The purpose of this book seems to be to explore human sexuality and love through fiction. As a bonus the reader is introduced to some rhetorical theory. It seems that while enjoying a fictional story one is also receiving a lesson in rhetoric and writing. The author uses her knowledge of rhetoric to emphasize her message.

This book is intended for the general fiction reader, however those with a particular interest in sexuality or rhetoric will find it particularly enjoyable. The book might provide useful discussion in a fiction writing class or even in a psychology class dealing with sexual suppression and inhibition. The book seems to invite discussion, so it might also be a good choice for a book club.

The language in the book is easily comprehended and is accessible to the general reader. Occasionally references to certain tenants of rhetorical theory might not be fully understandable unless one is a student of rhetoric, but the general ideas are understood. While reading for entertainment the reader gets some added insight into academic knowledge.

You can definitely tell that the author is a professor of “rhetoric and composition studies”. She’s using a premise of sexual discovery to draw people in and teach them about rhetoric and composition. I find that to be a very interesting and clever method. The story was entertaining though the premise seems a bit farfetched. Most people don’t need to hire an escort to help them deal with their sexual inhibitions, at least as far as I know. I also don’t think that most escorts would accept writing classes as payment, but I think that the far-fetched nature of the story gives it its charm and even helps to make it feel more real and less predictable. I liked the way that it ended. It was less predictable than expected while at the same time being more realistic than if it had ended the way I originally hoped. This book has a depth which explores some serious issues while teaching the reader about rhetoric and composition and being a fun read. I would definitely recommend it for a library collection.

© 2012 Natalie Kelley-Wilson

Natalie Kelley-Wilson graduated from Allegheny College with a BA in English Lit. and from Clarion University with a Masters in Library Science. Currently she works at her town’s public library and the county historical society. Email: nataliekelleywilson82@gmail.com