Getting It On: A Condom Reader

by Mitch Roberson (Editor), Julia Dubner

Life has its private moments, but art knows no boundaries. Writers such as Martin Amis, T. Coraghessan Boyle, Michael Benedikt, Kim Addonizio, Michelle Chalfoun, Armistead Maupin, John Irving, Anne Rice, and Elizabeth Benedict, all of whom contribute to this collection, have described in story, novel, or poem the sometimes funny, sometimes touching, sometimes pathetic moments that confront their characters when dealing with this artifact of contemporary civilization, the condom. Male and female, young and old, straight and gay--their characters reflect the changes in concepts of intimacy, contact, contagion, and death as they are connected with the act of making love. They are some of the most vital subjects confronting our society today. These twenty-eight pieces are often wry, witty commentaries on human foibles, things we might never discuss with a stranger but would love to read about. Here is a collection with a high degree of literary merit as well as a good sense of humor. Getting It On will be published in February 1999 to coincide with National Condom Week. With a literary pedigree as well as a social conscience, this collection is certain to engage, edify, and amuse.

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Red · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reread, since the first time I read this years ago. Definitely much more sensitive to details and information now compared to when I first read this while I was still in high school. I'm tempted to give it a deeper review, bordering on critical analysis, so if I get the time I might come back to give this review another go.

Either way, this was a good read. I had a period in my life where, as a reader, I preferred reading anthologies above anything else, they gave a wider perspective compared to the solo-offs. I'd recommend it to anybody and anyone, regardless of interest pertaining to condoms and other contraceptives.

There's always this need for humans to be aware of prophylactics, as the book constantly referred to it as, and it offers a shining shade in perspective on the use of said protection, when comparing how it was viewed during the 90's versus now.

Edit: Changed it to a 3.25 because reasons.

[Giddy Girlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

stumbled across this at the library (while looking for short story anthologies) and I LOVE the premise. What a great, modern accoutremont to focus on!

The end result was so-so. Too much poetry for my taste, and several entries are book excerpts, which can seem very clunky out of context. I would love to see the 2007 version of this. Maybe that should be my first book! ha!

[Nivram Balili]

ok