Bookish Goods for Roller Derby Folks

While books have been my constant companion from a very young age, I recently undertook a new hobby that very well might kill me. Joining the fresh meat new skater class with my local roller derby team in 2020 was the most terrifying and exhilarating move of my life. While lots of things have hampered my ability to wholeheartedly participate (my lack of athletic ability, the fact I couldn’t stand on skates when I started, a whole pandemic), the camaraderie of the league and the coolness of the sport have kept me involved for the past three years. Being a fat girl on skates, learning to switch speeds and stop smoothly, working up the skills to use this butt to slam into people — it’s empowering and thrilling. And sometimes there are serious bruises.

One might think there aren’t many intersections between the bookish and roller derby worlds. The link is slim, although badass literary derby names (Sylvia Wrath!?) are a thing to behold. However, I like to think there are bookish goodies for everyone, and I set out on a hunt. From sweet skate-themed fabrics to a rad zine about the basics of the sport, there is a little something for everyone on this list.

Starting off with a sweet pair of athletic-looking skates on a simple magnetic bookmark. Keep your page, show your sport! $4