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The Daughters of Bastards
In “The Daughters of Bastards,” Iris Berry reflects her experiences and gives insight to some of her adventurous times growing up on the streets of Hollywood during the golden era of the L.A. punk rock scene. It’s a ride through the dirty streets of Hollywood that never stops delivering the real taste of a womanhood claiming a place for itself surrounded by the perverseness of a crumbling mystique that was once a golden tinseled dreamland. Her work has been inspirational and historical all at once. The words here tell the story of that beginning and that progression through some of the wildest of times during one of the most unique eras that Los Angeles has ever known. It also tells the story of a young woman coming of age in the sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll inspired madness of those times. A woman who bears a shared first-hand witness to her own incredible survival.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Iris Berry
29 books23 followersIris Berry is one of the founding creative minds behind Punk Hostage Press. She is a native Angeleno who writes about her personal experiences from the sun baked asphalt
violent streets of Pacoima, running away to the allure of late 70’s Hollywood, at the age of 15,
looking for a better life against the historical backdrop of the Los Angeles skyline.
Her poetry and prose, as well as her performances in such memorable groups as the Lame Flames and the Ringling Sisters, are an integral part of L.A.'s contemporary literary movement. She has recently featured articles and interviews in Slake, her most recent being an in depth interview with Art Kunkin, the founder of the Los Angeles Free Press back in the early 60s.
Her latest book, The Daughters of Bastards, features some of her most intimate work she has shared with the public to date. A working title that she has compiled these personalized stories under for the last 10 years, these poems and stories represent a grappling with the idea of origin and the drift that occurs when the umbilical has been cut and the search begins for what might have been lost at the beginning.
It reflects her experiences and gives insight to some of her adventurous times growing up on the streets of Hollywood in the golden era of the LA punk rock scene.
“Iris Berry's frank and touching effort, The Daughters of Bastards, brings the radiant beauty of her poetic voice to the strange, funny, grotesque and poignant events of
a life lived in extremes, a journey to the end of night that ends with the break of luminous day.”
Richard Modiano –
Director of Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center
“I will not speak in cliché about Iris Berry, nor will I use unnecessary superlatives. When I think of this artist I think of enchantment and beauty. I think of intelligence and perspicacity. Iris is one fine talent honed by life and all the better for it. She writes with grace and strength
and allows you to live the moments she creates so that you not only wish you were there with her to experience life as she beholds it but for all intents you are there experiencing the ragged emotion and reality that
makes an Iris Berry work come to life.”
Larry Jaffe – Poet
“Iris Berry has no choice but to give witness. The universe ordained it with her birthplace and time and her path from there… the white chick from Pacoima with a hard edge and soft heart, the obedient princess reporting
observances of special climates at guarded campfires, whose journey spanned regions most others can only dream of. Iris is the only L.A. punk diva that survived the time's brutal but privileged initiations; from sitting
shotgun on suburban rides to sitting at her throne in the tinsel town underground with "the tick tick ticking" of her celluloid memory, saving it all for later, for her precision finesse in story telling… there is no other writer's witness that is as crucial to this city's history during its sexiest defiance, the punk rock Hollywood scene, as seen and transposed by a humble diva whose honesty reflects her deeply felt experiences told in a pure raw beauty of expression, weaving a noir that
only Iris has lived through and here shares with us until we sweat glitter, guitars, needles and leopard skin. And we marvel at her success in never losing that sexy sweetness only a true punk princess is born with: an
unconditional love and compassion for all things outside of the box.”
Yvonne de la Vega – Los Angeles poet/organizer -World Poetry Movement. Author of “Tomorrow, Yvonne – Poetry & Prose For Suicidal Egotists”
“There are far too few writers today who write from the heart about the damned. Far too few who let lost souls scream from the page once more. Iris Berry is one of these writers. Her words are haunting and her imagery
cinematic. Iris Berry is a straight Razor wrapped in a garter belt. She leaves nothing but her blood on the page."- Edaurdo Jones
violent streets of Pacoima, running away to the allure of late 70’s Hollywood, at the age of 15,
looking for a better life against the historical backdrop of the Los Angeles skyline.
Her poetry and prose, as well as her performances in such memorable groups as the Lame Flames and the Ringling Sisters, are an integral part of L.A.'s contemporary literary movement. She has recently featured articles and interviews in Slake, her most recent being an in depth interview with Art Kunkin, the founder of the Los Angeles Free Press back in the early 60s.
Her latest book, The Daughters of Bastards, features some of her most intimate work she has shared with the public to date. A working title that she has compiled these personalized stories under for the last 10 years, these poems and stories represent a grappling with the idea of origin and the drift that occurs when the umbilical has been cut and the search begins for what might have been lost at the beginning.
It reflects her experiences and gives insight to some of her adventurous times growing up on the streets of Hollywood in the golden era of the LA punk rock scene.
“Iris Berry's frank and touching effort, The Daughters of Bastards, brings the radiant beauty of her poetic voice to the strange, funny, grotesque and poignant events of
a life lived in extremes, a journey to the end of night that ends with the break of luminous day.”
Richard Modiano –
Director of Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center
“I will not speak in cliché about Iris Berry, nor will I use unnecessary superlatives. When I think of this artist I think of enchantment and beauty. I think of intelligence and perspicacity. Iris is one fine talent honed by life and all the better for it. She writes with grace and strength
and allows you to live the moments she creates so that you not only wish you were there with her to experience life as she beholds it but for all intents you are there experiencing the ragged emotion and reality that
makes an Iris Berry work come to life.”
Larry Jaffe – Poet
“Iris Berry has no choice but to give witness. The universe ordained it with her birthplace and time and her path from there… the white chick from Pacoima with a hard edge and soft heart, the obedient princess reporting
observances of special climates at guarded campfires, whose journey spanned regions most others can only dream of. Iris is the only L.A. punk diva that survived the time's brutal but privileged initiations; from sitting
shotgun on suburban rides to sitting at her throne in the tinsel town underground with "the tick tick ticking" of her celluloid memory, saving it all for later, for her precision finesse in story telling… there is no other writer's witness that is as crucial to this city's history during its sexiest defiance, the punk rock Hollywood scene, as seen and transposed by a humble diva whose honesty reflects her deeply felt experiences told in a pure raw beauty of expression, weaving a noir that
only Iris has lived through and here shares with us until we sweat glitter, guitars, needles and leopard skin. And we marvel at her success in never losing that sexy sweetness only a true punk princess is born with: an
unconditional love and compassion for all things outside of the box.”
Yvonne de la Vega – Los Angeles poet/organizer -World Poetry Movement. Author of “Tomorrow, Yvonne – Poetry & Prose For Suicidal Egotists”
“There are far too few writers today who write from the heart about the damned. Far too few who let lost souls scream from the page once more. Iris Berry is one of these writers. Her words are haunting and her imagery
cinematic. Iris Berry is a straight Razor wrapped in a garter belt. She leaves nothing but her blood on the page."- Edaurdo Jones
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 23, 2023
"What I remember best about the eighties was an abandoned Hollywood Boulevard where my friends and I could run amuck and people crossed the streets because they saw US coming."
The Daughter of Bastards by Iris Berry is an honest look back at the eighties in Hollywood as a punk rocker. The author puts it all out there and does so at a quick pace, in an honest manner. Stories and poetry that seem true of a turbulent yet intriguing life. Absorbing and full of contrasts. The yin and yang of it all. I read this in a fury. Enjoying every spellbinding twist and turn. An easy escape into a life lived differently than most but still relatable.
This book definitely gives you a feel of the Hollywood punk lifestyle in the eighties. I was there too and luckily we both got out unscathed. Or at least, I did. I think.
There are tons of well known names, famous landmarks and cool bands. A real look at the darker side of city of angels. Full of history that I haven't thought about it years!
In my opinion there is never too much reality and in this case, it hits you head on. There are just some things you can't make up.
Quote ~
"Anything that was worth doing, happened after midnight. It was a time when the headlining acts went on last and there was no pay to play. The record industry was upside down, not knowing what to do next with this "punk rock" music. They could wrap their heads around new wave and metal, but punk rock was too violent."
The Daughter of Bastards by Iris Berry is an honest look back at the eighties in Hollywood as a punk rocker. The author puts it all out there and does so at a quick pace, in an honest manner. Stories and poetry that seem true of a turbulent yet intriguing life. Absorbing and full of contrasts. The yin and yang of it all. I read this in a fury. Enjoying every spellbinding twist and turn. An easy escape into a life lived differently than most but still relatable.
This book definitely gives you a feel of the Hollywood punk lifestyle in the eighties. I was there too and luckily we both got out unscathed. Or at least, I did. I think.
There are tons of well known names, famous landmarks and cool bands. A real look at the darker side of city of angels. Full of history that I haven't thought about it years!
In my opinion there is never too much reality and in this case, it hits you head on. There are just some things you can't make up.
Quote ~
"Anything that was worth doing, happened after midnight. It was a time when the headlining acts went on last and there was no pay to play. The record industry was upside down, not knowing what to do next with this "punk rock" music. They could wrap their heads around new wave and metal, but punk rock was too violent."
December 20, 2012
I just finished a GREAT read from Iris Berry,"The Daughters of Bastards". Find it,buy it,let the pages engulf you as you read,laugh,cry,wonder in all she shares. A Must Read! Thank You Iris,I want more......
September 13, 2016
The Los Angeles Iris Berry writes about isn't such a difference place from the Los Angeles I know (and love now). Her stories about growing up with brothers is interesting and comforting to someone who grew up with boys, though my favorite stories had to do with the punk/music scene. The house she writes about fondly with her friends who happen to be in LA bands now legendary, the clubs closed down long before I would ever slip on vomit in front of Playmates on Hollywood Boulevard.
The generations of punk rock scenes in the different cities are fascinating whether you have or haven't ever run with that crowd. They're often people who don't fit in or come from a rough background, but have each other in the end to survive the day - this book is one those that shows this.
The generations of punk rock scenes in the different cities are fascinating whether you have or haven't ever run with that crowd. They're often people who don't fit in or come from a rough background, but have each other in the end to survive the day - this book is one those that shows this.
September 28, 2013
Just saw Iris do a reading in SF and got this book. Honest and unflinching, written with love and a keen eye for detail. Love.
March 8, 2022
Beauty in the dirt
This book is a wonderful walk down memory lane for me ,so many places I went and people I also knew. I love how Iris paints gritty Hollywood with such colorful prose!
This book is a wonderful walk down memory lane for me ,so many places I went and people I also knew. I love how Iris paints gritty Hollywood with such colorful prose!
January 2, 2021
A gorgeous and visceral peek into late afternoon mornings and punk rock legacies.
January 5, 2024
Many typos and misspellings- super irritating. Certainly won't bother with anything else from this publisher. Not much of a memoir - more like brief random memories. I was hoping for something more detailed like Jonesy's memoir, or Johnny Green's Clash-roadie memoir. Had higher hopes for this.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews