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Rollergirl: Totally True Tales from the Track
The 1950s phenomenon of Roller Derby is back in full force, and it's definitely not your grandma's game anymore. With leagues in more than one hundred cities across the country, a national tournament, and major sponsors, the new wave of the sport has gone mainstream. No one is better qualified to tell the story of Flat Track Derby's astronomic rise than Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan. As a founding member of the Texas Rollergirls -- the league that launched the sport and the reigning national champions -- she has helped redefine what it means to be stylish, sporty, and sexy.
With her mouthy, tough-as-nails style, Melicious recounts her best tales from the track: her fierce rivalries with The Wrench and Ivanna S. Pankin, the scene at the annual national tournament, the thrill of a bout, and the infractions that so often bring her to the penalty box. From the minute she first laced up her skates and wrapped herself in her alter ego, Roller Derby has given her a confidence boost, and she shares the positive impact the sport has also had on girls -- young and not-so-young -- who tack posters of her on their bedroom walls and lace up their own skates.
Complete with photos and suggestions on how to develop a Rollergirl name and persona, this unprecedented tell-all comes from the woman who's watched the sport evolve from an underground Friday-night event to a bona fide national phenomenon.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2007
13 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Joulwan
14 books519 followersMelissa Joulwan is the co-founder of Strong Sense of Place, a web site and podcast dedicated to literary travel and books with vivid settings.
She's also the author of the best-selling Well Fed cookbook series and the blog www.MelJoulwan.com, where she writes about her triumphs and failures in the gym, in the kitchen, and in life. Her most recent cookbook is Well Fed Weeknights: Complete Paleo Meals in 45 Minutes Or Less (November 1, 2016).
Well Fed 2 was named one of the best books of 2013 by Amazon.com and was a Washington Post best seller. Her first cookbook Well Fed appeared on the Wall Street Journal and USA Todaybest sellers lists..
In April 2017, she moved to Prague with her husband Dave, her cat, Smudge, her laptop, and one enormous suitcase.
She's also the author of the best-selling Well Fed cookbook series and the blog www.MelJoulwan.com, where she writes about her triumphs and failures in the gym, in the kitchen, and in life. Her most recent cookbook is Well Fed Weeknights: Complete Paleo Meals in 45 Minutes Or Less (November 1, 2016).
Well Fed 2 was named one of the best books of 2013 by Amazon.com and was a Washington Post best seller. Her first cookbook Well Fed appeared on the Wall Street Journal and USA Todaybest sellers lists..
In April 2017, she moved to Prague with her husband Dave, her cat, Smudge, her laptop, and one enormous suitcase.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 10, 2010
My reading of this significantly improved after my initial impression at the Page 8 mark. I thought it was going to be one of those GRRRLS RAWK kinds of books throughout, and while there was the occasional overbearing attempts at that form of feminism, it turned out to be not quite as distracting as I expected.
The author, Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan, uses the book not just to tell the stories of bouts (though she does that too) - she showcases some of the more popular and successful roller girls in Austin, as well as a few refs. She starts by telling her own story about how she got into Derby, and that's probably where I was the most afraid. "Oh, another low-self-esteem case who finds empowerment on skates, check." But then she expanded into the history of sport, which became much more interesting than the previously read Roller Derby: The History and All-Girl Revival of the Greatest Sport on Wheels. Maybe it was her added sass. Maybe.
She tells of the horror stories - and, yes, this is the not-for-squeamish part of the book. She tells of spiral fractures and detached retinas. Her derby girls (or maybe it's just Austin derby girls in general) apparently fly into the audiences more than they do here in Pittsburgh. As a local spectator of the sport, I've seen a few accidents. EMTs are always on hand, but mostly to supply ice packs and the occasional Ace bandage. My ex-coworker's ex-girlfriend once lost a tooth on the track, but that was the extent of it. I heard more about the accidents that happened during practices than I actually witnessed. (Boy, this makes me sound blood-thirsty.) But as I read Joulwan's book I began to realize one of two things must be happening: A) Joulwan may be exaggerating some of the stories (doubtful), or B) the Pittsburgh team, Steel Hurtin', just isn't throwing down the hurt as much as they should (probably - though in their defense they have improved since last season).
What I did especially like about Joulwan's book is the extent she goes into to illustrate the performance art that is Roller Derby. It's not unlike wrestling in that sense. Joulwan discusses the best way to choose a persona and then how to exploit that - it could be an attitude, a behavior, a look, anything. I also liked the bit about choosing a name. Choosing a Derby name has been a longtime hobby of mine. Again, I don't participate (I like my bones too much and I break easily), but I think choosing a name is perhaps a right of passage for all women. I've decided on mine - what about you?
The author, Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan, uses the book not just to tell the stories of bouts (though she does that too) - she showcases some of the more popular and successful roller girls in Austin, as well as a few refs. She starts by telling her own story about how she got into Derby, and that's probably where I was the most afraid. "Oh, another low-self-esteem case who finds empowerment on skates, check." But then she expanded into the history of sport, which became much more interesting than the previously read Roller Derby: The History and All-Girl Revival of the Greatest Sport on Wheels. Maybe it was her added sass. Maybe.
She tells of the horror stories - and, yes, this is the not-for-squeamish part of the book. She tells of spiral fractures and detached retinas. Her derby girls (or maybe it's just Austin derby girls in general) apparently fly into the audiences more than they do here in Pittsburgh. As a local spectator of the sport, I've seen a few accidents. EMTs are always on hand, but mostly to supply ice packs and the occasional Ace bandage. My ex-coworker's ex-girlfriend once lost a tooth on the track, but that was the extent of it. I heard more about the accidents that happened during practices than I actually witnessed. (Boy, this makes me sound blood-thirsty.) But as I read Joulwan's book I began to realize one of two things must be happening: A) Joulwan may be exaggerating some of the stories (doubtful), or B) the Pittsburgh team, Steel Hurtin', just isn't throwing down the hurt as much as they should (probably - though in their defense they have improved since last season).
What I did especially like about Joulwan's book is the extent she goes into to illustrate the performance art that is Roller Derby. It's not unlike wrestling in that sense. Joulwan discusses the best way to choose a persona and then how to exploit that - it could be an attitude, a behavior, a look, anything. I also liked the bit about choosing a name. Choosing a Derby name has been a longtime hobby of mine. Again, I don't participate (I like my bones too much and I break easily), but I think choosing a name is perhaps a right of passage for all women. I've decided on mine - what about you?
March 8, 2011
Very cool book - the new beginning and the ongoing story of Roller Girls. Found out I actually know a woman who does this, so HAD to read the book! Its great!
May 20, 2023
I read this book because it was written by Melissa Joulwan, co-host of one of my favorite podcasts, Strong Sense of Place. The book focuses on the beginnings, in the early aughts, of the Texas Rollergirls flat track roller derby league. While living in Austin, Ms. Joulwan went to a roller derby event, was intrigued, and eventually became "Melicious" on the Hotrod Honeys team. She documents the growth of the sport, both in Texas and across the United States. Along the way, she profiles roller derby players from various teams and documents the excitement of the first flat track national championship.
This book was so much fun! Definitely recommended.
This book was so much fun! Definitely recommended.
January 23, 2023
This book is definitely only for those in the Roller Derby community. Only my time on the track allows me to truly understand where the writer is coming from as well as the lingo she uses throughout the book. The organization of the book is haphazard at best and the writing itself left a lot to be desired. As a derby girl, I appreciated the history and insight of one of the founders of my sport, but if I hadn't been one, I wouldn't have been able to finish it. Final judgement: FOR ROLLER GIRLS ONLY.
October 21, 2019
A fun li'l history of a game very near and dear to my heart.
June 11, 2021
What an interesting book about a pretty cool subculture!
May 23, 2019
Books #18-20: Soon after moving to Austin, TX, about ten years ago I was introduced to the fascinating wonder that is flat track derby and rollergirls. If you have never gone to flat track derby, you need to. It's amazing and fantastic. It made a comeback here in Austin then it became big again across the country
Two books of photographs capture the rollergirls and their sport in all their splendor from their creative names (Bonnie Collide, Bettie Rage, Mo Pain, Fisticuffs, Vicious Van GoGo) to them not hesitating from hurting each other at times if that's what's needed to win. Those books are "Scars and Stripes: The Culture of Modern Roller
Derby" by Andreanna Seymore and "Rollergirls: The Story of Flat Track Derby" by Felicia Graham.
Those are good supplements to a book by Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan, "RollerGirl: Totally True Tales From The Track," where she describes seeing roller derby and seeing out joining a team, learning what she had to do to be a good player and her experiences as a rollergirl. It's all fun, amazing stuff - well, except when they got hurt. I give them all 8's. All three books are available via the Austin library. .
Two books of photographs capture the rollergirls and their sport in all their splendor from their creative names (Bonnie Collide, Bettie Rage, Mo Pain, Fisticuffs, Vicious Van GoGo) to them not hesitating from hurting each other at times if that's what's needed to win. Those books are "Scars and Stripes: The Culture of Modern Roller
Derby" by Andreanna Seymore and "Rollergirls: The Story of Flat Track Derby" by Felicia Graham.
Those are good supplements to a book by Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan, "RollerGirl: Totally True Tales From The Track," where she describes seeing roller derby and seeing out joining a team, learning what she had to do to be a good player and her experiences as a rollergirl. It's all fun, amazing stuff - well, except when they got hurt. I give them all 8's. All three books are available via the Austin library. .
September 17, 2009
I LOVED this book and I am so pumped for Roller Derby tryouts at the end of October. Melissa Joulwan, A.K.A. Melicious, of the Hotrod Honeys (Texas Rollergirls league) was a founding member and helped to bring back the spectacle of the 1970s. Only this time, it's not a spectacle.
Joulwan discusses how she found roller derby. She had quit her corporate job and moved to Austin, Texas with her boyfriend to start over. They were at a coffee shop in South Austin where people staple posters/advertisements all over the back wall. She was perusing the ads and came across a poster for roller derby. They thought it sounded interested and went to see what it was all about. When she stepped into Skateland, she was immediately hooked: the loud music, ladies on skates, and the diverse crowed is what did it for her. She was so amazed by the athleticism of the women, she wanted to know how to become a part of it. A friend of a friend introduced her to one of the roller girls, invited Joulwan to their next practice, and the rest is history. Sort of.
Unbeknownst to most people, the Texas Rollergirls are actually the second roller league in Austin. They stem from Bad Girl Good Woman Productions. BGGW started with four teams and ran with the idea that the league would be governed by a few...the SheEOs. That made all the decisions, didn't attend too many practices, and didn't consult the rest of the players. Three of the four teams wanted a "By the skaters, for the skaters" mentality to govern. After many differences, and finally being fed-up, the teams split and the Texas Rollergirls were formed. Joulwan tells how the teams organized themselves, promoted themselves, and did all that was needed for bout night, such as the venue, insurance, entertainment, and refreshments. This new league worked for a common goal, and every person had a say in how it was run.
The book also gives a brief history of the sport that is sweeping the nation: how it started out during the Depression, had slight resurgences during the 1950s and 1970s, and now. It talks about how all the leagues across the nation sent representatives to Chicago to form a national governing body, later called the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, and how they formed a marketing committee, rules committee, and established a national championship.
This book is very empowering. It is written in a way that will inspire the reader to achieve whatever goal he or she has set. It makes the reader want to run away from the mainstream media's idea of beauty and be happy with who you are, where you are from, and to not be afraid to try new things.
Joulwan discusses how she found roller derby. She had quit her corporate job and moved to Austin, Texas with her boyfriend to start over. They were at a coffee shop in South Austin where people staple posters/advertisements all over the back wall. She was perusing the ads and came across a poster for roller derby. They thought it sounded interested and went to see what it was all about. When she stepped into Skateland, she was immediately hooked: the loud music, ladies on skates, and the diverse crowed is what did it for her. She was so amazed by the athleticism of the women, she wanted to know how to become a part of it. A friend of a friend introduced her to one of the roller girls, invited Joulwan to their next practice, and the rest is history. Sort of.
Unbeknownst to most people, the Texas Rollergirls are actually the second roller league in Austin. They stem from Bad Girl Good Woman Productions. BGGW started with four teams and ran with the idea that the league would be governed by a few...the SheEOs. That made all the decisions, didn't attend too many practices, and didn't consult the rest of the players. Three of the four teams wanted a "By the skaters, for the skaters" mentality to govern. After many differences, and finally being fed-up, the teams split and the Texas Rollergirls were formed. Joulwan tells how the teams organized themselves, promoted themselves, and did all that was needed for bout night, such as the venue, insurance, entertainment, and refreshments. This new league worked for a common goal, and every person had a say in how it was run.
The book also gives a brief history of the sport that is sweeping the nation: how it started out during the Depression, had slight resurgences during the 1950s and 1970s, and now. It talks about how all the leagues across the nation sent representatives to Chicago to form a national governing body, later called the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, and how they formed a marketing committee, rules committee, and established a national championship.
This book is very empowering. It is written in a way that will inspire the reader to achieve whatever goal he or she has set. It makes the reader want to run away from the mainstream media's idea of beauty and be happy with who you are, where you are from, and to not be afraid to try new things.
February 28, 2017
Meh. Did roller derby myself. Gives a limited glimpse of the sport. A little too 'Derby for Dummies' for me. Reminded me of the girls who really wanted to be badass but were afraid to get hit.
February 24, 2014
Brilliant. A tremendous memoir that alongside Alex Cohen and Jennifer Barbee's Down and Derby: The Insider's Guide to Roller Derby, is an absolute must-read for any fan of modern roller derby. But read this one before the other as it truly begins at the beginning.
With a brief, but balanced recap of historic Roller Derby, Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan's journey starts with the birth of the modern game in Austin, Texas. A Hollywood scriptwriter could not have dreamt up more tension and drama that accompanied the dawn of flat-track roller derby, as the original women who first chased this crazy dream fractured in two, and the Texas Rollergirls became the godmothers of the sport.
Melicious is a writer with gifts, and her ability to weave these early years into a narrative history, along with her frank emotional analysis of her own incredible journey, makes for a book you can't put down.
While the sport and the community of roller derby continues to expand and evolve, she perfectly captures the universal experiences that even now inspire 100,000 skaters around the globe to give themselves heart and soul to this amazing sport.
If roller derby nonfiction of the past decade stumbles, it is when the author tries to be "handbook" as well as personal narrative. With the rapid changes in this world, certain elements can quickly become dated. However, Melicious—by chance—covers enough of a time period that the reader can see that certain key elements first included in the modern revival—fighting being the most significant example—is beginning to disappear by the time her story wraps up in 2006. Overall, the details of her book that have now become anachronistic do almost nothing to diminished what a tremendously good read this is.
If you love roller derby, you will love this book. And if you read this book, I suspect you will fall in love with roller derby.
With a brief, but balanced recap of historic Roller Derby, Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan's journey starts with the birth of the modern game in Austin, Texas. A Hollywood scriptwriter could not have dreamt up more tension and drama that accompanied the dawn of flat-track roller derby, as the original women who first chased this crazy dream fractured in two, and the Texas Rollergirls became the godmothers of the sport.
Melicious is a writer with gifts, and her ability to weave these early years into a narrative history, along with her frank emotional analysis of her own incredible journey, makes for a book you can't put down.
While the sport and the community of roller derby continues to expand and evolve, she perfectly captures the universal experiences that even now inspire 100,000 skaters around the globe to give themselves heart and soul to this amazing sport.
If roller derby nonfiction of the past decade stumbles, it is when the author tries to be "handbook" as well as personal narrative. With the rapid changes in this world, certain elements can quickly become dated. However, Melicious—by chance—covers enough of a time period that the reader can see that certain key elements first included in the modern revival—fighting being the most significant example—is beginning to disappear by the time her story wraps up in 2006. Overall, the details of her book that have now become anachronistic do almost nothing to diminished what a tremendously good read this is.
If you love roller derby, you will love this book. And if you read this book, I suspect you will fall in love with roller derby.
July 11, 2013
Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan describes the history of roller derby and how it evolved into what it is today. She also discusses the history of Austin roller derby, why we have two leagues, and the difference between the leagues. In addition, she describes what it's like to be a derby girl, how to come up with your derby personality, and the formation of the WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association). There were several bouts she described in great detail as well, and I was in suspense the whole time while reading them.
I usually am not a big nonfiction fan, but I just couldn't put this book down. It was fascinating learning about the history of derby and how things came to be. I also enjoyed learning about what it takes to be a derby girl, how much you have to practice, and all the things you can do as a derby girl. It was cool seeing how they refined the rules and learned strategy for the game as they went along.
I really liked Melicious. She reminded me so much of myself (being kind of quiet in her personal life and always playing by the rules). At times Melicious would meander a bit and kind of tell her story in a circular way, which made it a little hard for me to get the order of events down in my mind, but overall it was an easy read. I was also very aware while reading the book that this was her perspective and not everyone's. I would definitely like to hear the other side of the story (or just other perspectives) as to why the Austin league split in two.
I highly recommend this book for readers who want to know about the history of roller derby and what it is like for one woman to be a derby girl.
I usually am not a big nonfiction fan, but I just couldn't put this book down. It was fascinating learning about the history of derby and how things came to be. I also enjoyed learning about what it takes to be a derby girl, how much you have to practice, and all the things you can do as a derby girl. It was cool seeing how they refined the rules and learned strategy for the game as they went along.
I really liked Melicious. She reminded me so much of myself (being kind of quiet in her personal life and always playing by the rules). At times Melicious would meander a bit and kind of tell her story in a circular way, which made it a little hard for me to get the order of events down in my mind, but overall it was an easy read. I was also very aware while reading the book that this was her perspective and not everyone's. I would definitely like to hear the other side of the story (or just other perspectives) as to why the Austin league split in two.
I highly recommend this book for readers who want to know about the history of roller derby and what it is like for one woman to be a derby girl.
March 3, 2008
Roller Derby, as seen and described by Melicious! Wow did I get into this book. Each bout was so exciting (and well written), I felt I was there and even caught myself biting my nails! It was interesting to learn about the sport itself (its history, its decline in popularity, its rebirth in American culture, etc…). But this book was about so much more. It was about women who found a passion and followed it. Just like any passion, they found roadblocks in their way, but together they pushed them aside (or climbed right over them) and accomplished more than they could ever dream of. The idea of creating a neighborhood team, then a local league, then a national association, was probably ridiculed by some. Many probably saw it as a crazy, silly, even stupid idea; but they believed in it and were not going to give up. Roller Derby is more than that; it’s a sisterhood, it’s a community.
I enjoyed this book very much. And recommend it to anyone who is interested in Roller Derby, in uncommon hobbies/sports/passions, in empowering women… Hell, I just recommend it. It has something for everyone: athleticism, competition, the creation of a community, following dreams, sexy pin-up outfits, a lot of rockin’ women, violence and broken bones, some good friends and good laughs, etc… And if you are like me, the minute you are done, you’ll go online to find a local league to cheer on… or maybe try-out for… I’m already working on my RollerGirl persona… ;)
I enjoyed this book very much. And recommend it to anyone who is interested in Roller Derby, in uncommon hobbies/sports/passions, in empowering women… Hell, I just recommend it. It has something for everyone: athleticism, competition, the creation of a community, following dreams, sexy pin-up outfits, a lot of rockin’ women, violence and broken bones, some good friends and good laughs, etc… And if you are like me, the minute you are done, you’ll go online to find a local league to cheer on… or maybe try-out for… I’m already working on my RollerGirl persona… ;)
March 16, 2008
A fun and easy read, it tells the tale of the Texas Rollergirls inception, growth and trials. As a derby widower and volunteer it was, at times, all too reminiscent of the growing pains the Detroit league experienced, and I imagine every league must go through. I remember setting it down several times and saying aloud "wow, that's exactly what happened to us!" Overall, it was a quick and entertaining tale punctuated by some lists (I was thrilled to see one of the names I thought up in there as a favorite), bios on other skaters, and helpful advice for derby girls.
The most surreal thing about reading Rollergirl was going to Austin for the WFTDA championship tournament and not only finally seeing Texas in action (awesome league, great skaters, wonderful gals) but working side by side, and hanging out with the skaters who were the focus of Melicious' book and subsequently my adoration. It was overwhelming at times, and I felt like a bit of a fanboy meeting living legends I had read about! I suspect there may be more bios like this about derby girls, but this one will always hold a special place on my shelf.
Highly recommended for any derby girl or serious fan.
The most surreal thing about reading Rollergirl was going to Austin for the WFTDA championship tournament and not only finally seeing Texas in action (awesome league, great skaters, wonderful gals) but working side by side, and hanging out with the skaters who were the focus of Melicious' book and subsequently my adoration. It was overwhelming at times, and I felt like a bit of a fanboy meeting living legends I had read about! I suspect there may be more bios like this about derby girls, but this one will always hold a special place on my shelf.
Highly recommended for any derby girl or serious fan.
August 17, 2008
Roller derby is back, but very different from the banked track derby that many people remember from the 70's. The reimagination of derby as a flat track, skater-run sport started with a single league in Texas in 2003. Today, there are leagues of smart, strong women all over the country ready and willing to step into their skates and knock a bitch down.
A fascinating history of flat track roller derby, starting with the founding of the Texas Rollergirls in 2003, and continuing through the Dust Devil National Championship in 2006. Quotes, stories, and profiles from real rollergirls, in addition to fast-paced derby action, make this a book that will be almost impossible for skaters or fans of derby to put down.
Melicious describes her immediate enchantment with the sport after seeing a bout and her subsequent trip to the rink for her first practice. I could relate because I had the same reaction. Even though I hadn't been on skates since middle school, my local team has welcomed me to the team and is patiently teaching me how to hold my own on eight wheels.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A fascinating history of flat track roller derby, starting with the founding of the Texas Rollergirls in 2003, and continuing through the Dust Devil National Championship in 2006. Quotes, stories, and profiles from real rollergirls, in addition to fast-paced derby action, make this a book that will be almost impossible for skaters or fans of derby to put down.
Melicious describes her immediate enchantment with the sport after seeing a bout and her subsequent trip to the rink for her first practice. I could relate because I had the same reaction. Even though I hadn't been on skates since middle school, my local team has welcomed me to the team and is patiently teaching me how to hold my own on eight wheels.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
June 18, 2008
Hardly a perfect book, but a fun read for an aspiring Roller Girl.
This book follows the history of the Austin roller girls leagues as they catfight their way into the current teams. The book includes several (overly long) bout recaps, and introductions to several of Mel's favorite roller girls. It culminates with the 2006 championships - rather unsuprisingly won by Mel's team, the first league to start.
There were a few highlights throughout the book: descriptions of the over-the-top first bouts, descriptions of the early teams, how to figure out your roller girl name, and some explanations of how the game is played.
The author is a little self-obsessed, but it is a memoir, so fair enough. And she certainly gives credit where credit is due to her teammates. The writing is nothing special, but for someone interested in the current culture of the sport, this is one of the few print resources out there.
Fans or roller girls will probably enjoy the book, but I'm not sure it will draw in any of the uninitiated.
This book follows the history of the Austin roller girls leagues as they catfight their way into the current teams. The book includes several (overly long) bout recaps, and introductions to several of Mel's favorite roller girls. It culminates with the 2006 championships - rather unsuprisingly won by Mel's team, the first league to start.
There were a few highlights throughout the book: descriptions of the over-the-top first bouts, descriptions of the early teams, how to figure out your roller girl name, and some explanations of how the game is played.
The author is a little self-obsessed, but it is a memoir, so fair enough. And she certainly gives credit where credit is due to her teammates. The writing is nothing special, but for someone interested in the current culture of the sport, this is one of the few print resources out there.
Fans or roller girls will probably enjoy the book, but I'm not sure it will draw in any of the uninitiated.
August 22, 2015
I was loaned this book, at the time I was making my Derby Girl mixes and had about half an idea for some fiction centered around roller derby, as part of my effort to not look like an idiot by tragically misunderstanding the culture and rules.
And given the subtitle, I was expecting an anthology. Instead I got a ground floor look at the creation of flat track derby which at this point has so saturated the country that I'm surprised when a city doesn't have a league or at least a team of its own. "Melicious" spins up with the events which led to the first flat track league "By the skaters, for the skaters", and takes us all the way through to the first national championship featuring teams from as far away as Seattle and New York City.
And it's all a lot of fun. Mel lets us in so we can watch this all through her eyes, and well enough that I don't think she sanded down any rough edges or powdered any blemishes. This is the third best thing to being able to skate.
And given the subtitle, I was expecting an anthology. Instead I got a ground floor look at the creation of flat track derby which at this point has so saturated the country that I'm surprised when a city doesn't have a league or at least a team of its own. "Melicious" spins up with the events which led to the first flat track league "By the skaters, for the skaters", and takes us all the way through to the first national championship featuring teams from as far away as Seattle and New York City.
And it's all a lot of fun. Mel lets us in so we can watch this all through her eyes, and well enough that I don't think she sanded down any rough edges or powdered any blemishes. This is the third best thing to being able to skate.
December 28, 2021
Updated: Now that I am actually playing roller derby, I reread this one. It serves as a good introduction, but glosses over a lot of what went down during the beginning of the derby revival. This one is still a good introduction, but if you seriously want to know about derby I would probably read a few of the other books after this one and maybe a couple of the documentaries that are out there.
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Aug-2010: Great book if you like Roller Derby. It's basically a collection of stories from the point of view of one of the founding members of the WFTDA and Texas RollerGirls. I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone who has never been to a bout, but would highly recommend to anyone who has been to a bout, really enjoyed it, and/or ever considered becoming a rollergirl (even for a second).
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Aug-2010: Great book if you like Roller Derby. It's basically a collection of stories from the point of view of one of the founding members of the WFTDA and Texas RollerGirls. I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone who has never been to a bout, but would highly recommend to anyone who has been to a bout, really enjoyed it, and/or ever considered becoming a rollergirl (even for a second).
September 28, 2012
Such a fun book! I read this in preparation for meeting the author this weekend - I already read her blog The Clothes Make the Girl, and cook from her cookbook Well Fed, so I figured I should complete the triad.
Melissa has such a positive attitude about life, and that extends to her views on roller derby. Even though it sounds like some bad $hit went down in Austin in the early days, she never used the real names of the women involved, and she didn't dwell on the situation or go into all the dirty details. There was one detailed description of a bout where I got a little bored, but otherwise she kept things moving along. The story of their appearance on Good Morning America was probably my favorite part - it was hilarious!
If you want to know more about the history of flat-track derby, this is a great quick read (I read it in two evenings).
Melissa has such a positive attitude about life, and that extends to her views on roller derby. Even though it sounds like some bad $hit went down in Austin in the early days, she never used the real names of the women involved, and she didn't dwell on the situation or go into all the dirty details. There was one detailed description of a bout where I got a little bored, but otherwise she kept things moving along. The story of their appearance on Good Morning America was probably my favorite part - it was hilarious!
If you want to know more about the history of flat-track derby, this is a great quick read (I read it in two evenings).
January 11, 2012
Want to know about the Roller Derby revolution of today? Want to know how the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) was formed? Want to just read an awesome true story?
Pick up the Rollergirl now!!!
Mellissa 'Melicious' Joulwan (#11), one of the God Mother’s of Flat Track Roller Derby, does a wonderful job of telling how it all began in Austin Texas. Her tales, both horrific and heartwarming, take you through her and other skater's experiences at the beginning right up to the first Interleague Championship Bout!
As someone who is just getting her skates under her to play Roller Derby, I found this book to be informative, and riveting.
Anyone can enjoy this book, and I mean anyone.
So what are you waiting for?
Pick up the Rollergirl now!!!
Mellissa 'Melicious' Joulwan (#11), one of the God Mother’s of Flat Track Roller Derby, does a wonderful job of telling how it all began in Austin Texas. Her tales, both horrific and heartwarming, take you through her and other skater's experiences at the beginning right up to the first Interleague Championship Bout!
As someone who is just getting her skates under her to play Roller Derby, I found this book to be informative, and riveting.
Anyone can enjoy this book, and I mean anyone.
So what are you waiting for?
December 3, 2014
Melicious' book is a a must read for any derby fans or aspiring derby girls. Covering the early days of the Texas Roller Girls (the modern mothers of derby) Joulwan talks about her discovery of derby, addiction, the politics of the early team, dissolution of the old group and the formation on the current democratic derby teams and leagues. Interspersed with the usual derby fun, bruises and bashing and back-stabbing politics, are accounts of more memorable bouts. Here and there are mentions of our local league - The Mad Rollin' Dolls. Not a fan of derby? You may want to skip the bout details, but give it a read anyway. A satisfying story of what women can accomplish when they want to hit each other while wearing fishnets.
May 17, 2007
Melicious describes the beginning of the current Flat Track Roller Derby craze in Austin, Texas, and how she herself became a rollergirl. The great Austin roller derby schism resulted in there being two leagues: the Texas Roller Girls and the Texas Roller Derby Lonestar Roller Girls (which soon became a banked track league). Goes into the politics and cat-fighting, the development of the athletic side of the sport, the popularity and amazing growth of it across the nation over the course of a few short years. Ends with how the Texas Texecutioners won the 2006 Dust Devil. Great read!
October 24, 2008
I was lucky enough to buy my copy straight from Ms. Joulwan herself. While many people already think they know what roller derby is like, and what rollergirls are like, this book will help open alot of eyes. While many traits are shared among many rollergirls, there are also young, old, doctors, mothers, bankers, lawyers, teachers, rock stars, and Jesus freaks. No one label can be put on any one group, and these book help to expell alot of myths. It is also an entertaining read about the creation of a new sports genre and the people who helped make it happen.
July 7, 2007
some of this book is really cool- her experiences getting started in derby, the inside dirt on all the politics of the texas league, etc. some fun blurbs, 'what's your roller girl personality' kind of stuff. some of it might get boring for non-hardcore derby fans. some lengthy play-by-play bout descriptions. still not done with it though, she's starting to lose my interest toward the end.
meh. i gave up. not finishing this one.
meh. i gave up. not finishing this one.
September 14, 2007
Rollergirl is a scintillating look at the fast and furious new breed of DIY flat track roller derby. Rollergirls the world over will recognize in Melicious's tale their own joyful firsts and harsh growing pains, while fans get a first-rate inside peek at the wild world of roller derby from the other side of the blue line. A must read for anyone who ever dreamed of strapping on skates over fishnets--or already has.
January 26, 2010
Good overview of the history of the modern derby revival from someone who was there as it happened. A bit over the top in sections as far as dramatic bout recaps, and constantly being reminded that these girls are "like, so bad ass" but overall a pretty good intro to the sport as it is played today. I just started skating for the Ohio Roller Girls and I would recommend this to anyone interested in knowing the sport a bit more.
August 13, 2010
This book has a great point of view from one of the girls who helped begin flat track derby along with a nice history lesson about derby before flat track.
It is a fun read with lots of action and excitement, as well as adorably awesome bios of some of the rollergirls from different teams.
Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan is en extremely talented writer and I would love to hear about more Tales from the Track through her point of view.
It is a fun read with lots of action and excitement, as well as adorably awesome bios of some of the rollergirls from different teams.
Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan is en extremely talented writer and I would love to hear about more Tales from the Track through her point of view.
March 20, 2013
This was a fun look into roller derby. It followed the story of Melicious from her first time on the track and her experiences with the Texas Rollergirls and the establishment of the sport it is today. It gives the history along with explaining the rules, suggestions for coming up with derby names, and fun side stories about various players. Fun read if you ever wanted to know a bit more about flat track roller derby.
May 1, 2007
I've been on a roller derby kick for a while, and this book was pretty satisfying. It was interesting to hear about the origins of the sport and the split between the first two roller derby leagues. The prose isn't anything to write home about, but Melicious does a good job keeping my interest and writing with a passion for the sport.
April 27, 2008
FANTASTIC book covering the origins and evolution (and fun) of the re-establishment of roller derby by one of it's founding members. Funny, tough, inspiring for any woman, rollergirl or not.
A MUST read for derby fans - and for any woman who wants to go out and do exactly what she wants to do in her life.
A MUST read for derby fans - and for any woman who wants to go out and do exactly what she wants to do in her life.
February 28, 2007
Tales from the Texas Rollergirls. One and a half chapters in, I'm already wondering: where do I sign up? Now I just need to learn how to skate (details) and get a name. Faves from the book: Ivanna S. Pankin, Miss Conduct, and La Coneja of the Putas del Fuego.
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