Book Review: Slayers, Every One of Us: How One Girl in All the World… by Kristin Russo and Jenny Owen Youngs
As a lifelong fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, spending countless hours buried in fan fiction during my time in England, you might say my connection to the show is somewhat, well, obsessive. So when I stumbled across Slayers, Every One of Us, the new memoir by Kristin Russo and Jenny Owen Youngs—creators of the beloved Buffering podcast—I felt an undeniable pull. I was curious to see how their intersection of life and Buffy fandom would unfold on the page.
At its core, this memoir intertwines the struggles of Kristin and Jenny as they journey through the complexities of trying for a child, navigating the painful breakup of their marriage, and finding solace in their shared love for Buffy. It’s a book that attempts to bridge personal experience with the lessons and strength gleaned from a show that so many hold dear. While I truly appreciated the effort to connect their lives with Buffy’s struggles, I found myself at a distance from their narrative.
The memoir is marked by emotional highs and lows, primarily focusing on themes of loss and resilience. Kristin’s openness about her feelings often contrasts sharply with Jenny’s more reserved demeanor, creating an imbalance that sometimes left me feeling disconnected from Jenny’s perspective, even as I admired their ability to maintain a productive partnership post-divorce. The authors’ insights into their listeners and the podcast community were heartwarming, revealing how fan culture can be a source of strength, even amid personal turmoil. I may not be a die-hard podcast fan myself, but seeing how integral their audience was to their journey was affirming.
The writing style flows smoothly, reflecting their conversational podcast tone. It’s engaging, friendly, and demonstrates the genuine bond both women have with their fans. One standout moment comes when they discuss Buffy’s Season 1 finale, "Prophecy Girl," and how it empowered them during the tumultuous 2016 election. This connection to the show makes total sense—Buffy has always been about resilience, empowerment, and facing the monsters in our lives.
However, I was left yearning for more depth. Some of the elements, particularly the emotional fallout from their relationship, felt underexplored. While they candidly acknowledged unhealthy dynamics, I craved a deeper dive into the complexities of those feelings, which could have made their journey more relatable. Additionally, as a Buffy enthusiast, I hoped for more direct commentary on the series itself. The absence of discussions surrounding Joss Whedon’s problematic legacy or the intricacies of their takes on certain characters felt like missed opportunities.
Ultimately, Slayers, Every One of Us provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the lives of two creators navigating their personal and professional challenges in a way that resonates with many. It’s a book that would likely appeal to fans of Buffy, especially those who enjoy reflective narratives about personal growth intertwined with pop culture. As much as I wished for a deeper connection and more Buffy-specific content, I admire the way Kristin and Jenny have crafted a narrative that celebrates their bond and the power of their community.
In the end, this memoir is deserving of a three-star rating from me—not because it’s lacking heart, but because it didn’t entirely resonate with my expectations as a Buffy fan. Still, it offered a unique perspective on how the themes of a story can weave into our own lives, reminding us all that, like Buffy, we have the strength to confront our own demons.
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