Full Exposure

August 30, 1999
A chronicler of U.S. sexual mores (The Sexual State of the Union) as well as one of the most prodigious anthologizers of American erotica (in both the Herotica and Best American Erotica series), Bright tackles the complicated question of "sexual creativity" and "the personal meaning of erotic expression." Moving beyond prescriptive diagrams and techniques in her approach to sexual liberation, she urges readers to recognize how the erotic surrounds us in art, music, cooking and writing, noting that "sexual creativity stems from making something of life--instead of being made over." In 20 short chapters, she discusses such topics as how talking about sex makes it easier to tap into the erotic; the difference between pornography and erotica; how the sexual revolution of the 1960s failed; the sexual epiphanies that celibacy can bring; and the paradoxes of and necessity for sexual ethics. The most refreshing aspect of Bright's breezy, no-holds-barred style is the way she addresses sexual feelings and actions in plain English without embarrassment. In a happy union of form and content, her sexual openness sounds as all-American as a high-school pep rally, yet feels as seductively transgressive as Monica Lewinsky giving tips on political social advancement to a group of novices. But in the end, the constant, feel-good sex chat ends up avoiding or minimizing more complicated sexual and emotional issues and may seem repetitive to those familiar with her message. Agent, Jo Lynne Worley. 10-city author tour; 15-city radio campaign.

August 30, 1999
Bright (The Sexual State of the Union) uses the topic of sexuality as a way to promote a larger self-help philosophy of empowerment. She says, "Sexuality is the soul of the creative process," one with revolutionary and transformative potential. Bright, a public performer as well as a columnist for Playboy and the Web's Salon, weaves her own personal experiences into an extended pitch for bodily liberation and feminist enlightenment. She starts by giving a portrait of her own "personal erotic identity." This includes a healthy discussion of the role of fantasy--heterosexual, gay and S&M. More earthily, she discusses child-bearing and parenting. Best, though, is Bright's gift for slinging outrageous phrases, as in her discussions of "overgeneralized heterosexuals" or "libido storms." Her persona is uncanny: she sounds earnest, helpful and American-as-apple-pie even when using profanity to prove points about sexual stereotyping. On tape, her message comes across as intimate, real and convincing. Simultaneous release with the Harper San Francisco hardcover.