From Publishers Weekly
A follow-up to Giles's Dick for a Day, this collection of essays, poems and stories by men fantasizing about becoming endowed with female genitalia for 24 hours contains neither profundity nor insight, although it is amusing and, at times, fascinating. From novelists Rick Moody and Alexander Theroux to NPR correspondent Andrei Codrescu to poets Jeremy Reed and Richard Foerster, a legion of acclaimed wordsmiths both straight and gay weigh in. In her excellent introduction, Giles explains that for many of the women who contributed to the previous collection, putting on maleness gave them a sense of belonging and freedom, whereas femininity, for the men, was often a joke. She writes, "For men to put on femaleness is to stand out as comically shocking, or at least flamboyantly frivolous. If the female costume is exaggerated, this is funny not because women are powerful but because womanhood appears to be an inherently risible option within patriarchy." Few men in the collection actuZally explore what it means to be female in our society. Most of the pieces, like Justin Chin's "Marianne Faithfull's Cunt" and Ronald Sukenick's "Womanizer," focus solely on sex, and plenty of it. Not surprisingly, masturbation (with and without accessories) also proves to be a popular theme. Although some writers gain some insight into male behavior through their exploits, most are content to tire themselves out, along with their new equipment, as quickly as possible. The result is a humorous romp through male fantasy that includes a great deal of primping, pouting and posing. Agent, Elaine Markson. (Feb.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
A one-trick collection of essays, short stories, poems, and one-liners, each of which, turning the tables on Giless previous anthology, Dick for a Day (not reviewed), has men imagining becoming a woman for one day. Some of the 38 talented contributors bear such familiar names as Andrei Codrescu, but most will be better known to alternative-press readers. They become female by having an operation, taking part in a government experiment, using a magic wish-fulfilling machine, or experiencing a miracle. Their initial reaction is usually surprise and intrigue over their new body; some writers stew over picking a perfect name for their vagina. Many feel empowered, wanting to achieve an orgasm as quickly as possible, either by sex or masturbation or, in Bayard Johnsons case, by horseback riding. Others tackle difficulties women can face, from harmless nuisances (getting unwanted looks and passes) to being raped or physically abused, as in South African writer and director Ian Kerkhofs Sometimes It Aint Easy Being a Gal. Bernard Cohen remains a woman long enough to give birth, while Bruce Bauman offers insight into a womans experiencing the loss of ego and confidence that comes with the inability to have a child. Another poignant piece is Bill Bueges poem, which explores being an old, lonely woman with turkey-wattle arms. Although Gerald Locklin does not relish the idea of being female (Actually, I would probably kill myself), John Vanderslices character is so pained by the feeling of loss after being transformed back to a man that he has to call in sick to work. In the end, most characters find their experience a day to love my vagina for giving me the power of a new manner of feeling and compassion and wisdom. Diverting and at times amusing, yet not particularly thought-provoking. --
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