John Waters' Shock Value is a gleefully subversive memoir chronicling his journey from Baltimore outsider to underground film icon. Waters recounts the making of his transgressive films, from Pink Flamingos to Female Trouble, celebrating the power of bad taste as artistic rebellion. More than a behind-the-scenes account, the book is a manifesto for embracing the outrageous and refusing to conform to polite society's expectations.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Waters proved that bad taste, done with conviction, becomes its own form of genius.

DETAILS: • Author: John Waters • Publisher: Running Press Adult • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: September 1, 2005 • ISBN: 9781560256984 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days