Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not bad, but not erotic either!, 17 Jun 2007
There are two reasons I had to read this book. One is because it's an incredibly popular book in certain circles (i.e. people involved with erotica), and number two is because it had some poor reviews on Amazon, and I had to see whether they were right or not. I'm going with not. The reason most of these people have slagged off the book is because of the content, rather than the writing. And, at the end of the day, if you don't agree with someone sleeping around, then why on earth read the book? It's stated exactly what the book is about - "An erotic memoir" kind of gives it away. So I don't agree with those people for giving the book a bad review because of their beliefs. At the end of the day, it's each to their own, and if that's the way Suzanne wants to live her life then it's up to nobody but her, and we shouldn't judge.
So I took the book on face value, and got stuck in right away. I actually admire her honesty. It takes someone with a lot of guts to write a true life book like this under their own name, and I've seen first hand that she does get some stick for it. But hopefully, she just takes it with a pinch of salt.
I enjoyed the book because a great deal of it was about breaking the rules. Suzanne has done pretty much everything that is frowned upon by "society" - sleeping around, going to swingers clubs and bars, etc etc. She's lived a naughty and dangerous life and has seen fit to write about it, probably to open many people's eyes. Mine were already wide open considering my writing and some of the people I mix with (primarily on the internet), but I'd personally love to see the reactions of some people walking down the street where Suzanne talks about Rio's being and realising what the place is. It's amazing how much people can sweep under the carpet when they don't want to deal with it.
I think Portnoy was incredibly brave to write and publish her book. I think the writing is pretty good, and although I didn't find it particularly erotic (it's written in a rather matter of fact way, rather than a blow by blow account of sexual encounters), I did find it interesting, and I got an insight into the swinging world and its inner workings. I think if this book had been written anonymously, and published as fiction, people would have praised it. But because there's a name and a face to the things she's done, people attack her.
I do, however, feel a little sorry for Portnoy. Although she's done things that people would consider to be wrong, there is a heart under that confident exterior, and she is still searching for someone to look after it. But perhaps publishing this book under her own name and airing her dirty laundry means that many men will probably run a mile after discovering her past, and she's made it a lot harder for herself to find a decent guy to love her for what she is, rather than what she's done. I do hope she can find that guy, and doesn't get caught in the trap of sleeping around for the rest of her life.
A gripping read. As I said, I didn't find it particularly erotic due to the way it was written, but I did find it interesting, and I praise Portnoy for showing the world exactly what goes on behind closed doors. She may not be an angel, but nor are many of the people she's associated with. Those who aren't easily offended, give this book a go!
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28 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A gripping and honest read, 1 Aug 2006
This is one of the best books I've read in years and had me gripped night after night, fighting sheer physical exhaustion just to read another chapter before succumbing to slumber. No, not just for the explicitness of the descriptions of the sex (which are pretty erotic indeed), but for the absolute frankness and emotional honesty which led to them being the way they are. The author has clearly been on a huge emotional journey as well as a sexual one and the way she lays her soul (as well as her body) bare in this pageturner has to be admired. She's clearly a great person as well as a great writer. All power to her pen! If you're a prude, just don't read this. If you're open enough to discuss sexual matters, you'll really enjoy this.
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38 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I couldn't put it down (it certainly raised the pulse), 6 Sep 2006
Stuck at Heathrow I saw this book and thought seems like an interesting and thought provoking read also a change from the usual Dan Brown rubbish.
Firstly where was this woman when I was looking for a release from everyday life!
Suzanne Portnoy is open frank and forward in her views of life, love and lust which is so refreshing from wanna be erotic memoirs which this book isn't - it really is the 'real deal'.
The life which unfolds in her gripping read is one that astonishes and arouses in equal measure showing us all that desire has no boundaries and most importantly life is for living whatever track we choose.
I like many readers eagerly await the next book in her series and hope that it is as inspiring mentally and physically as the first one.
One tip maybe wait to read the book until you get to your hotel I was sat most uncomfortabley for 6 hours and was like a rabid dog once I got off the plane in NY !
I am in admiration of this woman and what she has done (jealous as well)
Paul from London
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