Furry Nation: The True Story of America's Most Misunderstood Subculture

I really liked the book overall, giving me some insight that even I, a 25-year veteran of Furry fandom, didn't know about, covering the earliest fanzines, APAs and meets, then on up through Confurence, the internet's effect on fandom, backlash from inside and out, and where it may all be going in the future. I did discuss this with an even longer veteran in fandom who didn't care for it, saying it was "too West-Coast biased", not mentioning enough of what he and others experienced in East Coast early fandom. Regardless, I think I can suggest it, despite its flaws. It's a fairly good overview of Furrydom.

The strongest points to Furry Nation comes in its tackling of the fandom as a multifaceted community. The history itself will be as broad, much as the hydra has many heads and boils down to a giant beast. Instead of tackling just the history of Anthrocon, it touches on furry art, 80s zines, and classic meet ups. Each of these has a point and a focus that was certainly enlightening. The book itself mostly avoids pseudoscience and instead focuses on personal accounts and documented events, which is thoroughly appreciated. Some touching on Jungian psychology aside (Better than Freud.) If you ever wanted to gain a better understanding of where these conventions came from this is the book. Furries and their interaction in Hollywood is also a wonderful glimpse behind certain scenes, particularly in the advent of Zootopia. For those of us who blame Lion King and Who Framed Rodger Rabbit for affecting their childhood, this would also be an interesting read.

Really all I heard about the book before I got it, that it had to so with related to the history of the furry fandom. But what I saw when I started to read his book was well beyond what I expected. Yes you got furry history and really a lot of stuff I didn't know and I been in the fandom for more than 10 years. But loads of personal stories I can't really pick one that I like more as all of them are excellent. I really think Joe Strike has done an excellent job, they say the furry fandom is very unique. But I will go as far as to say well done Joe Strike.

I think Joe did a thorough job of research, he has an even handed presentation, and engaging writing style. He has woven information on the history of the fandom with biographical sketches of various fandom members. I know that Joe was very thorough with his interview processes with me and as I read that section of the book, his accuracy is commendable. I would not necessarily say that about some of many journalists to whom I have provided research based information on the furry fandom. Truth be toldI have not finished reading the book yet, update to follow in a week or so..

Well written- great referencing,. Many aspects of the Fandom are looked at. From where it starts, to where it maybe heading. I am now more comfortable in my suit/partial than before. Being new to fursuiting many questions have been answered for me. For those who have been around for "ever" many of the people you have come to know and love. Have their story told on how they became to where they are now.. Enjoy

I liked the book, but it tends to drawl on about "the good old days" and the authors life story in the fandom with the info woven in.It's a good book but I found myself skipping pages because I just wanted him to wrap up what ever he was talking about.

This book takes an interesting look into a fandom that is misunderstood and defines what, and why "Furries" are what they are and do what they do. The fandom is so conceptualized by bad press, haters and television shows (i.e. CSI). This book gives you an in depth look.

My thirteen year old loves the fandom and is enjoying learning about the culture through this book.

Even though it's based in the United States, this book is the Bible of the furry fandom. Informative, complete, and very funny. If you're a furry, you need this book!

Non è un brutto libro ma mi aspettavo qualcosa di diverso. Si presenta come una raccolta di testimonianze di membri del fandom corredate da rielaborazioni dell'autore o descrizioni di genere misto; si sofferma molto su alcuni aspetti della comunità ma altri non li affronta. Diciamo che sono 300 e passa pagine di rielaborazione: non parla molto di scienza e psicologia ma di storia sì -forse fin troppo-.È un buon testo per comprendere il fandom anche se non mette in risalto la situazione sociale della comunità e non affronta benissimo e approfonditamente "l'altro lato della medaglia". Un libro di propaganda che, seppur ben fatto, ha il fine di tirare acqua al suo mulino.

A great amazing book for furries or furry supporters

Specifico che non faccio parte di questo fandom, ma non l'ho nemmemo mai odiato.Cercavo un libro che potesse chiarire alcuni dubbi e riempire alcune lacune su uno dei fetish più conosciuti.Il libro parte con una introduzione sulla parte storica dove si afferma che già dall'antichità la gente avesse l'idea delle creature antropomorfe, e oltre a ciò una spiegazione sul come sia esploso negli anni 80 circa tutto questo.Tralasciando una sciolinata enorme sui creatori ho notato come si sia evitato alcuni argomenti o una discussione approfondita su alcune situazioni dove il fandom è andato fortemente fuori strada, cito solo la Rainfurrest, dove l'argomento è stato sbolognato dicendo "massì è stata na roba da poco".Altra cosa che non ho particolarmente apprezzato è come la visione della parte erotica sia stata messa solo in una chiave artistica e non ammettere che la gente si veste cosi , certo perchè si sente bene, ma perchè può anche avere una soddisfazione del suo fetish. Al'alba del 2020 nascondere i propri desideri o le nostre forme di piacere con ridicole scuse o giustificazioni lo trovo alquanto triste.Motivo per cui se questo libro doveva avvicinarmi al genere per farmelo capire meglio, alla fine mi ha spinto solo a non apprezzarlo e a considerare buona parte di chi è in linea con i pensieri di Joe strike, di essere persone che hanno un bisogno folle di scappare dalla realtà, e di mettersi un costume per credere che così tutto andrà bene.Non ho messo 1 stella perchè comunque i contenuti ci sono, ma sembra di leggere una spiegazione di come faccia bene mangiare verdure da vegano, troppo di parte

This is actually the very first but best, long awaited compendium about the furry community, covering a wide range of basic knowlegde and information from its early beginnings to the present moment. It closed some essential gaps (even after being in for almost 10 years now) and managed to brought me back as an active member after leaving the fandom some years ago through opening my eyes and mind to the fact that there's still plenty of hope and creative space for the future while trying to crash and explain the major negative stereotypes we still suffer and need to fight off on a daily basis. Excellent work!