I like to read but...

Since I am unemployed I spend a lot of my time reading. My mother has an extensive collection of books from Adriana Trigiani to Dan Brown, and the complete works of Mary Higgins Clark and John Grisham. But I usually choose not to read any of these I opt for older more unknown books or more interesting unpredictable works. I read Barbara Walters autobiography out of pure boredom and I have read all of the free books she gets at the newspaper.

Earlier this summer I came across an old Terry McMillan book 'Disappearing Acts' and I recently read Sister Souljah's "Midnight'. Both well written with characters that I could see vividly in my mind. I ended up liking the unlikeable characters of Midnight and Franklin. But this is not why I am here today. I am here to talk about sex scenes in these novels.

The books were very realistic in their depictions of living in poverty and struggle in New York City. Both men had to work very hard to keep their families afloat. But along with the seemingly realistic nature of 90% of the novel came the seemingly un-ordinary circumstances of the sex lives of the characters.

Franklin a serial "dater" to use the term loosely, has had his fair share of women in his almost 40 years. Even though they all know he has slept with countless women new women still crave to be near and with Franklin. He seems to please them all sexually. He is portrayed as tall, dark, and muscular , all the characteristics of the ultimate black man. Honestly in the book sex is just about the only thing he can do right. He struggles to provide for the mother of his two oldest children and their needs and his new baby. He even portrays some traits of domestic violence and aggression from his frustration. He is by no means a man that I would desire to be with but He brings the successful singer Zora to love him through making love to her.

In Midnight 14 year 'Midnight" has his first sexual experience with his new wife 16 year old Akemi. This takes place in Chinatown beneath the store where Midnight works in a shower stall. I would never but okay if they must. This encounter takes place with almost no confusion, uncertainty or fumbling. They enjoy every minute of their experience. He was clearly in love with her and it showed in the scene but by no means is this an accurate representation of the sexual experiences of a 14 year old. I understand that this is something that is not taught and is more of an instinctual type of thing, but my goodness.

I understand fiction writers can take whatever liberties they choose, but as a reader I would love to see complete realism in works rather than realistic work, school, hood, and family experiences, and amazing uninterrupted and fully satisfying sex. The divorce rate is 50% in America...why do you think that is?

I haven't listed in a while. Here goes!

1. These girls on Maury LOL. They crazy! What happened? How you be pregnant 5 times at 15? I know how but...DANG!

2. Whenever I think of Gucci Mane, for some reason I swear he's not American. I don't know what it is about him maybe it's his line "I'm not very articulate" He reminds me of some Africans I know...hmmmm

3. I have been hula-hooping for the past 4-6 weeks and this is really helping the stomach/hip area! Get on this y'all!

4. I have more money in my bank acct than I thought. Praise Him!!!

5. I have re-found my love for reading

6. Cassie's "Must Be Love" is the ish right now

7. I love watching the bump-its hair thingy commercials. Those girls look so silly.

8. The Jehovahs Witnesses are out for the summer. They rang my bell this morning. The girl had some fly natural hair tho...but no thanks y'all, was all that came out.

9.I'm really thinking about doing a master cleanse soon...well when I get to school cuz you know you can't do none of that stuff here. "C'mon why don't you eat something?"

10. I really used t care about NBA Summer League games. LOL I guess I ain't stunting these sorry ballers no mo'. Good 4 Me!

Annette :D