This American Life fans might recognize the name Jessica Hopper as the woman responsible for the NPR show's musical selections. I am and have been for some time a fan of her work as a music and culture critic for LA Weekly, Chicago Reader, Spin, ANP and the Chicago Tribune. She's right up there with Chuck Klosterman on the list of people I want to be when I grow up.

Hopper is currently on tour supporting her new book Girl's Guide to Rocking. The guide covers everything from picking an instrument to DIY self-promotion - basics that many women miss out on while all the young dudes seem to form bands in their sleep. Unfortunately she won't be stopping in SLC, but I encourage you to pick up the witty piece of writing for yourself and maybe a cool younger girl in your life. Get the skinny here.