The Best American Erotica 2001 (Best American Erotica)

In The Best American Erotica 2001, Marge Piercy introduces us to the nerd kid sex club, Nathan Englander explores the addictive power of a peep show, Jerry Stahl relates a dare from an extremely demanding girlfriend, and Dani Shapiro proves the difference between the fantasy and the reality of losing your virginity.

Twenty-two of America's finest writers bring something for everyone in The Best American Erotica 2001, which will gratify Susie Bright's fans and entice newcomers to her bestselling and always arousing series.

Contributors

Todd Belton Marge Piercy Cara Bruce Matt Bernstein Sycamore Tsaurah Litzky Nathan Englander Ginu Kamani Joe Maynard Wendy Becker Jerry Stahl Dani Shapiro Dodie Bellamy Dan Taulapapa McMullin Claire Tristram James Williams M. J. Rose Damian Grace Wade Krueger Rosalind Christine Lloyd Charles Flowers Hanne Blank Jack Murnighan

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.


This Is NOT Penthouse Letters   November 26, 2001
 21 out of 21 found this review helpful

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!)


THIS IS NOT THE BEST OF AMERICIAN EROTICA   August 21, 2001
 10 out of 26 found this review helpful

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.


Coasting   June 13, 2001
 11 out of 20 found this review helpful

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.


too subtle   March 2, 2001
 17 out of 26 found this review helpful

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.