More of an artist book than a zine, Julie of cre8tiv has come up with a small slice of what it's like to walk a mile in her shoes, always being second best and comparing herself to those who came in first.

It's a treat for the senses. Completely hand-assembled, there are doors that hinge, things to touch, and an envelope full of nightmares waiting to be torn open. Best, there are carved images printed on several pages that make the book come together with monochrome color.

"Which is the best shade of grey?" she asks the reader on a page with paint chips taped haphazardly to the foundation paper. "Who says size doesn't matter to those in magazines?" has a carved image of a very normal-sized body with the words "XXS" and "JUMBO" written across it. Her text is hand-written and thought-provoking, though brief. It is pamphlet bound with yellow ribbon, tied into a neat bow.

I'm not sure how available Frustration is (I received it as part of a trade in the spring), but if you can get a copy, do. Someday, when this creative soul is famous for her work, you can say you knew her when. Write her at crea8tiv@gemz.net for information.

[ by Elizabeth Badurina ]