"Lately, I find myself out gazing at stars, hearing guitars, like someone in love." - Bjork, Like Someone in Love
Susie Bright Presents: Three Kinds of Asking for It by Eric Albert, Greta Christina and Jill Soloway (Touchstone). Everyone knows about Courtney Cox's Asshole right? Jill Soloway's first short story, an internet treasure that was probably brought to my attention by Susannah Breslin and her Reverse Cowgirl* blog back when there was a Reverse Cowgirl blog. Soloway writes and produces episodes of Six Feet Under now and has a memoir coming out in September that I have an advanced reviewer's proof of for review at LAist. I might sneak and read it first before I give it to our reviewer just because Jill is that interesting.
I should talk about the sex, the erotic sensibilities of it all, but what I really want to talk about is the technique Soloway uses in "Jodi K". It is written as a diary written by a 14 year old in 1983 Chicago as she has a kind of sexual awakening. It is the kind of story where I ask myself, "Is this written with the entire audience in mind? Is this for everyone...for me?" I get caught up in the prejudices that flow so freely from this fictional Jodi. They are the kinds of prejudices that come with priviledge and social stature. I get caught up because for much of the story I find her likeable. Her self-esteem and sense of self-worth are endearing and welcome but several of her choices aren't. Her assumptions aren't. Her equivocating isn't.
Yet still it is a great story written in this voice that feels so genuine. I don't have to like Jodi K to get it, to appreciate the call of her desires guiding her actions. Those jarring moments that pull me out of the story fade quickly and I'm back into that curious in-between time of sexual innocence and sexual adventure. Besides that, Jill makes me laugh.
The other stories are both deliciously filthy but not quite as thought provoking or technically interesting as Jodi K.
I should read more erotica. I blow through this stuff like candy.
*Isn't reverse cowgirl just the best name of a sexual position? Its also one of my favorites but, shhh, don't tell anyone.
newswire: I'm finally watching Closer after having it sit on top of my DVD player for 3 months, its kind of depressing...I can't believe this month is over. Didn't it just start?...I bought a mac mini this week, it should be here soon...more later, I really need to get dressed now.
*reading this totally made me blush!
have you watched "beyond the sea" yet? i saw it last week. thoughts?
Posted by: sassylittlepunkin | June 26, 2005 at 03:14 PM
never been mad at Susie Bright.
Posted by: danyel | June 26, 2005 at 07:49 PM