Literary Sexts

Title: Literary Sexts

Editors: Amanda Oaks and Caitlyn Siehl

Publisher: Words Dance Publishing

Publication Year: 2014

Professional Source: My roommate’s aunt

Genre (and subcategory. If appropriate): Poetry (Many authors, one theme)

Audience: Young adults

Awards: None

Critical Response:

Despite what the title implies Literary Sexts is not just a book of poems about sex. It is a collection of poetry about love and the fiery feelings that come with it. Erotic themes are included, but they are subtle and are not the central focus of the collection.

This book presents its subject matter in packages that are easy for the reader to swallow. Its poems are short and sweet, each ranging from one to four lines long. Despite the short lengths, many of the poems utilize clever word play and metaphors, creating beautiful lines poetry lovers will enjoy while still being easy enough for non poetry lovers to understand and enjoy as well. For example: “You smiled and lit up like the dusk. I sank to your lips/ like the sun against the horizon. We made the day/ stand still.” (28)

As young adults develop, they will likely become curious about sexual matters. This book was not created for didactic purposes or to teach about sex, but young adults reading through the collection may find that the poems allow its readers to explore sexual themes without being graphic or overly vulgar. Young readers will have the opportunity to maybe understand their own feelings a little better by reading the way that other people feel first. Because of its subject matter, this short anthology can appeal to both young adults and adults. It is unlikely that parents will be reading these poems to their children, but the romantic feelings and images captured within this book are relevant to both groups of people. However, older audiences may better appreciate some of the erotic subtleties contained in some of the poems.