Go Ask Ogre takes place in the late ’80s when pastels and heavy metal reigned supreme. But on the outskirts of society there lurked a darker, more artistic crowd listening to post-punk and industrial music. This is where we find Jolene Siana sitting in her bedroom in Toledo, Ohio writing letters to Nivek Ogre, the lead singer of Skinny Puppy, her favourite band. Reflecting on past boyfriends, her volatile relationship with her mother and her constant boredom with life, this sensitive, smart 18 year old’s letters are both funny and depressing. Jolene continues to write to Ogre for nearly three years without the assurance that he would reply. (Ogre did write back, but his letters weren’t published as per his request.) Her letters become more frequent and more revealing as she confesses her desire to cut herself. Though her desire to adopt grandparents and her ability to bail Skinny Puppy out of jail is even more intriguing.
The book is laid out like a personal journal-doodles, lyrics from her favourite bands, self-portraits, psychedelic drawings and illustrations inked with her own blood. The book is a true document of her life, information untouched except for a few name changes. Jolene’s letters were returned to her 15 years after she wrote them, offering her the chance to remember the girl she used to be. These letters weren’t originally intended to be published, but like her favourite books growing up, The Diary of Anne Frank and Go Ask Alice, Jolene’s honest story is told in a voice that once heard cannot be forgotten. (Andrea Nene)
by Jolene Siana, $18.95, 189 pgs, Process, P.O. Box 39910, Los Angeles, CA, 90039, U.S.A. processbooks.net