Dirtbag

Essays

By: Amber A'Lee Frost

Narrated by: Amber A'Lee Frost

This program is read by the author.

The complete story of the victories and failures of millennial socialism, as told by the writer who witnessed it all firsthand.

Amber A’Lee Frost came to New York City as a working class activist in a punk band, arriving just before the start of Occupy Wall Street—the first major event in decades for a socialist movement that was nearly extinct at the turn of the century. She's been at the vanguard of radical politics ever since, as a writer, veteran member of the Democratic Socialists of America, and cohost of the wildly popular Chapo Trap House podcast. She has reported on millennial activism everywhere from the sunny streets of Havana, to the Labour Party’s unexpected victory in the UK, to small towns in her home state of Indiana.

Dirtbag is a much-anticipated debut from one of the greatest emerging writers in modern socialism. This memoir is more than Frost’s story; it is also the story of the only movement that has a chance to reshape our world. Both are chock-full of momentary triumphs, stupid decisions, new international friendships and rivalries, struggle, joy, setbacks, and heartbreak. Both are related with magnetic prose, remarkable candor, and unflappable humor.

Throughout it all, Frost burned the candle at both ends. She kissed a man in the rain at a train stop after he sang her “The Internationale,” and gave herself hangovers that left her begging for death. But all of the late nights, heated debates, and joyous camaraderie was set against the unmistakable sense that somehow, socialism was winning.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

Amber!!!

The lady Chapo is back! I missed her. This a bind up of her columns and opinion pieces with extra bits and new stuff. Lots of personal stories, some shrugging reflections on past disappointments.

I'm not gonna pretend objectivity here. I'm in the tank for the author and her projects. For some reason she continues to not live up to my hopes of galvanizing messianic leadership, probably cuz that's not her thing, but whatever. This was a good voice to have in my head while trying to not rant about the state of the world at work.

have you also slept on amber?

as the irregular chapo, i never full appreciated her options and work. this memior was an eye opener, and is a critical work for leftists millenial and younger. funny, informative, well performed, a breeze and a must read/listen

It Was Worth The Wait

Yes. It's a great book. Interesting memoir from a socialist that actually came from the working class (and a "flyover state"). Whenever she pops up as a guest somewhere, it's almost always to discuss union organizing. I'm glad there's some of that in here. She managed to cover enough of her background for context without making it 300 pages of "street cred". The book wraps up with a brief mention of the COVID lockdown. Not a bad stopping point. After a catalog of anecdotes about things not working out as intended (she's a capital "S" socialist in the 21st century), she still manages to wrap up with a believable admonition to not quit. AND it's genuinely funny in spots.

Thank you Amber

It’s really hard for American millennial socialists to find any sort of ideological foothold in the current political system. I felt at least some comfort from this book that there’s at least one person who feels like I do and is much better at expressing it in a way that isn’t purely nihilistic.

Such a Horny Book

Really a fun read with a purpose, teaming with sexual energy. A bit overwrought at times but that is forgivable.