Blood and Guts in High School by Kathy Acker is a masterful work of surrealist fiction, published by Grove Press in 2017 to commemorate the author’s legacy and continue its relevance. This novel, originally released in 1984, firmly established Acker as a pivotal voice in post-punk feminism and continues to resonate with readers today. The book is set in the Mexican city of Mérida, where ten-year-old Janey lives with Johnny—her “boyfriend, brother, sister, money, amusement, and father”—until he leaves her for another woman. Bereft, Janey’s journey takes her from Mérida to New York City, where she immerses herself in the underworld of gangs and prostitution. Her escape from imprisonment leads her to Tangiers, where she encounters Jean Genet and they begin a passionate but tumultuous affair that ultimately leads to Janey’s downfall.

Fantastical, sensual, and fearlessly radical, Blood and Guts in High School is a hallucinatory collage that offers both a comic and tragic portrait of erotic awakening. With 176 pages, the book delves into themes of philosophy, politics, and sexuality, making it a poignant and enduring read. The inclusion of a new introduction by Chris Kraus adds contemporary context to Acker’s groundbreaking work.

First published in 1984, Blood and Guts in High School has stood the test of time, becoming more relevant than ever as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Kathy Acker’s birth and reflect on her influential life. This book is an essential read for fans of surrealism, feminist literature, and those interested in exploring the complex intersections of personal identity, social oppression, and artistic expression.

ISBN-13: 978-0802127624

Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.7 x 8.2 inches

Print Length: 176 pages