The Sexual State of the Union

by Susie Bright

Lust brings out the liar in everyone. Every erection has Pinocchio written up and down its length—yes, everybody wants to be REAL, a real boy, an honest woman, unafraid and upright—but then desire, the ultimate honesty, does us in. Desire doesn't give a whit about shame. Our secrets, our exaggerations and distractions, it's all just a lot of twisting in the wind as far as sex is concerned—what we want WILL come out.
"Is our sexuality a basic, good, and precious thing that somehow became terribly misunderstood? Or is there something really evil out there in Sex Land that attaches itself to our libidos and is only held back by vigilance and caution?" asks Susie Bright in her bestselling book The Sexual State of the Union. Bright pushes the borders of propriety until they blur and become irrelevant in the face of our inherent need to touch and be touched. With candor and passion, Susie Bright proves that sexual knowledge can indeed be salvation and inspiration.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sexuality, Feminism, Essays, Psychology, Queer, Politics

252 pages, Paperback

First published March 11, 1997

About the author

Susannah "Susie" Bright (also known as Susie Sexpert) is a writer, speaker, teacher, audio-show host, performer, all on the subject of sexuality. She is one of the first writers/activists referred to as a sex-positive feminist.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did for me at age 26 what Delta of Venus did for me at age 16. Enough said.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more like a collection of Susie Brights thoughts and experiences on topics like feminism, abortion, pornography, and religion. As such, it is a fast and entertaining read. I doubt those who don't share at least some of her views will read it, but it got me thinking about things too. Maybe I don't watch enough porn... I think it will be fun to read some of her fictional erotica next.

[HeavyReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one night while housesitting at Ailecia and Sara/Seren/Matthew's apartment when I couldn't find their porn stash. The writing was good and smart, but didn't quite do what I was hoping it would.

[Aketzle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting info in this book. Great for defusing people stigmas about sex of various kinds. Definitely dated in some respects, but even the dated parts can still apply, and unfortunately a lot of the sexual stuff still needs addressed in this often-puritanical society of ours.

[Heidi Bakk-Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some parts really didn't age well.

[Melanie Neale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating to read this so many years after it was originally published. It is still completely relevant, though somewhat outdated. I found myself laughing at the early references to the Internet and cyber scams and Internet dating and porn. As always, I want to applaud for Susie at everything she says. My biggest disappointment lies in the fact that I never read this when it came out. Being exposed to this kind of thinking, sex-positive feminism, would've saved me so much heartbreak and angst later in life. A must read!

[Purlewe · Rating 5 out of 5]

read somewhere between 1996 and 1999. I remember being really glad someone had the balls to say what they wanted to say about sex. And that they were funny, but that they were not humiliating. I still recommend this book to people.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether you agree with Susie Bright's feminist politics or not, her reflections on American sexuality are undeniably personal and riveting. Sometimes serious, oftentimes humorous, The Sexual State of the Union is a vibrant read whether your interested in feminism or not.

[Colelea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't agree with susie bright on most things but I enjoy her work and writing... I thought this book was funny and interesting even where I disagreed.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love susie, she keeps it real.

[Allison Thurman]

library

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just can't seem to get into this book. Sorry, Susie.

[Nacho luvin life and all whos in it]

dis luk like sumtin i would read...i think i might