Reading & Stress

Who doesn't experience stress? I used to think that individuals who are rich, don't have to deal with stress. Can you imagine having a ridiculous amount of money and always having to worry about whether one day it will be all gone? I would go crazy. Stress is just a part of life we all have to deal with, but sometimes we don't know how to deal with it. Some people like to listen to music, others like to walk, and others like to scream at the top of their lungs with a pillow over their face (maybe that's just me). Don't fear my book lovers, reading is also a great way of relieving stress! I was so excited to learn about this.

I found this article online and I wanted to share it with you; to encourage you to keep reading (and myself). Many years ago I exercised to relieve stress, but I HATE exercise. When I am reading, I mentally check out and focus on the book. I also figured that this was Stephanie's secret because she reads all of those fun books and it's like a dose of stress-be-gone solution. Do what Stephanie does, and read what you want to read, lose yourself in a book to reach that level of relaxation.

Homo-erotica: tell me why

There's a lot I don't understand.

1. Black licorice and candy corn
2. Tom Brady's choice of hairstylist
3. What I'm supposed to be doing with my life
4. The purpose of bugs that fly, hop and/or move

Most recently added to the list: homo-erotica.

Now, before the mobs assemble for my lynching, let me explain.

For the last several months, I've had my head buried in the clouds. And by "clouds" I mean lots of really trashy and delightfully fun erotic novels.

I. Just. Can't. Stop.

And in that time I think (thought) I've been pretty open-minded. BDSM, ménage, fantasy, paranormal. Bring it.

Then came the day I stumbled across a M/M erotic novel. I was reading the excerpt. I thought it was about a man and a woman. It sounded really good. Then I realized it was about two dudes.

And I felt like I had just stepped into the men's restroom by accident. Like oops! I don't think I belong in here! And I quietly tiptoed back out.

So maybe I'm not as open-minded as I thought because I assumed those books would be read by, you know, other dudes. Gay dudes. Erotica for everyone, I say. But it quickly became apparent that I was off. These books were being read by women! STRAIGHT women!

I was caught a little off guard. I admit it. I mean, I got nothin' against the gays, but this... this threw me for a loop. I just wasn't expecting it. I shook it off. To each his own and all that.

And then! Then I read a book review on Goodreads. It was a straight book. And the woman who wrote the review stated "books like these are the reason why I only read M/M erotica anymore."

And I was all "whaaa?" And it seems that ever since then I've run into this phenomenon around every corner. So many female readers and even some of my favorite authors have shown this preference and I'm left wondering... why? 'Cause, quite frankly, I just can't wrap my brain around it. Straight women who prefer to read male on male bump and grind romantica action? Really?

So. What I need is someone to enlighten me. What is it about these books that is so appealing? And, please, don't misunderstand. I find nothing at all wrong with this. I just don't get it. It's really just a matter of curiosity. (Do I sound nervous like I'm afraid I might be offending someone? 'Cause I totally am.)