The personal nature of girl zines, including the zines' diary style and articles about
individual experience, lends itself to self-expression. This thesis examines three zines,
Essence, Limousine, and Touched by an Anvil as a means of determining the reasons why
girls write zines and what kinds of benefits they receive. Findings include the way these
zines serve as a forum for expression of their authors' thoughts. Also, the zines serve as a
way to build community among reader and writer, and the publications provide a place
where authors can counteract the messages given in the mainstream media.
