Naughty Stories from A to Z, Volume 4, Book Review, Alison Tyler, Pretty Things Press, erotica, erotic fiction, sexy stories, Charlie Anders, Thomas Roche


	• EROS CITIES• EROTICA / ZINE• MASTHEAD • ADVERTISE

erotica

fiction

gallery

lifestyles

bdsm

sexy spreads

free speech x-press

eros bits

sexual intelligence

reviews

clubs

las vegas archives

eros photo
classified ads

about eros zine

Sponsored Links

2-20-2007

A complex smattering of elements can lead to the simple feeling of arousal. In one way or another, most of us come to find that we have quirky things that get us in the mood: spanking, dirty talk, voyeurism ... etc. Personally, reading erotica is one of my big turn-ons; this may be because I'm a writer. The successful sale of numerous erotica volumes leads me to believe that I am, by far, not the only one who enjoys a devious story. Most recently, Eros Zine kindly asked me to read the compilation titled Naughty Stories from A to Z, Volume 4 from Pretty Things Press. Being presented with a collection that is already up to volume four instantly intrigued me, and it did not disappoint. With a foreword by well-published pervy writer Marilyn Jaye Lewis and an extra story for the infamously naughty letter K, many fun nights of my own were inspired by these stories.

One could easily look at this book as erotica on-the-go, thanks to all the stories being under 10 pages long. If you prefer overtly copious amounts of detail, then this series is not for you. That does not mean that each story doesn't uncover its own medley of nasty nuances, but this collection is more about getting you randy before the water on the stove boils than enveloping you in literary prose. Focusing in on one story in particular is very difficult because, to put it simply, each story is so very individual. No sexual situation is repeated throughout the book; an intentional goal of the book's editor, I'm sure. Laid out in alphabet format, Volume 4 jumps right in with a passionate Ménage à trois for letter A and keeps the heat coming throughout the other 26 stories, including a stimulating Zamboni ride and an almost bizarre kitchen romp at the end.

As previously mentioned, the sheer variety of situations featured in the stories kept me interested for the whole ride. That is part of the joy of compilations in general: guaranteed range. Well-known San Francisco writers Charlie Anders and Eros Zine's own Thomas Roche both offer unique tales that sparked my desire for action in the span of just a few paragraphs. Another joy of story collections is the chance they give you to meet lesser-known erotica writers, many of whom are trying to make a name for themselves through these types of books. Each author's unique voice slides in seamlessly between the words of their tales, making me hopeful for this series to continue. A particular standout tale was that for the letter R: Rose's Vibrator. Told from the perspective of a newly-purchased sex toy, you feel a bit like an observer as well as a perfectly complimented third person while a couple explores the sensations (physically and emotionally) that adult novelties can provide.

If not just for sensual stimulation, erotica collections are also a delectable snapshot of the sexual curiosities of our time. An older woman lusting after a younger man is highlighted in "Call Me Jenny;" what it truly means to be a slave is profiled in "Everything That You Want;" high school fantasies are (finally) played out "In Brendan’s Room;" shopping for office furniture becomes much more enjoyable in "Trying It For Size:" getting off in the 21st century is captured by these types of stories. Re-reading the first lines of any of these tales brings back vivid memories of where I was, who I was with, and what I ended up doing thanks to the inspiration of these written works. In 20 years, erotica tomes will be the perfect place to recount and recollect on the sexual environment of our culture, from where it has come to where it is going. Meant as inspiration for our imaginations, our own sensuous encounters will easily be driven by these collections. We are not destined to repeat these tales word for word, but to use them to make our own pleasures more passionate, more intense, and more fulfilling.

This morning, upon mentioning I was working on this book's review, my boyfriend gave me a delicious quote worth adding, "I haven't even read the book and I love it. Are you doing more?" Intrigued, inspired, or even aroused by these readings, Volume 4 of Naughty Stories from A to Z will be one book I'll gladly display on my bookshelf (even if my mom comes to visit); maybe I'll even try writing some of my own flights of fancy.

Naughty Stories from A to Z, Volume 4 can be purchased at Amazon.com or at your local bookstore.

Naughty Stories from A to Z, Vol. 4 - by Victoria Everman Top of the Guide


Privacy \| Terms & Conditions \| About Eros \| 2257 Exemption \| DMCA \| Contact \| © 1997-2008 Darkside Productions, Inc.