Scars and Stripes is a photography book about The Culture of Modern Roller Derby. I’ve heard a bit about roller derby, but didn’t know too much about it. The author of this book joined roller derby and decided to document it. It seems like it is a LOT of fun to participate in – but I’ll probably have to settle for just watching. There were some photos of injuries in this book and I’m not sure I could handle all of the bruises! They also say that is “not IF you will be injured, but WHEN” – it is a tough sport! I was also surprised to see that there is even a junior roller derby! Certainly an interesting book on a topic I probably otherwise would not have read up on.
I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.
About the book
Join photographer and skater Andréanna Seymore on her fearless journey through the world of roller derby, beginning with her serendipitous introduction to the sport in 2008. Modern roller derby is a vibrant, empowering, and revolutionary movement transitioning from obscure subculture to mainstream pastime on both a national, as well as global, stage. Action-packed and emotionally provocative photographs taken over a five-year period reveal the joy, pain, and dedication of these athletes on and off the track. Enriched by riveting and often touching commentary from nearly one hundred skaters, coaches, fans, and referees, this book captures the daring, entrepreneurial spirit of the participants, the extraordinary bonds that form, and the invigorating and infectious fanaticism that characterizes every bout. An increasing number of male, co-ed, and junior leagues all share a strong, do-it-yourself ethic that combines fierce athleticism with elements from punk, camp, and third-wave feminist aesthetics. In part because of this non-discriminatory nature, roller derby is currently the fastest growing sport in America.