The Internet is for porn. You’ve all heard the song, right? Did you laugh your ass off? Forward it to several of your friends? Then you just might be a geek. It’s okay, so am I. I’ve been fascinated by the relationship of computers, the Internet, and sex ever since I double-clicked my first mouse. So when I was browsing the erotica section of my favorite bookstore and came across Sex in the System, I snatched it up without hesitation. If the lascivious cover picture, depicting two computer mice doin’ it doggy style wasn’t enough, then I only needed to look as far as the subtitle to know that this was right up my alley. Stories of Erotic Futures, Technological Stimulation, and the Sensual Life of Machines. It made the geek in me shiver in anticipation. Finally, a collection of great stories for nerdy perverts just like me. And you!
First, the basics. Sex in the System is a collection of technology-themed short story erotica, edited by Cecilia Tan and including authors such as Paul Di Filippo, Joe Haldeman, Lynne Jamneck, Shariann Lewitt, and many other names I admittedly have never heard of. As I began to read, I discovered why I may not be familiar with these names. With a few exceptions, these were science fiction stories with an erotic spin, written by science fiction writers. Sure, I am a closet Trekkie, but I don’t normally gravitate toward sci fi in my reading selections. Yes, sometimes, the marriage of sex and science was a smashing success, as with the tale of The Book Collector by Sarah Micklem, in which a dedicated and lonely programmer falls in love with her own creation, a handsome AI character, and uses a computer chip implanted in her brain to experience a physical relationship with him. Other times, however, the sex fell flat or just felt like an afterthought, as in Beth Bernobich’s Remembrance, in which a lesbian couple communicates across planets using experimental and top secret government technology. The collection seems to have fallen victim to the same problem that I’ve seen in many other themed erotica collections: the stories tend to focus more on the collective theme, in this case technology and science fiction, than on the sex. For science fiction fans, that may work out just fine. The stories are interesting and well-written (with one exception that I couldn’t even bear to finish). But for those of us that are looking for something to get us off, it’s a bit of a let-down.
While I was disappointed by the lukewarm eroticism of the book as a whole, I did enjoy several of the stories immensely. G. Bonhamme’s The Program, a story about a man that goes through an experimental brainwashing program to make him a better lover, got me so hot I had to read it one-handed. This is actually a piece that I’ve seen in at least one other erotica collection, and it was just as hot the second time through. I was also captivated by Paul Di Fillipo’s Pinocchia. In this retelling of the story of Pinocchio, a Real Doll gains consciousness and goes in search of the Blue Fairy to turn her into a real woman so that her owner will fall in love with her. More like a novella than a short story, Pinocchia leads us through a fascinating and erotic futuristic world where science has created whole societies of new and exotic species who all want to experience each other sexually. This epic was so remarkable, in fact, that I couldn’t wait to finish masturbating so that I could tell all of my friends about the amazing story I’d just finished reading. And that twist at the end…woah!
For the average science fiction lover that is trying to get a little heat in their collection, I’d say this could be a very good read. But for erotica fans who are looking to mix a little technology into their porn, I’m afraid this book may be a bit of a disappointment. I do think that some of the more remarkable stories, such as those I’ve mentioned, make the book worth adding to your collection. Just know that you may have to skip around a bit for the good stuff.
Did you read this book for the Naughty Book Club? I’d love to hear your overall opinions of the book, as well as some of your thoughts on individual stories in the comments below. And remember, one lucky commenter* will be randomly chosen to receive a free adult DVD just for participating in this month’s Naughty Book Club discussion!
* Sorry, free DVD offer is only open to US residents.
