Wish I'd known about this book when it was first published. I heard an interview with Viv on NPR's Fresh Air and knew I had to immediately get both her autobiographies. I absolutely loved this book. Viv is a terrific writer with a sharp, entirely unique prose style that is emotional, funny, and very honest. Loved the pictures and stories of key figures in the London '70's punk scene (wish I'd lived in New York or London during the 70's) and so admire Viv's spirit and commitment to living a full and authentic life. You will be inspired by this book.

One of the best memoirs I've read in some time. She goes into such great detail, and is clearly so smart -- and she also lets the reader see into her developing mind, her growing self-insight, not only what she learns but HOW she learns it, to a degree that I find rare. Very highly recommended -- a great read. If you've EVER wanted to really know what it was like to be a punk rock band -- this is your book. OR if you care about women and how they negotiate through a world that is still, after all these years, slanted against them -- you'll love this. She writes beautifully -- a good and rare surprise in today's memoir market.

If you read autobiographies for the shock of occasional recognition, to relate and be inspired by another's falterings and courage, to laugh along with how silly, horrible and cool we all can be in turns -- this is a fabulous read. One of the very few books I've rushed home to read in ages. A first hand account of a woman's experience to become whole and free through music between 1950s female oppression and the 1980s Reagan/Thatcher backlash is so rare, and luckily this one is so entertainingly written. I started listening to punk while they were together as a band but had never heard The Slits, my loss. Listening now to them, and to Viv's Vermillion Border, I'm in love with her zingy, moody guitar style as well. Looking forward to more of her music.

And here's a spoiler that won't ruin it for you, at the end she still believes in love. Maybe because her ability to love and respect others, even the really trying ones, is an Amy Poehler-like thread that weaves through the story holding it (and her?) together. Thanks for getting your voice back Viv, its an important one.

I wanted to read this book for the punk history part as I am a few years younger than she is and was into that scene during college. I didn't know about the Slits back then and I'm not really a fan of them, but I like her. I like her story and the way she tells it. Very interesting. She's so likeable and real. There's not much in here about clothes, even though she describes her outfits during the time. She knew all the cool England people - Sex Pistols, The Clash, Vivianne Westwood, etc. This isn't a story on the history of music - it's just her life story - and it's pretty cool.

So, so good. As a lover of music, fashion (and boys), this book was fun from the get go. Not only did Viv live the most extraordinary life as a rule-breaker, game-changer and innovator, she is one of the most truly inspiring women I have ever read about. Of course the bits about the early days of Punk and the stories of Sid Vicious and Mick Jones were great, but the best parts for me were reading about her choices later in life. Her decision to live her life creatively, while still being a mother and grappling with all the emotions involved with that, really hit close to home for me. It is a truly great book; honest, exciting, and above all motivating! I started guitar lessons the minute I finished the book. Thanks Viv.