The second volume of The Masters Project contains the stories of two families as far apart on the cultural scale as it is possible to be, at least in America.Book Three tells the story of Bob's interview with a couple named Kent and Lisa who turn out to be nudists. As Bob tries to understand nudity in the context of removing sexuality from it, he struggles. Then, when he finally has a handle on things, the couple's daughter gets involved. Things escalate until sexuality is suddenly re-introduced into the negotiations.In book Four, we find a married couple who, for all intents and purposes, were stranded in the nineteenth century by parents who had some old fashioned ideas, including arranging marriages. Hiram and Mildred were born on neighboring farms ... sort of a co-op kind of arrangement, though it was more convoluted than that. And they got married because they were told to get married. But there was no one to marry Mildred's sister to, and when the parents died, Gertrude simply stayed in the farmhouse with her sister and brother-in-law. But it wasn't kinky. Not at all. In fact, the Puritans come to mind when we find out how they lived. But then Bob entered their lives, and soon they were on a rollercoaster that took them into the 21st Century on a heart-stopping This book contains adult content and is not appropriate for those under the age of eighteen
Just like part 1 and part 2 of this series I felt the emotional connection missing in the story telling. I actually think taking the MC Bob out of the story would have made it better. It is still interesting because it discusses different types of marriages that are non conventional but that work for the couple involved.
After 5 yrs, still an interesting and provocative read. Characters and stories remain fresh. I will read this series again.
ORIGINAL REVIEW - Jan 13, 2020
OVERVIEW OF SERIES
Another really fun book and series by Robert Lubrican!
These are the third and fourth stories in Bob’s Masters Thesis research. Each story is unique with Bob being the common thread.
Through the eight stories, Bob interviews over 100 couples. Out of that 100, Bob come across “unusual” circumstances with eight. These are their stories, and we learn how Bob “helps” them in his own unique way.
I think if you read any of the prior books, it’s worthwhile reading the 4th one (Stories 7 & 8) where all the threads are pulled together.
Through these books, we see Bob grow as his story is filled in. It’s great to see him evolve. And it’s a wonderful exploration of the trials/troubles/circumstances couples face as they move through life.
BOOK 3 REVIEW
The first story in this book (Story 3) is Kent and Lisa’s story. In this story, Bob’s mind is blown as Kent and Lisa are nudists. Their relationship is out of Bob’s world. It’s a fun struggle as Bob works to broaden his horizons and understanding. Bob’s research allow him to explore the nudist/naturist lifestyle. Bob learns that when you’re nude, you’re exposed, and physical reactions to what’s going on around you, and what’s in your head, can become immediately visible to others even before one realizes it. It’s a whole different outlook on body language.
BOOK 4 REVIEW
The second story (Story 4) is Hiram, Millie and Gertie’s story. This tale is another really big but rewarding step in Bob’s education. Millie and Gertie are sisters and Millie is married to Hiram. Their marriage was arranged and they were thrown together without any experience, education or instruction. They have money after the two family farms were sold, but are essentially reclusive until Millie reaches out to Bob and his research. As sensitively as possible, Bob brings them into the almost real world and dramatically changes their relationships. It’s interesting to read about Bob’s thought processes as he skillfully brings them along. I was expecting Bob to hit a wall someplace, but the three of them were so fed-up with their existence that they embraced his education. It’s interesting to think about how people can change when motivated.