Raunchy reads, pt 2.
Welcome back to a fresh round of raunchy reads, where I share some books i’ve read lately that explore different topics/stories around sexuality!! As per, I’ve chosen books from a variety genres, so whether you love a good tale or something more abstract, there’s something for all!
1. A Language of Limbs, by Dylin Hardcastle.
Ugh, this book absolutely swept me up and took me away!! This is a seriously well-written novel, that switches characters chapter for chapter, giving you two parallel perspectives to follow at once (that oh so beautifully intertwine). The story follows the lives of two teenage best friends who, after a brief sexual encounter, go on to pursue very different lives. The book explores themes of sexuality, relationships & grief, with a heavy emphasis on decision making. The book is set in Australia in the 70s and 80s, in a time where homophobia was rampant and when the AIDs epidemic really ripped through the community. Dylin does justice to how tough I imagine it would have been to be queer during this period of history. It is heartbreaking, heartwarming and all round beautiful.
2. Transland, Consent, Kink & Pleasure by Mx Sly.
Transland is a brutally honest and raw memoir by non-binary author Mx Sly. Transland is a collection of stories, memories and encounters from a life spent exploring kink, queerness and desire. Mx Sly is careful not to sugarcoat things, and reminds us that all communities, even those labelled as inclusive, have flaws, judgement and dangerous people. This book is not a guide or an erotica style read, it is visceral, deeply personal story of becoming. If you’re interested in kink, consent, power, submission or gender dynamics, this may be the one for you. I really enjoyed it and felt I gained a lot from such a generous author whom was willing to share their life. This book is at times not an easy read, so a content warning is necessary; this book contains descriptions of some sexually explicit content, childhood trauma and sexual assault.
3. The Art of Arousal, by Ruth Westheimer.
A stunning book for the collection! The Art of Arousal celebrates the expression of eroticism through art spanning across all of history. The pages are filled with incredible mixed media art pieces, paired with musings from the author, Ruth. Ruth was a sex therapist herself and provides insightful and interesting commentary on the pieces. The book catalogues more than 100 erotic art pieces from all over the world, increasing in sauciness as you read on. A great coffee table book for those with an interest in sensual art or anyone who feels inspired/tickled in the pickle by some imagery.
4. On Sex Work: A Reader, No, 1. Collated by Tilly Lawless
A zine sized gem with a big message. Collated by Tilly Lawless – an author, sex worker and activist, featuring her writing and that of three other sex workers. Each author provides a short essay exploring a different intersectionality of their work; such race, gender, sexuality, activism. It’s so valuable to read first-hand accounts of a lived experience in the sex work industry and understand how this differs from what we are led to believe by the mainstream narrative.