Bedside Reading.

These days I'm regularly found curled up in bed, reading The Best American Erotica 2006. Of course one immediately has to ask What am I wearing? No no, the first question is why is it Best of 2006 when 2006 isn't over yet? But I quibble.

This book is one of three erotic anthologies that I own. One is a collection of 5-minute reads. Another has a general 'naked' them. They're alternately tawdry, terse, and sometimes ill-constructed. So what does it say about me that the BAE2006, as pedigreed and well-written as it is, is my least favorite?

Susie Bright, the editor, has made discerning choices. The stories are all high-quality fiction with immediately compelling (or often repelling) characters. Situations feel authentic. What completely amazes me, however, is the variety of these components. Gay construction works buggering each other 21 floors up share the volume with a strand of pearls telling their sordid tale. Like the most intimate and fiendish fucking, there are no constraints to what can happen. No matter your taste, you will find something that pushes your buttons. More likely, however, your less recognizable, more primitive buttons will get jammed too. Hard.

I think that's happened maybe once. The readings intrigue and impress me, but not arouse, at least consistently. Often I muse, "Interesting" then turn out the light and go to sleep. I'll keep trying, though.