Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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60 of 68 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Madonna Like You've Never Seen Her Before, July 17, 2000
Now out-of-print, Madonna's "Sex," book was one of the 1990's greatest hypes due to its' graphic depiction of sex. Where else can you see Madonna strutting down Miami Beach with Vanilla Ice naked, or see her making out with such celebrities as Isabella Rossellini and Naomi Campbell? The book, which was bounded in an orginal format involving two sheets of metal, each numbered, and sealed in a Mylar plastic sleeve is genius. Although it is a book that is highly likely to cause airport security to open your bags, Madonna must have had a reason to do something so creative, yet so risque. Truly, "Sex" remains a classic due to its main goal of reopening the sexual revolution in the evangelicalism the 1990's brought. Homosexuality, lesbianism, and fetishes were all somewhat taboos to be discussed or shown in public, however nowadays attitudes have changed. In some ways, Madonna was a pioneer, and as so, she deserves credit for being the most outrageous, daring woman of the 20th century.
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating Failure, December 5, 2004
When this book came out in 1992, I was surprised how stark the book was and what a dark tone it took on. This was not a fun, erotic book but a rather somber look at sex and relationships. Back then I was turned off and thought Madonna had made a mistake. By all accoounts, it probably was as Madonna's image suffered and her status as 'pioneer' came to an end. It just wasn't as cool to like Madonna anymore. From 1992 to 1995, Madonna could no right in the public's mind, and although songs like 'Secret' and 'Take a Bow' were major hits and proved Madonna was still a musical force to be reckoned with, 'Sex' was the turning point in Madonna's career as cultural icon.
Now 12 years later, 'Sex' actually does carry some merit. It's still amateurish, particularly the packaging (what were they thinking with the binding??) and some of the phots (ie. with the skinhead lesbians and Naomi Campbell, Big Daddy Kane and Vanilla Ice) are pointless and silly, but some of the text is quite sexy, and Madonna explores some provocative themes such as S/M, power dynamics in relationships and bisexuality and homosexuality that are both sexy, insightful and funny.
I think Camille Paglia said it best in her 1992 review in 'Us' Magazine that the best photos in the book were the ones of Madonna on her own. I agree. The pictures of Madonna playing sexy housewife, hitchhiking nude, hand gliding nude and eating pizza in the nude are both voyeuristic and exciting, as Madonna plays out these roles with the sense of humor and fun that we've come to expect. The rest of the book is quite dark and yet you have to admire Madonna for showing the negative side of sex rather than just flashing her body for a quick buck. She actually makes an attempt to be intellectual about sex and pornography.
'Sex' is interesting reading and viewing. It is a fascinating failure. I think Madonna should have gone the route of playing characters rather than interacting with others and she should have concentrated more on the text. She could have also used a more original title.
As for the Christian reviewer who says that Madonna 'regrets' the book. I don't remember Madonna saying she regrets it but she wishes she had presented it in a different way. Deep down, I think she regrets it from a career standpoint but she should be proud of the things that she presented in this book. Her comments at the beginning of the book where she distinguishes fantasies from the dangers of AIDS are pointed and she also poignantly remarks that there is nothing better than sex with love.
In this book, it's almost like Madonna is searching for that love, and this book admirably points out the loneliness and unfulfillment that even sex brings.
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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST HAVE FOR ANY TRUE MADONNA FAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, November 20, 1998
By A Customer
I purchased this book when it was originally released for $50.00.I have recently seen them going for about $250.00 and up.If you own it save it.This book will probably never go back into print again.I strongly recommend this book. It has amazing photos by Steven Meisel.Interesting pictures featuring Madonna,Isabella Rosellini,Ingrid Casares,Naomi Campbell,Big Daddy Kane, and yes even Vanilla Ice.This book will go down in history never before has a singer/actress and now writer released a book which has caused so much controversy.
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