I’m thrilled to know the editors behind She’s Shameless: Women Write about Growing Up, Rocking Out, and Fighting Back, the new anthology from the creators of Shameless magazine. Here’s the official write-up on the book, which launches June 23:

“She’s Shameless is an anthology of fearless and funny nonfiction about strong, smart, and shameless young women. With wit and honesty, the writers share stories of their teen experiences (both positive and negative) on everything from pop culture to high school principals. The book is founded on Shameless magazine’s tradition of smart, sassy, honest and inclusive writing, and reaches out to young female readers who are often ignored by mainstream: freethinkers, queer youth, young women of color, punk rockers, feminists, intellectuals, artists, and activists.”

Shameless magazine has been running excerpts and Q&As with contributors from the book:

Interview with Shaunga Tagore

“I Don’t Wear Cloaks,” by Amy Saxon-Bosworth

“Red Bars,” by Catherine Graham

Order the book here and support Shameless magazine!

A former professor of mine has an essay in the Best American Essays 2008. Her name is Patricia Brieschke and her essay is titled “Cracking Open.” A version of it appears here. Writes Adam Gopnik in the book’s introduction: “The only real ambition of an essayist is to be a master of our common life.” Yes, what a beautiful ambition.