In WOMEN MAKE NOISE musicians, journalists, promoters and fans excavate the hidden story of the all-girl band: from country belles of the 20s-40s and girl groups of the 60s, to prog rock goddesses, women's liberationists and punks of the 70s-80s; from riot grrrl activists and queercore anarchists of the 90s to radical protesters Pussy Riot and the most inspiring all-girl bands today. These aren't the manufactured acts of some pop svengali, these groups write their own songs, play their own instruments and make music together on their own terms. All-girl bands have made radical contributions to feminism, culture and politics as well as well as producing some unique, influential and innovative music. It's time to celebrate the outspoken voices, creative talents and gutsy performances of the all-girl bands who demand we take notice.

"Comedy alongside heartache, these stories croon honky-tonk ballads after closing-time. They wade in loss but keep scanning for a Coast Guard rescue copter. Astute about the nuances of sliding social class, the stories are tough, direct, grimly funny .... The writing is adult: it acknowledges how much has been lost already. But the tone remains fresh with sweet (or bruising) sensation. Every character comes rigged with a crazed belief-as the title suggests-that Luck is still somehow bound this way-after an unexpected delay in another time-zone .... The tales are set in trailer suburbia. But their actions seem played out across the Wal-Mart parking lot's only clover-covered median. Sexual relief can be found, but out near the dumpsters of a closed strip-mall steak house .... The writer's steadying empathy and talent for doom, drive the characters toward reckless chance-takings. This creates a tender suspense as hard to shake as the stories' betraying faith in Luck itself." Allan Gurganus, Citation for Runner Up in The Grace Paley Prize Competition.