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'I Know How To Live': The Life of Kristen Pfaff
Guy Mankowski's biography of Kristen Pfaff from Hole is now available for subscribers on Substack at (one word) i know how to live dot substack dot com.
Via this Substack volume 1 of the book was available from the 10th December 2024 for the biography No Treble magazined described as 'long awaited.' In three instalments the first volume of two about Pfaff's life (taking the reader up to her joining Hole) was available for monthly subscribers, who got to hear on there unheard songs by Pfaff, excerpts from her journal recordings, as well as unseen photos from her time at the heart of the alt-rock music scene. In August 2025 the first instalment of volume 2- following Pfaff her time in Hole onwards, as was made available.
The project has drawn praise from the likes of Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore and Faris Badwan of The Horrors.
Kristen Pfaff was one of the musicians behind Hole’s ‘Live Through This’- one of Rolling Stones Top 100 Albums Of All Time. Her death from a heroin overdose at 27 happened six weeks after Kurt Cobain’s demise, overshadowing any appraisal of her. But Pfaff was a classically trained musician in the cult band Janitor Joe, a counsellor and a successful activist who has since built a cult following though there is no major work about her to date. To address this, for the first time, this book reclaims Kristen Pfaff’s voice. It allows her to speak using her own words, and to finally take the spotlight.
‘Mankowski’s brilliant retelling of the extraordinary life of Kristen Pfaff- one of the most important players in the Seattle / Sub Pop scene- is a timely reminder that sometimes the heroes don’t always win and the truth is out there if you look hard enough.’ Jane Savidge, of Savidge and Best (PR for Pulp, Suede) and author of 33 1/3 book ‘Pulp’s This Is Hardcore.
'This book ultimately places Kristen back in the deserved centre of the narrative.’ John Robb, best-selling pop culture author (Punk Rock- An Oral History and ’The Art Of Darkness’ - The History of Goth) and first person to interview Nirvana.
“I Know How to Live', the powerful and insightful Substack where chapters about Kristen, pictures and recordings of her talking (in her private journal recordings) are shared. If you love reading, the chapters are beautifully crafted, making it truly immersive to dive into such a well-written exploration shaped by the perspective of her family, particularly her brother. Incredible, poignant work that resonated deeply with me. I found myself waiting excitedly for the next instalment!’ Sophia Hadef, The French Reader.
‘Written by Mankowski with the help of Kristen's brother Jason Pfaff, this enthralling read documents one of the most talented female performers on the '90s alternative rock scene’. The YEAR Grunge BROKE website.
‘Any writing is only as important as how it affects others. This book has done that for me…I feel like you put into words the way I feel about Kristen. Also, beautifully written and I love the way you bring yourself into the story.’ Mike Huber, Kristen Pfaff’s former partner.
‘You do a great job reconstructing a complex and at times contradictory life. Your narrative helped me fill in gaps in my own memory. I think overall it’s really compelling. You capture her spirit out of the many fragments of memories, events, relationships, achievements, and other traces she left behind.’ Robert Slammon, Kristen Pfaff’s former boyfriend.
Subscriber reviews-
"This is important work, and appreciate you sharing it with the world honoring Kristen’s life and the amazing artist she is. " Whitney.
"At long last, the chance to read I Know How To Live: The Life of Kristen Pfaff has consumed me with a deeply embedded curiosity and yearning. The story of Kristen Pfaff's journey, both personally and musically, had gone far too long remaining unexplored and enshrouded in mystery. Thanks to Guy Mankowski and Jason Pfaff, Kristen herself, will no longer remain beholden to an enigmatic veil." Christia.
"You are telling a beautiful soul’s story and your empathy for her is evident. Because of your work, she will still get to inspire people in this evolving world as she was always meant to. " Katy Marie.
"I want to support your work because it’s important for me to know more about Kristen Pfaff. And I understand that the research that was made for the book is a lot of work and I really respect that.” Fallon.
"Guy is an amazing author, and I will forever be grateful to him for publishing Kristen's story." Chris.
Via this Substack volume 1 of the book was available from the 10th December 2024 for the biography No Treble magazined described as 'long awaited.' In three instalments the first volume of two about Pfaff's life (taking the reader up to her joining Hole) was available for monthly subscribers, who got to hear on there unheard songs by Pfaff, excerpts from her journal recordings, as well as unseen photos from her time at the heart of the alt-rock music scene. In August 2025 the first instalment of volume 2- following Pfaff her time in Hole onwards, as was made available.
The project has drawn praise from the likes of Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore and Faris Badwan of The Horrors.
Kristen Pfaff was one of the musicians behind Hole’s ‘Live Through This’- one of Rolling Stones Top 100 Albums Of All Time. Her death from a heroin overdose at 27 happened six weeks after Kurt Cobain’s demise, overshadowing any appraisal of her. But Pfaff was a classically trained musician in the cult band Janitor Joe, a counsellor and a successful activist who has since built a cult following though there is no major work about her to date. To address this, for the first time, this book reclaims Kristen Pfaff’s voice. It allows her to speak using her own words, and to finally take the spotlight.
‘Mankowski’s brilliant retelling of the extraordinary life of Kristen Pfaff- one of the most important players in the Seattle / Sub Pop scene- is a timely reminder that sometimes the heroes don’t always win and the truth is out there if you look hard enough.’ Jane Savidge, of Savidge and Best (PR for Pulp, Suede) and author of 33 1/3 book ‘Pulp’s This Is Hardcore.
'This book ultimately places Kristen back in the deserved centre of the narrative.’ John Robb, best-selling pop culture author (Punk Rock- An Oral History and ’The Art Of Darkness’ - The History of Goth) and first person to interview Nirvana.
“I Know How to Live', the powerful and insightful Substack where chapters about Kristen, pictures and recordings of her talking (in her private journal recordings) are shared. If you love reading, the chapters are beautifully crafted, making it truly immersive to dive into such a well-written exploration shaped by the perspective of her family, particularly her brother. Incredible, poignant work that resonated deeply with me. I found myself waiting excitedly for the next instalment!’ Sophia Hadef, The French Reader.
‘Written by Mankowski with the help of Kristen's brother Jason Pfaff, this enthralling read documents one of the most talented female performers on the '90s alternative rock scene’. The YEAR Grunge BROKE website.
‘Any writing is only as important as how it affects others. This book has done that for me…I feel like you put into words the way I feel about Kristen. Also, beautifully written and I love the way you bring yourself into the story.’ Mike Huber, Kristen Pfaff’s former partner.
‘You do a great job reconstructing a complex and at times contradictory life. Your narrative helped me fill in gaps in my own memory. I think overall it’s really compelling. You capture her spirit out of the many fragments of memories, events, relationships, achievements, and other traces she left behind.’ Robert Slammon, Kristen Pfaff’s former boyfriend.
Subscriber reviews-
"This is important work, and appreciate you sharing it with the world honoring Kristen’s life and the amazing artist she is. " Whitney.
"At long last, the chance to read I Know How To Live: The Life of Kristen Pfaff has consumed me with a deeply embedded curiosity and yearning. The story of Kristen Pfaff's journey, both personally and musically, had gone far too long remaining unexplored and enshrouded in mystery. Thanks to Guy Mankowski and Jason Pfaff, Kristen herself, will no longer remain beholden to an enigmatic veil." Christia.
"You are telling a beautiful soul’s story and your empathy for her is evident. Because of your work, she will still get to inspire people in this evolving world as she was always meant to. " Katy Marie.
"I want to support your work because it’s important for me to know more about Kristen Pfaff. And I understand that the research that was made for the book is a lot of work and I really respect that.” Fallon.
"Guy is an amazing author, and I will forever be grateful to him for publishing Kristen's story." Chris.
Unknown Binding
Published December 11, 2024
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About the author
Guy Mankowski
14 books40 followersGuy Mankowski's biography of Kristen Pfaff from Hole is now available for subscribers at https://iknowhowtolive.substack.com/
The biography No Treble magazined described as 'long awaited'- which Substack certified as a 'bestseller' in February 2025 (a top 30 'Rising in Music Substack) follows volume one of two about Pfaff's life (taking the reader up to her joining Hole). Subscribers to the Substack are also hearing on there unheard songs by Pfaff, excerpts from her journal recordings, unseen photos from her time at the heart of the alt-rock music scene and other media. John Robb (the first journalist to interview Nirvana) said 'This book ultimately places Kristen back in the deserved centre of the narrative.’
Jane Savidge said of it, ‘Mankowski’s brilliant retelling of the extraordinary life of Kristen Pfaff- one of the most important players in the Seattle / Sub Pop scene- is a timely reminder that sometimes the heroes don’t always win and the truth is out there if you look hard enough.’
Mankowski is a Senior Lecturer at Lincoln University, and his agent is Matthew Hamilton at The Hamilton Agency.
The biography No Treble magazined described as 'long awaited'- which Substack certified as a 'bestseller' in February 2025 (a top 30 'Rising in Music Substack) follows volume one of two about Pfaff's life (taking the reader up to her joining Hole). Subscribers to the Substack are also hearing on there unheard songs by Pfaff, excerpts from her journal recordings, unseen photos from her time at the heart of the alt-rock music scene and other media. John Robb (the first journalist to interview Nirvana) said 'This book ultimately places Kristen back in the deserved centre of the narrative.’
Jane Savidge said of it, ‘Mankowski’s brilliant retelling of the extraordinary life of Kristen Pfaff- one of the most important players in the Seattle / Sub Pop scene- is a timely reminder that sometimes the heroes don’t always win and the truth is out there if you look hard enough.’
Mankowski is a Senior Lecturer at Lincoln University, and his agent is Matthew Hamilton at The Hamilton Agency.
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November 12, 2024
Without exaggeration, this is the most anticipated biography about Kristen Pfaff! ❤️
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