Memoirs of a Jackass

Even though you might not recognize the name, you probably know who Chris Nieratko is. Editor of now defunct Big Brother skateboard magazine, one of the original Jackass members, New Jersey skate shop owner, and writer for several alt publications, Chris just released his first book, Skinema, a mash-up of previously published porno reviews that have little or nothing to do with the films themselves. Instead, Chris uses the space to relate perhaps even dirtier stories involving hookers, transvestites and/or vomit in exploitative, hilarious articulation.

We're suckers for interesting writing that is subversive or plays with form, so we love the porno reviews cum journal entries. While some at least attempt to link an actress from the film with a girl Chris knew in college, most never even mention the title. And with porn flicks ranging from Supersize My Snatch 2 to Fucking in the Name of Science, there's something for everyone.

Although the writing sometimes feels forced, like he's trying to prove something by embellishing every coke line and Heineken bottle up a stripper's ass, on the whole the book is delicious. In a sticky, unshowered sort of way.

Reading Chris' stories is kind of like listening to that kid who you always want to call bullshit on, but you don't because the tale is so funny/gross/ridiculous, that you don't care whether or not it's true.

Chris whores himself out to Chicago today with an appearance on Mancow this morning, a reading at Quimby's tonight at 7, and a slide show and talk at Uprise afterward.

Quimby's, 1854 W. North Ave., 7p.m. Followed by presentation at Uprise, 1820 N. Milwaukee Ave. Free.