Tongue First: Adventures in Physical Culture

by Emily Jenkins

A witty expedition into the world of bodily thrills and paranoia strains the barriers between fear and temptation and explores ordinary physical experiences as well the extraordinary, causing readers to question the normalcy of their own habits and bodily relationships. Original. 35,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Sexuality

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Emily Jenkins is the author of many books for children, including the recent picture books Tiger and Badger, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay, and Princessland, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka. Her chapter books include the Toys series, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky; she is co-author of the Upside-down Magic series. Emily Jenkins lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bits were interesting and thought provoking. Others were dull or dated. Emily has a wonderful mind and I love hearing her perspective on the world.

[Robert Hudder · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of essays around and about the body. I started this a while back and have dipped in and out. Sometimes it resonated with other books that I was reading such as Alison Bechdel's new one about exercise and self improvement. In some ways, this book reminded me quite a bit of Bechdel's whole output.

There was some research that the author tied into their personal live and built around confessional moments. It was only towards the end with the section on healing that you get a sense of where the author was coming from. The healing section denoted a break in tone and reframed the book. It covers family history and the quest to deal with back pain.

While I don't necessarily share some of the shame issues that Jenkins is talking about, it has definitely affected folks in my life. I can understand that point of view and do wonder if gym and 'health' culture is more about fear than about living.

I found the fetish and body modifications essays a bit weak but understand it from the perspective of needing to at least address them as part of body culture. There is reference to Valerie Steele whom I have read and had a few particular issues with. I mean, I guess this is part of a larger discussion that is still ongoing.

Finishing it on the day that the US Supreme Court struck down Roe vs Wade does seem to be saying something. Anyway, a decent read.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really really enjoyed my time with this book

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

With easy yet dirty writing divided into sections the length of contemporary short prose, this nonfiction book is an enjoyable read. The author's pursuit of the physical world--the world of the "real"--is one that many people can identify with, and though this book attempts to be as raw as the corporeal experiences it covers, it is by no means tasteless. In fact, it is full of tastes ranging from blood oranges and wine to cocks and coke. This manifesto on living life with the body is an encouragement for the reader to put down the book and get into the world.

[Celeste Thayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not quite what I was expecting. I thought it would be a memoir, with standard plot structures. Instead, it was more like a collection of nonfiction essays, heavy on the author's well researched opinions.

I enjoyed the book, but some of the topics felt dated at only twelve years old - aerobics classes, for example, and some of the food fads she mentions.

[Cathy Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this exploration of the physical. It reminded me a little of Isobel Losada's 'The Battersea Park Road to Enlightnement' and her other books, but is less twinkly and more gritty - Jenkins isn't afraid to try heroin or get a tattoo or become bald in her quest to assess our relationship with our bodies. Jenkins writes with candour and wit, and her experiences were fascinating.

[Shanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this early in college and I really liked it then. As I recall, the author was experiencing things that are on the fringes of mainstream culture. She provided an interesting perspective and well-written evaluation of her experiences.

[Rozoleum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected a little more from a book that was based entirely on trying things that are taboo. The title also, however memorable didn't seem to have anything to do with the content.