Madonna and Me: Women Writers on the Queen of Pop
Praise forMadonna and Me"These memoirs reveal that Madonna’s mix of spirituality and raw sensuality had a considerable impact in shaping attitudes." —Publishers Weekly"For someone who has spent the past 30 years defending Madonna to whoever would listen,Madonna & Meis like a homecoming. Reading these smart, funny, and moving essays by women who were influenced by the material girl brought me right back to my school years, when I was touched by Madonna for the very first time." —Debbie Stoller, editor-in-chief ofBUSTmagazine and bestselling author ofStich 'n Bitch"The writers inMadonna & Meexplore all that Madonna has meant to more than one generation of feisty, feminist, powerful women. They dive right into her music, persona, and legacy, expressing themselves in ways that would surely give even Her Madgesty food for thought." —Rachel Kramer Bussel, editor ofWomen in Lustand the Best Sex Writing series"InMadonna & Me, editor Laura Barcella shows how Madonna has become a cultural benchmark for women of varying backgrounds. Reaching far beyond pop-culture critique, the essays in this book examine Madonna—both the woman and the legend—as an allegory of the modern female experience." —Steve Lowenthal, music writer forSPINandVillage Voice, and founder ofSwingsetmagazine"Finally, an anthology that speaks to the blisteringly potent influence Madonna has had on women of our generation."—Julie Klausner, author ofI Don't Care About Your Band"When I first heard the song ‘Everybody’ in 1982, I ran right out and bought the ‘cas-single.’ Now, thirty years later, I greedily read everything about Madonna I can get my hands on. Madonna is one of those rare public figures who elicit a lifelong, intensely personal fixation, making this collection of essays a giddy pleasure. By turns hilarious, thought-provoking, and touching,Madonna & Meis a fitting salute to the smart,  brash, occasionally infuriating provocateur, who is always offering us something new." —Jancee Dunn, music journalist forRolling Stone,Vogue,The New York Times, andGQ, and author ofWhy is My Mother Getting a Tattoo? And Other Questions I Wish I Never Had to Ask"Madonna & Meis a collection as saucy and savvy as Madonna herself. In heartfelt and incisive ways, the contributors engage with an icon who deeply impacted the identities, sexual and otherwise, of an entire generation of girls.” —Jillian Lauren, author of theNew York Timesbestselling memoirSome Girls: My Life in a Harem"Sure, one Madonna gave birth to Jesus . . . but our Madonna gave birth to femme-inism. If you've forgotten why you should worship Madge, this hilarious, provocative collection is like a prayer to the patron saint of girl power."—Jennifer Baumgardner, bestselling author ofManifesta,Look Both Ways, andF 'em!“Madonna & Mecan easily hold the interest of non-Madonna-fans and even male readers, which is (sadly) no small feat. Highly recommended for anyone interested in music, pop culture, women's lives, and smart personal essays with heart.” —Scott Lapatine, founder of Stereogum.com