SexLife: A Novel [Paperback]

a a clifford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2003

Once, the word sex-life had had a meaning. Now there is no life without sex, and within this life, there is no sex as we once knew it. No one had a sex-life anymore. You were having either one or the other. New York City, 2268 A.D. Our world is a social utopia; a place where intellect and talent are the prizes of the day. The subways fly, the taxis have legs and science has advanced humankind to a level where there is no poverty, no crime and no strife. But if you don't have sex five times each day, you will die. All human beings have a disease called CMB which forces them to copulate repeatedly or perish. This ailment has also destroyed the connection between sex and pleasure, turning the act into simple biological maintenance. People are now fragile creatures, unable to reach even the simplest of emotions. Joe is a typical resident of First City, once known as New York. His peaceful life changes after a fateful encounter with Vella, a mysterious and alluring woman. Their union results in a miracle which takes them to erotic passion, ultimate danger, and a truth that will forever change the world's belief in sex and the meaning of life that was once tied to it. a.a. clifford's controversial, thought-provoking story of the future defies genre and comparison. SexLife paints an unforgettable picture of a world of societal perfection without carnal pleasure. This is the first installment of mr. clifford's SexLife trilogy. This edition contain the first chapter of the next installment: Escape To Sex.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

a.a. clifford is.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: HardBooks Publishing (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972480404
• ISBN-13: 978-0972480406
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,245,875 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The rating is more of 3.5, May 8, 2003

By 

K. Kimbrough "kkimbr7" (Bakersfield, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SexLife: A Novel (Paperback)

What if you had to have sex in order to literally live? What would it be like if sex was no longer for pleasure but for survival? Oh my! Most people cannot even imagine, but Gary Hardwick (author of Color of Justice) has imagined this kind of world in his novel, Sex Life as a. a. Clifford.

This futuristic novel takes place in First City, 2268 A.D. Where the world is considered a social Utopia: a place where intellect, talent, beauty are the prize of the day and technology has advanced to a level where there is no poverty and crime . . . and no sex for pleasure.

A disease called CMB has destroyed the connection between sex and pleasure by turning sexual intimacy into a biological function of survival. Now people must have sex five times a day or they will die and all pleasure in the act of sex no longer exist.

Joe, a resident of First City has a survival sexual encounter with a mysterious woman named Vella with whom he experiences miraculous pleasure. These feelings take them on a journey that not only affects them but the world around them.

The premise of this story was so captivating that I knew I would read this book. Clifford painstakingly sets up this society and introduces ideas that no one would ever think of or would ever want to. As a reader I was amazed at the thought and detail that was put into this novel. However, because of the much-needed set up, the story moves slowly. Joe is also written to be very reflective on his life which tends to drag the story as well.

Those who are interested by an alternate universe will find it completely fascinating. You will also be able to appreciate the believability of the social structure. I would recommend this read to someone looking for something a little different and with a lot of patience.

Kotanya
APOOO BookClub

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Futuristic Look at Love, March 17, 2003

By 

J.C. Wallington "jnettefrommi" (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: SexLife: A Novel (Paperback)

Imagine: traveling in motor cars that float, using a subway that beams you up, antidepressants as common as candy, the big sport competition is chess matches, and the corporation you work for hires PSP's (Personal Sex Providers) for their employees and have rooms for copulating because everyone has to have sex five times a day in order to survive. If you were living in the 23rd century or in the year 2268, this would be your norm. a.a. clifford AKA Gary Hardwick presents this and much more in his futuristic sci/fi novel, SexLife.

In the year 2268, all people have a disease known as CMB. The men's fingers start twitching and women get headaches. They must have sex or die. In New City, formerly New York City, philosopher Joe meets his requirements by having sex with various partners. Sex is emotionless and done without deriving any pleasure; just a means of survival. No one believes in real sex anymore. Joe meets a lady named Vella and they experience the unexpected during intercourse where they were just "fixing" each other. After this experience Joe becomes obsessed with having this woman and experiencing this feeling again. But this obsession is dangerous. If the government finds out about it they will want to do laboratory testing on the couple. Vella is married and it is illegal to get a divorce. In spite of this Joe is determined to have this woman and uses friends and situations to his advantage to have this feeling in his life forever.

This was one of the most imaginative books I have read in a while. It was a little tough going in the beginning learning the acronyms and technical workings of life in this particular century. Once that was made clear, I read the rest of the novel with anticipation. The action was not as fast paced as Gary Hardwick's thrillers but it was just as intense and exciting. SexLife is the first in a trilogy in which I will be anxiously awaiting further installments.

Jeanette
APOOO BookClub
Motown Review Book Club

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking Read, June 30, 2003

By 

E. Jubert "texasman61" (Sugar Land, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SexLife: A Novel (Paperback)

I've read all of Gary Hardwick's books, and Sex Life is one worthy of your time and money. The author does a good job of explaining how humanity has 'evolved' into what it now is, and the CMB affliction is a horrible and futuristic possibility I only hope remains fictitional in nature.

It is a story of hope; that humanity, no matter how advanced, will remain dependent on emotional connections between one another.

It is as close to a romance story as I (and most other 'men') will admit to reading, although this is not a gender specific story. It is an explanation of humanity's future, and how two people found one another in an ocean of hopelessness.