New erotica gives guilty pleasure Jacquelyn Lewis Pulse Editor It is the dead of winter — the per fect season to spend an afternoon curled up with a good book. And the term “reading for pleasure” takes on a whole new meaning with “The Best American Erotica 2003: 10th An niversary Edition.” While the 348-page volume is a virtual treasure trove for the senses, the content may cause readers who aren’t familiar with the genre (like me) to blush — the stories are color ful and well-written. The sections readers might label as pure smut are so only because that’s exactly what their authors intended them to be. They are guilty-pleasure selections the reader will remember later—recalled snippets sure to elicit secretive grins in public. The book, edited by well-known erotica and sexuality author Susie Bright, contains works from new au thors as well as old pros, including Susanna Kaysen, the author of “Girl, Interrupted,” and an engaging sec tion from Chuck Palahniuk’s novel, “Choke.” The writing ranges from subtly titillating to full-on nasty. From heterosexual to homosexual to anywhere in between, “The Best American Erotica” serves up smor gasbord of sex — there is literally something for everyone. The volume’s most surprising sto ry is Susan Volchok’s “How We Did It,” a selection notable more for its infusion of tenderness and vulnera bility than its graphic scenes. Be neath the folds of Volchok’s descrip tive words describing a lengthy affair lie profound, universal truths about love. Her work is a tingling combina tion of romance and sexiness. Bright also included interviews i 0 « h I ANKiVKM ARY I0ITI6N with several prominent erotica au thors, including their favorite leisure activities (reading and having sex took first place) as well as how their families react to their work. The au thors’ answers reveal that sex writ ers aren’t perverts locked in closets, but rather “normal” everyday peo ple. After all, there is nothing strange about enjoying sex. Thus, we arrive at the most re Courtesy deeming quality of “The Best Ameri can Erotica”: Amidst the carnival of strange positions and echoing moans, there’s a universal human connection that even the most prud ish reader must recognize. Recommended with a sly grin, get your own copy at bookstores in February. Contact the pulse editor atjacquelynlewis@dailyemerald.com. Scene continued from page 5 pattern with a giant circular skylight topping it off. The elevators are pris tine and virtually silent, adorned with giant mirrors. My favorite location is the brows ing room on the second floor — the place where all the magazines and newspapers are held. This is a huge area, with high, slotted wood ceil ings and large windows. Looking to ward the side that faces Eugene Sta tion, one can see giant set of stained glass windows in the center. I was rather impressed with the periodical selection; the library carries more obscure publications like “The Onion” and “Adbusters.” I didn’t manage to sample any Premier Travel 1011 Harlow 1747-0909 ^Student Travel Experts Today's crossword solution goods from the lobby’s cafe, but I did glance at the prices. They seemed reasonable in comparison to other coffee shops around town. Perhaps due to location, the new library’s hours are somewhat lack ing. It closes at 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. The timing doesn’t bode well for nocturnal folk, but when the building is open, it makes a viable al ternative to the Knight Library — and it has the benefit of being away from campus. More information about the li brary, including access to the cata log, is available at its Web site at http://www. ci. eugene .or. us/library/. Contact the Pulse reporter at aaronshakra@dailyemerald.com. Ask Nat continued from page 5 of your mind. Dear Nat: Do you think drop ping out of college and looking for a job with my high school de gree is a good choice? —Wondering Dear Wondering: Fabulous! Go for it! I’ll do you a favor and answer the next question you’ll be asking me in advance: Yes, I would like fries with that! Contact the columnist at natashachilingerian@dailyemerald. com. Her views do not necessarily represent those of the Emerald. Send questions to advice@dailyemerald.com. ■4" VlUU MAT^H- AMY' P)AT^. T^> IK) Te>K) Tn/ 595 E. 13th St. Eugene • 343-3240 c^fiare $) Ofliracle become $)n MIgg 'Donor Oo 1 he Fertility Center of Oregon has J helped many couples achieve pregnancy since 1978. We are in need of Egg Donors to help infertile women. Procedures are done in a pleasant local environment over a period of only six weeks, and donors are compensated $2500 for their time. If you are a healthy woman age 21-31 and are interested, call 683-1559 or visit our website at www.WomensCare.com. starting soon! GRE LSAT January 11 & 14 January 9 DAT/OAT January 13 GMAT MCAT January 13 January 9 Eugene Kaplan Center 720 East 13th Ave., Suite 204 Call us at 1-800-KAP-TEST or visit us online at kaptest.com today to enroll! YOU WANT TO CHANGE THINGS. find out how: information session Thursday, January 9, 5.30-7.00 p.m., EMU, Alsea TEACH AMERICA www.teachforamerica.org