Reverend Jen

I have been attending Rev Jen's Anti-Slam since 1997 or possibly 1996. I was diving into chairs at one point at this event when it was located at the Collective Unconscious "Art Space" on Ludlow Street, LES--I'm sure I broke the rules numerous times and was anarchically disrespectful--it was the follies of youth. I was also a producer, participant -- and at one point a member -- of Collective Unconscious. And now, 8 years later, I will attempt to step back from the canvas and strive for objectivity. First of all, I have great respect for Reverend Jen, her work ethic and her prolific nature as a Renaissance woman (not to be confused with a "Renaissance Fair" woman). Secondly -- as a long time resident of downtown NYC and Manhattan, I have seen the changes resulting from gentrification and bourgeois-ification of the East Village / Lower East Side and it makes me sad -- but c'est la vie -- nothing stays the same forever. I am repulsed by the Food Court (Chapter 14 of "Really Cool Neighborhood") and never step inside Ray's Pizza (and hopefully never will). As Reverend Jen advises in RCN: "Go to Rosario's instead" (sorry no spoilers--to find out who Rosario is, read the book).

The new East Village / Lower East side is plagued by vomit-producing weekend hordes of GAP-inspired party people of the Bridge and Tunnel / Joisey varieties, making it a "neo-Potterville" (as in "It's A Wonderful Life" and not "Harry Potter"). It's neighborhood that I know longer recognize--but then, NYC has been backwater for at least 20 years. As Reverend Jen states in "Really Cool Neighborhood" -- "we live in an artistically boring time" -- some of her friends tell her she was born 30 years too late. And yet, she, like all the rest of the Art Stars, must make the best of "the here and now", as much as one would like to crawl back into the womb-delusion of finger-snapping beatniks or acid-taking hippies.

That being said--now that Manhattan has become mundane and no longer an artist magnet -- this is why I preferred the second half of this book, "Les Misrahi" -- written as puppet theater -- although I could see it being performed by humans in the best sense of "Way Off Broadway". I especially enjoyed the nasty cynicism of the porn-watching character "Larrondo Newmane". "Les Misrahi" is an absurd-over-the-top-surreal-satire with some great lines and laugh out loud moments (though not LOL in a wax museum-Facebook kind of way). The play is a microcosm of the eternal struggle of the artist against the mostly negative, non-supportive influences of the surrounding society. In closing -- I also recommend Reverend Jen's latest literary venture -- "Live Nude Elf" -- which I have purchased but not yet read.… (plus d'informations)

Funny. I picked up this book because I like to read about human sexuality. I was not aware that she had written this book based on her life when she was the I Did It for Science sex columnist for Nerve.com. I just read a book by Grant Stoddard, who originated that column...that was kind of amusing to me.

Rev. Jen is relatable, even with her completely wacky life and career as an "art star". She is fun to read and very likable. Her adventures are predictable based on the reasons that you picked up the book, but so entertaining. Good read.… (plus d'informations)