The Spirit of a Generation

There’s something magnetic about books that capture not just one person’s story, but the spirit of an entire movement. Stacy Russo’s We Were Going to Change the World is one of those rare collections that manages to be both deeply personal and collectively powerful. It’s not just about punk rock—it’s about the voices of women who carved out their own place in a culture that wasn’t always welcoming, yet couldn’t be stopped from shifting under their influence. Whether you lived through the era or are discovering it decades later, the book draws you in with its authenticity and heart.

What the Book Is About

At its core, this book is an oral history that gathers the stories of women who were active in the punk scene. Through interviews, Russo brings together musicians, fans, writers, and artists who all found freedom and belonging in punk’s loud and unruly community. Each account shines a light on how these women not only experienced the music but also challenged the roles they were expected to play in society. The voices are diverse—some funny, some bittersweet, others raw and intense—but together they create a patchwork of memory and meaning. What stands out is the sheer honesty of it all, which makes you feel like you’re sitting across the table from someone sharing their truth over coffee.

Why It Resonates

What makes this book so enjoyable is how real it feels. Russo doesn’t sanitize the voices or smooth over the rough edges. Instead, she allows the grit, passion, and imperfections to shine through, which is exactly what punk has always been about. There’s a sense of urgency in these stories, but also nostalgia and reflection, and it’s easy to get caught up in the mix. Even if you weren’t part of the scene, you’ll recognize the universal themes—wanting to belong, fighting against limitations, and believing in the possibility of change.

Final Thoughts

We Were Going to Change the World is more than just a collection of interviews—it’s a living archive of a moment in cultural history that still feels relevant today. Stacy Russo has done something special here: she’s honored the voices of women who helped shape punk, while also offering readers a book that’s lively, inspiring, and hard to put down. It’s a reminder that movements don’t just happen because of famous names, but because of countless individuals who dared to live differently. For readers interested in music, feminism, or simply the stories that make up the fabric of our cultural past, this book is a gem worth picking up.