Customer Reviews

The Best American Erotica 2001

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As an "amatuer" erotica writer, I bought this book not only for some creative inspiration, but also to see what kind of material "published" erotica writers create. When I began reading this collection, I realized not only how talented these writers were, but that I still had a little ways to go as a "potential erotica writer." These stories run the gamut from straight, gay, bi, and whatever. Not only was I entertained, but also provided me with the inspiration I needed to create more of my own work, not to mention lots of new fantasies.

From stories of "threesomes" to fantasy lovers to oral sex to working in a peep show and phone sex, they present a good view of sexuality. Unlike two or three other reviewers, I liked this collection of stories. While one or two may not have been to my specific interest, I recognized each work as good writing and story telling.

Each story in this multi-faceted volume stands alone as an interesting short piece. Short stories such as these, with no erotic content, would qualify for inclusion in a literary volume of quality short stories. This book explores human nature from many different perspectives, and on that single basis, is an interesting book.

The erotic content only serves to allow readers to explore a part of human nature that is rarely discussed, except in clinical terms, demonized with a broad brush by those who fear it, caricatured by pornographers, or lampooned by comedians. Each author does a masterful job of illuminating feelings, experiences, and desires that generally remain hidden in Society's shadow.

Some of the works are quite tittilating, others, shocking. Of course, that's a statement which tells more about me than about the book. Those seeking a blow by blow description of sex acts would do better with the latest issue of Penthouse. But if you'd like to explore human sexuality, to be teased, to push the envelope of the bourgeouis boudoir, then give this book a chance.

(If you'd like to discuss this book or review further, please click on the "about me" link above and drop me an email. Thanks!)

Best American Erotica 2001 is another great, thought provocking collection of short erotica from Susie Bright. As usual she provides a titilating mix of straight, gay and 'whatever' sexuality. This is a fantastic addition to anyones collection.

Susie Bright rocks. I love the diversity in style reflected in this book, and also throughout the series. The well-written erotic short story is finally earning its respected place in literature.

The subject matter Ms. Bright chose for this volume strikes me as quite physical (well, duh). In other words, it doesn't delve terribly deeply into the psychology and complexity of sex, at least not the deep, difficult aspects of it. Instead, it sticks more with a celebration of the physical, the erotic turn-ons, the encounters, the shock value and exploration, the acts themselves.

Not that this is a problem, mind you; Susie Bright is my kind of editor, and it's obvious she loves her work. It's a wonderful anthology, and provides a lovely companion to magazines like _Nerve_.

My only frustration is that the book is rather thin!

Every February, I go and get the latest BAE. After the diversity of the series, i.e. het/gay, male/female, various races, various behaviors, I was really disappointed with the selection in this edition.

There's not nearly enough explict scenes for me. Rather, the focus of these stories, with a few exceptions, seems to be beating around the bush (no pun intended). I didn't find many stories I wanted to read again and again, completely unlike all the other BAEs.

As far as I'm concerned, for the money, Herotica 6 is more worth my time.

Some of these stories are gorgeous --Hanne Blank, Jack Murnighan, and "The Man Who Ate Woman" in particular. It's always fun when a new year comes out!

Too little true erotic content, too much of an attempt to reach for the literary, without the stories being good enough to hold up a literary fiction book. It ends up a bit dull, and quite forgettable. Sheiner's Best Women's Erotica series is doing a much better job of staying modern _and_ hot. Susie Bright's coasting here on past success, which makes the book not worth the time.

TO SAY THAT THIS IS THE BEST AMERICAN EROTICA FOR 2001, IS FALSE ADVERTIZING. THE NEED TO REMOVE THE EROTICA PART IN THE TITLE. iT IS VERY BLAND, I HAVE READ A LOT OF THE "EROTICA" BOOKS, AND THIS COMES NO WHERE NEAR IT.

IF YOU LIKE EROTICA TRY "THE HOT BLOOD SERIES","BEAUTY'S PUNISHMENT & BEAUTYS RELEASE, BY Anne Rice", ARE JUST A FEW OF THE BEST.