about it. the less stigma attached and the more it is understood, the less it will occur.

how to order:
info on ordering jessica's zines is available on the desertstarpress livejournal.