Book of Men

The Book of Men reflects "stories" from her life and relationships. She writes from experiences in a natural voice that anyone can understand. I believe one of the most natural reads for me since I started reading poetry. Her feminine viewpoint is quite insightful to the male viewpoint, understanding what most women can't about the male psyche, even experienced women. The book is not all testosterone driven though. She touches on the vietnam war, pop icons like superman, music icons like Cher and the Beatles, and her mother's dementia (a topic close to my heart with my father). Dorianne allows us to connect with her on an equal playing field as if we've been there and done that too. There is something that everyone can connect to. If you haven't you most certainly will experience some of these normal life experiences that she uniquely shares in a sometimes humorous voice. This is my first time reading poetry from Laux and the first time I didn't feel overwhelmed in trying to understand it's meaning. Does that mean it's superficial? No. It means she writes fluidly and simply but by all means is not simple. I look forward to reading some of her older books. I know, maybe I should have read them in sequence and than again regressing might be quite enjoyable. I definitely recommend this book, especially if you enjoy men! 

-Liz

got a minute?

   So I continue to venture into the world of erotica written by others. To gain an understanding of the variety that exists and hopefully expand my own scope of personal desires and writing skills. If I had been younger I might not have even thought to read this book. As a female, quick or quickies didn't always add up to satisfaction. We take a bit longer to warm up. Has a lot to do with experience, knowing your body well, and what it responds to in order to reach that summit. In this phase of my life I've learned to enjoy all aspects of sexual experiences whether quickies or longies. I took longer than normal to read this book for two reasons. One, the short stories were SO short you could pick it up and put it down literally within minutes, forget about it for  days/weeks or pick it up several times in a day. Two, they didn't all excite me that much, which has a lot to do with mood and that fact that when it got good it was over, like bad sex can really be. If I was in the mood to read, I'd reach for another book that could retain my attention for a couple of hours. The variety of stories/scenarios was interesting to the say the least. Some of the stories were amazing for the few pages they lasted. When I really think about it I'd say it was more focused on the acts versus the characters. We all know when we really read a normal length story the buildup to the climax drives us crazy because we just want to get to the climax. Well here you have it, climax after climax! Hehehe... I do recommend the book though. For our hectic lifestyle this does allow for much easier reading and variety is the spice of life.

Got a minute? Go buy your copy!
-Liz

The Almond

The Almond.

The author shares the account of a Arab girl's youth and womanhood (Badra) living in the Muslim state of Imchouk, where sexual repression existed in her life. Married at the young age of sixteen to a forty year old man, the expectation was to bear sons. She endures much humiliation and suffering throughout this loveless marriage. Eventually she boldly flees to the city of Tangiers to reside with her aunt.
A city completely contrasting to the world as she knows it. She meets and falls in love with a doctor (Driss), who has an extensive sexual appetite. He opens her world to desires and appetites she didn't know existed. It evolves into a ten year relationship, evolving into the painful reality of a love that exists between them but he cannot acknowledge as he continues sexual escapades with many others. She summons up the courage to break away from him. Over ten years pass where she loses herself in her sexuality with numerous men attempting to fill the voids of her lost love and broken heart. Eventually they come into contact once again when he shares the news of his cancer. She takes him back until his passing.
The story is told fluctuating between her youth and current life. The sex is explicitly described in a manner that is clever, unique and surprising.  It has a strong feminine sultry viewpoint. Customs are described and explained, both educational as well as shocking.  It was a refreshing distinct read, which I recommend.

Quite edible and cultivating!!!

-Liz

Deep Inside

Can I just say? Wowwwwww

This book is damn hawwwttt!!!

Reading is always an entertaining experience; you're placed in another world, another experience, that you would not necessarily have otherwise known.  Diving deep inside supernatural stories...even more exciting! Diving deep inside supernatural sex stories.... SCRUMPTIOUS! I'm amazed at the imagination of others, details I might not conjure up in my own mind. Can you say warped? Yet, I couldn't put the book down except in between the stories, and sometimes when it was necessary. I couldn't read more than one story at a time, I became so aroused that "hot and bothered" ME... needed a shower.  I cannot lie, I also at times became alarmed. The more violent aspects did not arouse me, if anything it disturbed me. They're a lot of things in this world that are warped and disturb me. Who are we to judge? Are we not a product of our environment, so to speak? If you don't like this type of read, than don't buy the book.  I'm not even going to spoil it and give details, it's a must read! I was curious, I quenched my curiosity. Remember this isn't for the faint of heart, if you like romance novels for the lovey dovey aspect, this is not the book for you. My mind will never look at sex the same. Sex is better than any drug and most certainly alters your state of mind forever, way past that immediate moment of luscious gratification. Just proof that your mind is the most powerful sex organ. I'm hawwwttt again just thinking about it! ; )

Excerpt from" The Threshold":
But she pulled away from me. I wondered where she could be. Then I felt my blindfold being removed and I saw a man in a hood suddenly before me! He loomed like a giant- naked, muscular. And the size of that thing! His dick was enormous. The woman was now pulling my legs apart, roughly, no longer soothing. The man was stroking his cock as he moved between my knees. And it seemed to grow even more. A leather strap appeared in his hands, and he wrapped it around his balls and cock. I glanced at the man. And once again his member grew. It would hurt like a knife slicing through me and yet this was how it was supposed to happen...

Enough said...

-Liz

    

FOR THE LOVE OF WORDS

      Since I can remember, I always loved to read. It could be anything. My father was an avid reader. One of the most intelligent people I know, studied at John Jay. Retired NYC detective and Security Lieutenant  for NY Stock Exchange. It was because of him I learned to appreciate Patterson, Clancy, Grisham, and Crichton. My reading went into other genres as well, from romance as a younger girl to horror and beyond. While my friends were reading romance still as young women, I was reading espionage, political plots and crime novels. I remember how engrossed I would get in a book, never wanting to put it down. Allowing myself to escape into another world. A realm alive with action, drama and amazing characters. I'd bang out a book in two days if it was good.  Words...are amazing!!! If written well can stir emotions, concoct visions in your head and create deep soulful connections. My passion for the word never left me, but I abandoned them in a life I was busy living.
    So, I decided it was time to start really reading again. All my available time is invested in writing and art, although even my artwork has somewhat taken a back seat. Liz will have to balance and schedule her time to do ALL the things she wants! I'll make it happen too. But, I thought It would be great to share my experiences in my book reading by giving reviews and summaries. Initially, I thought it would be wise to just review erotica. I realize it may be a bit much to have my head in sex 24-7, it gets me a bit twisted...okay, a lot twisted! So I need a breather occasionally. So...for the love of words...for the love of fantasies...for the love of excitement...for the love of thrillers...for the love, I shall once again live in the minds of others.
As a lover in your heart...
And...
As some of you share in my mind...
And...
Our world...
For the love of words...
-Liz

sharks in the rivers

     As a "Queens" girl I've never viewed myself as a city girl, although many would beg to differ. If you're from anyone of the five boroughs you're a city kid. There's no denying or hiding in Ana the reflection of her environment within her poetry. I enjoyed how she touched on the simple aspects of daily life. This is my second contemporary poetry book. I definitely connected with her loneliness, sadness, wanting to abandon her immediate environment, and craving for so much more. Her poetry somehow gave me comfort in knowing that I'm not the only individual that has deep layers of sentiment. Sentiments she gracefully  simplifies and complicates in poetic words and imagery. It feels natural, easy and deep. I enjoyed her unique writing style. I recommend this book. There may not be many books I will not recommend, but that is because I am falling in love with poetry. Open to change always, makes me open to others voices and with that new knowledge, how will that altar my own voice? Curious...

My favorite poem...

"Crush" 

Maybe my limbs are made

mostly for decoration-

the way I feel about

persimmons. You can't

really eat them. Or you

wouldn't want to. If you grab

the soft skin with your fist

it somehow feels funny,

like you've been here

before, and uncomfortable

too, like you'd rather

squish it between your teeth

impatiently, before spitting 

the soft parts back up

to linger on the tongue

like burnt sugar or guilt.

For starters, it was all

an accident; you cut

the right branch

and a sort of light

woke up underneath, 

and the inedible fruit

grew dark and needy.

Think crucial hanging.

Think crayon orange.

There is one low, leaning

heart-shaped globe left

and dearest, can you

tell, I am trying 

to love you less.

The Bad Wife Handbook

 

The Bad Wife Handbook

Poems by Rachel Zucker

I'm not sure where to begin. You see, I felt a connection to the poetry, and yet a disconnection as well. I was moved literally, forced to go in many directions. Wit is required to read this poetry. There were things that went over my head. Which makes me determined to go back and read it again, and I'm sure again after that. If I had to describe this poetry in minimal words... disorienting, scattered, conflicted, pressured, angered, lustful and ambiguous. She shares life as a poet, wife, and mother. Two out of three have consumed most of my adult life and enabled me to read in between the lines, not a requirement to enjoy. Lots of innuendos, contradictions, observations, and shared experiences were cleverly written. She made it simple yet complex, made it subjective, made me feel, made me think, and see outside my normal view (whatever that is); I'm trying to figure out my own gift wrapped box, that is my life. I'm just beginning to live in the world of poetry, as my first contemporary read it offers something very personal and something very global in which women can relate. It clarified the importance of "element of surprise". I don't know why I chose this book first, actually I do. The title chose me because of the energy flowing in my life. No one's perfect. Aren't we all at times, a bad wife?

-Liz

Affection...an erotic memoir

     Affection follows the path of Krissy Kneen's life journey, from the compulsive sexual self-exploration of her childhood to her experiences as a young woman for whom the world is a sexual playground. Brave and honest in her assessment of her own sexual addictions. Bold indeed, comes to mind when I think of Krissy, even in her fear. I admire the raw exposure of inner most feelings, thoughts, and details.  Intimidating and liberating.

     Her story gradual drags you into the deep trenches of her insatiable lust. Her sexual nature battling to be free, even before understanding the meaning of it all. At first feeling light, airy and naive as a young girl protected in the bubble of her squeaky clean world by domineering matriarchal females. Determined to abide by her instinctual need to break away, eventually she does. Thrown a curve ball by life, she struggles but none the less lives in ways most of us never do or have or will.  

     This book stirs all emotions. She is witty, funny, strong, delicate, sassy, smart and beautiful in so many ways. She keeps it real, which allows you to connect. Empathizing and sympathizing with parallel events in your own sexuality. I recommend this book for males and females alike, insightful for all. I enjoyed this book so much, my only regret is that I took so long to read.  I need to prioritize my time better for my love of words.

-Liz

    

Juxtapoz Erotica

     Let's first explain what Juxtapoz is, for those who may not know.
Juxtapoz Art & Culture Magazine was created in 1994 by a group of artists and collectors including Robert Williams, Fausto Vitello, C.R. Stecyk III (aka: Craig Stecyk), Greg Escalante, and Eric Swenson to both help define and celebrate urban alternative and underground contemporary art. It was edited from 1996 to 2006 by Jamie O'Shea. Juxtapoz is published by High Speed Productions, the same company that publishes Thrasher Skateboard magazine.
     Juxtapoz launched with the mission of connecting modern genres like psychedelic and hot rod art, graffiti, street art, and illustration, to the context of broader more historically recognized genres of art like Pop, assemblage, old master painting, and conceptual art. Although based in San Francisco, Juxtapoz was founded upon the belief in the virtues of Southern California Pop Culture and the freedom from the conventions of the "established" New York art world. Ferus Gallery, run by Walter Hopps and Irving Blum in the 1950s and 1960s was the ultimate cultural touchstone for the magazine.
As of 2009 it has the largest circulation of any art magazine in the United States.
     As an erotica author, I have definitely experienced the stigma that comes with writing erotica. So many people confuse erotica with pornography. They are two completely different arenas. The same applies for erotic art. Sexuality is depicted as metaphors for other themes or concepts. The images are enthralling, captivating, fascinating, charismatic, disturbing and alluring. I found myself staring at images endlessly trying to interpret the artist's meaning behind the images. But...as an artist and writer, my main concern is not others approval...my concern is that it stirs some sort of reaction, regardless of what kind because it doesn't matter. And art, is all about interpretation...emotions...reactions. We're all going to see something different anyway, that's inevitable and it's also okay. If you love art, you'll love this book. If you love sexuality, you'll really love this book. This obviously is a book to add to  your collection or possibly start one.  
I recommend this book.
-Liz

Dark Bites: Four Tales of Horror

 

   I know!!! My sexy peeps...It's not erotica, but I needed to read something other than that and take my mind away from sex for once!!! Hahaha...LOL 

I know you would appreciate a review, regardless! ; )

     I haven't read a horror book in quite awhile. I'm a huge fan of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I've read 10 of Stephen King's, so I have a lot of catching up to do. Mostly the original and most well known like: The Shining-Carrie-Cujo-Fire Starter-Pet Sematary-It-Dream Catcher-The Dark Half-The Stand-The Dead Zone. It...scared the crap out of me, that was no joke!!! The kind that makes it difficult to sleep at night. As to movies, not a fan of bloody gore like Friday the 13th. I prefer movies that actually scare the crap out of you, the intelligent suspenseful way. I mention all of this because I believe that it takes talent and finesse to achieve this result, maybe even a severely warped mind. I would imagine lots of research, seclusion and getting into a zone. Something that comes with years of doing and perfecting.
     I started reading this book at night after I climbed in bed to go to sleep, best time to read horror.
It consists of five stories. Windy City of the Dead: zombies, Like Cats and Dogs: werewolves, Red Planet: a vampire, 848: a sadistic killer, and As the Crow Flies: sequel to Windy City. I enjoyed that the protagonists were all women. They are diverse as each story and the stories don't all end in happily ever after, which is cool and realistic. Windy City I felt was the scariest story and led me to read this book during the day only, okay so maybe I'm a scaredy cat. I was also surprised at how it ended. Like cats and dogs was one of my two favorites, interesting... the concept of were animals, not all wolves and the legend behind it. 848, was my other favorite. Terrifying because it was realistic. Showing how vulnerable we can really be when we trust others and how warped some individuals are in this world. Red planet was cool, set in a futuristic setting and a vampire who is the last of her kind. Devising a plan to prevent extinction and the irony as to how it evolves. This could have actually been a novel in itself, if the author had chosen to do so. Plenty of vampire stories out there but they are not set in the future. As the crow flies shows how we can take fate in our own hands and look fear in the face. Dire times, are when we prove to be our best and find the courage to get past our fears.
     I enjoyed this book. If you love to get scared shitless in an intense way, this book won't do it for you...if scare factor is all you seek. However, you will feel fright, alarm, anticipation, compassion, curiosity, sadness and certainly empathy/sympathy for the characters. This book will only take a small bite out of your time and pocket. And...it didn't hurt, not one bit!

     -Liz

Bitten...Dark Erotic Stories, edited by Susie Bright

          Prior to publishing my book, I intentionally did not read any erotica. You would think, I would have done the opposite.  I already knew that my expressive writing style was different than what was out there. Usually, an intelligent writer will research their market first and see what's doing well or where the void is...and fill that void. Aside from loving your art form and naturally wanting to do it because that's where your talent lies, your passion lies and your desire to create lies...ultimately, this is our livelihood...being able to live off the sweat of our backs, so to speak. Easier said than done. 

          I mention this because, it is blatantly obvious that all of these writers chosen to be compiled in this book are extremely talented. When reading is effortless and enjoyable, you know it was a job well done. Imagination takes flight in all sorts of stories, stemming from the darkest sides of our souls, hearts and minds. Sexuality has so much depth, maybe more than most of us ever contemplated. It all seeps from our pores in distinct formations as a result of our own experiences in life, good and evil. How do you know what's out there? Where do you begin to explore? Do you really see sexuality for what it really is or what it really can be? 

         I recommend this book. Short stories are great to just pick and read at any moment you have time. You can start a story and complete it in that session. I became extremely aroused on several occasions, to the point that I had to put the book down. As a writer, I can arouse myself when I write my own stories and that is part of the goal...no? Besides entertaining also? These stories opened my mind to other possibilities...with sex as well as with future writings I may choose to do. Reading is a safe way to do some exploration...if your curious. Curiosity may kill the cat...but in this case, it will only enlighten you and entertain you.

Worth picking up!

I was smitten...by Bitten.

     -Liz

Slow Sippin'

 

     So I followed some paths and came across the work of this poet, named Chris Styles.  He writes urban poetry. Brooklyn Boy...with much flare and big heart for writing. As with most writers, something dramatic or traumatic happens...an event that magnifies and amplifies feelings, that compels a poet/author to write. Love...seems to touch us all, there's no escaping it. I really enjoyed reading his poetry. It's refreshing, honest, raw, real, touching, funny, sad and sexy. He is indeed, quite witty!
     Some of us look our entire lives for THE RIGHT ONE, and never find it. Some of us find the right one and lose them, but what's interesting are the "stories" entwined in the ever-growing vine of love. Each different and unique. Question here is...why do we make such great friends and lose that when we become lovers? Why does a friendship evolve into a relationship? He eloquently breaks down the stages of a relationship into: Nice to meet you (intro to a new love interest and being ready emotionally), love raw and uncut, (falling in love-our senses giving way to emotions as opposed to common sense) pain (love's alter ego, a difficult feeling to deal with on any level), and erotic me (mental sex-speaking to the soul and how the body follows).
     You will definitely be able to connect to his feelings and his situations, which in fact, are ours as well. His poetry makes me reflect on my own life and the love within it. As to relationships, I believe that a love relationship, true love...is always based in friendship. The key is to balance that, where both the friend and the lover can exist because than you're getting the best of both worlds. The best of him and the best of her. Every so often, I go back and read a poem again. What I find, is that I learn something new each time. Gaining more insight and understanding of the meaning of the poem. Even, insight into the male mind. I recommend this book, I especially recommend reading it while your relaxing and doing some slow sippin'.
For the love of words...
; ) Liz