Carrie Brownstein Reintroduces Herself Through New Memoir
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Carrie Brownstein Reintroduces Herself Through New Memoir

"Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl"

12
Carrie Brownstein Reintroduces Herself Through New Memoir
consequenceofsound.net

This past week, on Oct. 27, Carrie Brownstein released her highly anticipated memoir "Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl." The title looked like a subtle wink to fans, since it's a lyric from Brownstein's critically adored Rio Grrl band's pre-hiatus release, "The Woods." When I started reading the actual book, however, I realized that the words on the front cover had a deeper meaning. I didn't know Brownstein as well as I once thought, but I am glad that I took the time to really listen to what she had to say. "Hunger" is page after page of self-critique, darkness, and unabridged honestly--something that every twenty year old needs to hear every once in a while.


In the past few months, I've become a huge fan of the new sub-genre of memoir written by funny women I admire. I tore through Tina Fey's "Bossypants" in a matter of hours. I listened to both of Mindy Kaling's books--"Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" and "Why Not Me?"--obsessively on airplane, car and train rides. Don't even get me started on Amy Poehler's "Yes, Please." And when I heard that my favorite comedian and singer was going to be taking on the task of writing a memoir, I was so full of anticipation that I pre-ordered a copy immediately. This turned out to be pretty stupid on my part, mainly because the book is probably sitting on the front steps of my parents house while I'm living across the world in Europe for the semester. So, instead, I've been listening to "Hunger" on an audiobook. I'm forced to be alone in my thoughts with nothing but Carrie Brownstein's voice in my ear telling me her secrets and stories.

I didn't know what I was getting into, because I expected something funny and light-hearted--I expected something written by the same Carrie who writes "Portlandia" sketches. While "Hunger" occasionally dips into points of humor and jokes, it stayed more rooted in reality telling Brownstein's story of how she came to be the woman she is today. In the first chapter, she describes in painstakingly beautiful detail the last few hours before she said she wanted to break up Sleater Kinney, the rock band, in 2005. I was waiting for a train when I heard the shakes in Brownstein's voice as she delivered her words to me and I had to stop myself from crying.

Sleater Kinney has meant a lot to me over the past few years. I discovered Brownstein when I was an odd 17-year-old. "Portlandia" was the TV show I had always dreamed of: Funny, strange, topical, quirky - with Fred Armisen in drag half of the time. I loved Brownstein and Armisen so much that I put a bird on my graduation cap. But then, I found Sleater Kinney during my first semester of college when I was a radio DJ. From then on, Brownstein has come to be this larger-than-life figure: A role model and possible future version of myself. I'm turning 21 in a few weeks, and while I'm listening to "Hunger" every chance I have, I feel like I need someone like Brownstein more than ever.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56924
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36703
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958482
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

189659
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments