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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 3, 2001)
‘Mildly Perverted’ author offers candid tales ■Jonathan Ames has made himself known with his dry humor and casual approach to telling his stories By Mason West Oregon Daily Emerald “I had my first colonic the oth er day, and for me, it was a dream come true.” Writer Jonathan Ames does such an incredible job finding opening sentences that it seemed only appropriate to use one of his. His rare ability to write casually about having tubes stuck up his butt with the intent of washing out the bow els is captivatingly honest. The above quote begins a sto ry called “I Shit My Pants in the South of France,” one of 33 vi gnettes in his latest book, “What’s Not To Love? — The Adventures of a Mildly Pervert ed Young Writer” (Vintage Books, $13). Like his opening sentences, Ames picks his titles (both of the book and the sto ries) with care. The book’s title perfectly explains the inexplica ble material it contains. However, “Mildly Perverted” may be an understatement, de pending on individual tolerance for filth. Ames writes about sleeping with transsexuals who have had “the surgery,” calling ho mosexual phone-sex lines, endors ing his friend’s brand of prosthetic vaginas and engaging in more mas turbation than a sailor could ever fathom. If it were fiction, it would only take a mildly perverted person to imagine the material. But this book is not fiction. It is a memoir. These are his personal experiences and thoughts. Somehow, Ames is able to take these events with which most peo ple would not claim association and tell them openly and comfort ably. And it is fuh-nee\ But this book is not entirely new material to the public. Many of the stories are columns he wrote for the New York Post. Still, the small vignettes can be read over and over without losing their punch. Ames’s dry humor is covered up by the ex otic nature of what he writes about. The most enjoyable thing about his writing style is his frankness. That’s why the leads are so good. He writes about topics in a simple way that instantly connects read ers to his memories in a very per sonal way. In the story “Roxanne of the Jer sey Shore,” he writes the following passage: “She was only sixteen and her shirt came off and her erect nipples were like extra-long rubber pencil erasers.” Ames was 18 years old when this happened, so it’s not as per verted as it could be. Later in life, he tends to just think about rav aging 16-year-old girls. Still, his topics get much more graphic. Ames writes so well that his per versions don’t seem perverted. In stead of isolating himself with his stories, he draws readers in and makes them feel empathy for him. Here we get back to the title ques tion: “What’s Not to Love?” Even though Ames is only talk ing about himself, the book has a counseling quality. Ames’ open ness with his perversions by de fault makes it OK for other people to be perverted. It’s like Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet,” only for perverts. Both books’ chapters stand alone and can be turned to for guidance in times of need. Ames’s chapter “An Erection is a Felony” could be called “On Voyeurism.” Ames is not condoning his ac tions — just telling a story. He tells of his negative consequences (such as venereal diseases and an illegiti mate son) as much as his triumphs. So, if anybody gets arrested for indecent exposure, don’t say, “Jonathan Ames made me do it.” Mason West is the senior Pulse reporter at the Oregon Daily Emerald. He can be reached at masonwest@dailyemerald.com. VI OR better than using your hand. Your hand is not an MP3 player. More than just a personal organizer - with optional Springboard modules, you can turn Visor into a phone, an MP3 player or any number of handy devices. «! hlwlspring' r yood oniy with the pi Great student discount: Visor Deluxe only $159.99 PLUS free case* ($49.95 value) with purchase. For a limited time and only at your school bookstore. 1 Springboard modules sold separately. Wireless service required for communication module(s). ‘ nase of :J VlS0r Deluxe bought July 15. 2001. through October 1!i. 2001, at participating resellers Receive bifold leather case at register at time of purchase only while supplies last. Restrictions apply Features Editor: Lisa Toth lisatoth@dailyemerald .com Wednesday, October 3,2001
