I don't remember choosing polyamory. Somewhere along my search for a disciplinarian, I got pleasantly distracted, and found that I had several people in my life who, while not life-partners, were more than just friends. Mostly, this was lovely and fluid and happy. But, as things do when people are involved, eventually things got complicated. … Continue reading Non-Fiction Book of the Month: The Ethical Slut
It's been a busy month (more on that later!), though I did receive the happy news that the 7th issue of Disciplinary Tales, a collection of stories by DJ Black, has been released by LSF Publications. For those, like me, who are missing his A Voice in the Corner blog, this is a lovely … Continue reading Book of the Month: Disciplinary Tales (Issue 7!) by DJ Black
First hinted at a few years back, DJ Black's Abraham Heights spanking soap has finally expanded to include previously unpublished material in the recently published season 3 edition. For those, like myself, missing the more regular infusions of DJ's fiction from his Voice in the Corner site, the new stories made for a lovely surprise. From … Continue reading Book of the Month: Abraham Heights
In my ongoing survey of BDSM non-fiction, Playing Well with Others has by far impressed me the most. Everything about the book- from the content to the typeface to the organisation - I found very satisfying. There are a few questions I like to ask when reading introductions to BDSM that try to appeal to … Continue reading Non-Fiction Book of the Month: Playing Well with Others
I'd been meaning to read a Gor book for a while- and have been reading one for a while. It was slow going, and my predominant reaction is something along the lines of "thank goodness sci fi / fantasy writing has improved in the last fifty years". However, whereas The Fellowship of the Ring continues … Continue reading Book of the Month: Tarnsman of Gor
Recently I've been making an effort to read some of the frequently-recommended introductory BDSM guidebooks. As with many things, quality varies widely. Some have good advice, some I question. Some read like technical manuals, others are more patronisingly juvenile. Screw the Roses is written in a style that appealed to me, conversational and funny without … Continue reading Non-Fiction Book of the Month: Screw the Roses, Send me the Thorns
As part of my celebration of back to school season (that's something to celebrate even if one isn't in school, right?) I am featuring Theo Jones's Olga Returns to her Teens. I've long believed that school would have been much more fun with an adult's awareness and social skills, and may well be worth the loss … Continue reading Book of the Month: Olga Returns to Her Teens by Theo Jones
Though it touches only lightly on spanking and BDSM in general, I found Jesse Bering's Perv to be a fascinating book. A whirlwind tour of sexual deviance is anchored by historical context, anecdotes, and scientific studies. Most significantly for me, though, was the juxtaposition of morality-based reasoning with harm-based reasoning. The book delves into areas … Continue reading Non-Fiction Book of the Month: Perv
This may be my favourite line from any spanking story ever. It's been a while since I've read a spanking novella, and Susan Thomas's The Schoolmarm and the Preacher was a lovely way to get back into the habit. The story's mix of traditional discipline and progressive social changes makes a charming combination. I've also missed … Continue reading Book of the Month: The Schoolmarm and the Preacher
Something different this month. Thus far, I've only been featuring erotic fiction. While there will still be plenty of that featured here, I've recently delved more deeply into non-fiction writing on spanking, BDSM, and sexuality more generally and will be featuring those books as well from time to time, starting with Alain do Botton's How to … Continue reading Book of the Month: How to Think More about Sex by Alain de Botton
Acknowledging Imperfection 