Thank you to Unbound for providing me with an advance copy of Penny Pepper's memoir, First in the World Somewhere: The True Adventures of a Scribbler, Siren, Saucepot, and Pioneer, in exchange for an honest review.
PLOT- Penny Pepper's life has been shaped by a severe and crippling form of arthritis that she has had since childhood. However, she has not allowed her disability to define her. Coming of age in England during the early 80's, Pepper became enamored with the punk culture and started a career singing under her alter-ego, Kata Kolbert. In addition to performing, she also became a writer and advocate for disability rights.
LIKE- Pepper is a strong woman and a role model. I love her fighting spirit; the way she continues to fight for her dreams, even when the odds are stacked against her. I admire that she isn't afraid to share her fears and struggles.
I had never heard of Pepper's condition; an arthritis that is so severe, that she requires a wheelchair and needs aids to do tasks like going to the bathroom. The bathroom situation is a really big deal, because Pepper does not have funding for a twenty-four hour caregiver and although during parts of her life she is either married or living with a friend, when she is alone in the house, she is very vulnerable. She often does not have the strength for tasks such as using a bathroom without assistance. Pepper's condition constantly puts her at odds with the basic human desire to be self-sufficient.
The title of the book comes from Pepper finding out that she was the top of the charts for Indie music in Italy and Greece. The title also stands for Pepper's fight for change. She might not actually be the first disabled person who sings in a punk band or the first disabled person writing about her challenges, but it doesn't matter. She doesn't need to be first to be making an important contribution.
I like the open, frank writing that Pepper does regarding her sexuality. It seems like many of the doctors and other professionals that she encounters do not treat her like a female or someone with sexual desires. At one doctor's appointment, it is suggested that she have a hysterectomy. She was in her twenties. I don't think the suggestion is necessarily insulting, but the way that it is suggested, so flippantly, as if this wouldn't be a sensitive subject for Pepper, is horrific.
Tamsin, Pepper's best friend and first roommate is another strong force in First in the World Somewhere. Tamsin has a similar disability, and although she tries living on her own with Pepper, the two part ways when Tamsin envisions a different type of care for herself. This was an interesting dynamic, with both women attempting to be independent, but also coming to terms with their individual needs.
DISLIKE- I'm an American married to a Brit and even though I picked up on a lot of the terminology and "Britishness" of the memoir, I wondered how much would have gone over my head without my husband. Pepper is very involved in politics of the time ( mostly 80's-90's) and although I knew some of the players, such as Margaret Thatcher, I think being American and also a little younger than Pepper, made me feel lost in these sections.
RECOMMEND- Yes. First in the World Somewhere is a wonderful memoir about empowerment, overcoming obstacles, and following your dreams. Pepper's story would be an excellent pick for disability advocates and generally, an important read for everyone. Her openness with regard to her challenges will make readers more understanding and compassionate.