A Very Fun Romp through the World of SEX & DATING
If I had to pick one word to describe Amy Sohn's debut novel "Run Catch Kiss "
, it would have to be " ROMP
". This is a fast-paced, sexy tale of a sex columnist namedAriel Steiner... ...which often parallelsthe story of author Amy Sohn. Embedded into the story
is the subplot of what-is-fact versus what-is-fiction
, but either way it's a fun & enlightening read.
Ariel Steiner, an aspiring actress, doesn't really know what to do with her life.. .. She's just graduated from college, moved into her own apartment, and is exploring men,Sex and New York City. Steinerlands a gig writing a sex column called "Run Catch Kiss", in which she details hermany amorous adventures. The problem is, she doesn't have all that many adventures and has to embellish her past and seek out people specifically so she'll have something hot
to write about.
Sohn is at her witty bestwhen she describes what it's like to be a girl and like sex, and some of profound truths manage to creep into the humor...
Sohndescribes Areil's first postcollege sexual experience as "pretty disappointing. Sex is often that way for me. I'm much more entranced by the idea of it than the act itself."
Even with her Ivy League degree, Ariel Steiner is having trouble in the Big Apple
. She's a recent college grad. who has resorted to temping due to her lack of decent job offers. As if hernon-existant professional careerisn't bad enough, she's had to move back in with her parents as well. So much for a social life Ariel picks up a side job as a sex columnist and that's where her adventure begins. Be prepared to laugh and suffer embarrassment for Ariel as she "samples" men to write about in her column. She'll do almost anything in the name of journalism If you can ignore the explicit bedroom details and read this novel as the hilarious piece of fiction it is, you won't be disappointed This is " Sex in the City
" for Generation X 【Amy Sohn】 Run Catch Kiss 【A Gratifying Novel】 Move over, Erica Jong & Philip Roth
Amy Sohnmanages to pinpoint certain truthsabout dating & sexall wrapped up in the tale of a girl who is definitely narcissistic
..... ..But she has such a lively enthusiasm
that the reader is sucked into her drama, needing to keep reading to find out what will happen next. And a lot does happenAriel gets some action in a porno house, almost has a lesbian fling, and gallivants around town looking for under the guise of looking for sex..
This contradiction, Ariel's outward sexual sophistication combined with her inner sexual fears and romantic soul
, make her compelling & more than a little real
.
"The Bridget Jones" comparison only goes so far, but it isaccurate on a few points... ...Both are seeking a mate while also being trendy, hip, independent '90s girls. I referred to it as a contradiction above, but really the contradiction is only if you think life is black & white...
There are plenty of women who are looking for adventure andHOT SEX as well as stable, loving relationships. Ariel's travails are engaging, witty, fun, and yes,
X-Rated.
Sohndeftly combines the drama ofAriel's columnist careerwith her dramaticlife, making us root for Ariel even when we are sick of her whining
. I think part of the reason she's so endearing is that she's human, and therefore fallible... ...and we seeAriel struggle to overcome her mistakes and stand up for herself... ...and figure out what is right for her as a person separate from her editors, family, friends, and even boyfriends... Good dirty fun
Hilarious mixing of sex and comedy that had me laughing out loud. My only complaint: now I have to impatiently wait for the sequel.