Tex

by Beau Rice

In the twenty-first century, relationships have been transformed in unprecedented ways. Technology has birthed a paradoxical space between isolation and connectivity profoundly expanding the possibilities for how and with whom we create intimacy.

An experiment between the epistolary and the ectype, Tex is a performance act in print. Featuring walk-ons by various interlocutors, this mnemonic outpour examines the potentiality of relationships in the digital age. Metonymic displacements, grammatical violations and verbal spillage form this rowdy non-narrative documenting one LA artist's sexual exploits, an evolving attachment to Texas-based former fling, Matt G, and the determination and opportunism involved with the continually forthcoming publication of this, his first book.

Rated X for strong language and sexual content.

Genres: Nonfiction

252 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2014

Reviews

[Stephen van Dyck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A non-fiction epistolary novel / life performance document / play in the form of a year-and-a-half-long text exchange. A story of unrequitedness, the development of a friendship, how intimacy can be created between two people exclusively in words. Also the story of making meaning out of a situation, creating a work. The characters are concerned with whether the work is finished or how it will finish. What does it mean to be a bottom, a sub, a writer, a collaborator, a narcissist, a therapist, a slut, monogamous, heteronormative? And also: what is a novel? Where does life begin and art end? I'm interested in writing that "performs" itself. The fact of it being a published book is part of the story. Who is the subject and who is the object? Is Matt just "a dildo in the corner"? A very funny book--at times like the best text exchange you've had--with serious moments (suicidal ideation, etc).

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

”whoever’s made it this far has probably had enough of us”

This was probably the most voyeuristic reading experience I’ve ever had. It really does make you feel like you’ve broken into someone’s phone and read their most private texts & emails. It’s been sitting on my shelf for a few years, but once I started, I couldn’t put it down. I do, however, think this was prematurely published — It leaves you feeling like you’ve seen highly guarded glimpses of two people who never find resolution. I wish there’d been some kind of epilogue. Still, a cool book to own.

[Chaserrrr · Rating 3 out of 5]

"bedroom/boredom
listen/silent
dictionary/indicatory
subtext/buttsex"