CR2: Book 7 101 Gay Sex Secrets Revealed by Jonathan Bass

So, I'd consider myself an old pro at this "gay sex" thing, but what-with me heading to Texas next weekend, I figured reading this couldn't hurt, dust off the old cobwebs, so to speak. And about half-way through reading it, I realized I was Actually Learning Somethings.
(so, look out HB!)

101 Gay Sex Secrets Revealed is a wonderfully written little book. Jonathan Bass uses clever turns of phrases and double (and triple) entendre as well as any gay male worth his salt. And while a lot of this book I found to be plain old common sense, there was a good deal to ponder.

Chapter 1 deals with any non-sexual pre-sex prepping, like finding comfortable stylish clothes and where to cruise (neighborhood bars, dance clubs, art galleries, etc.), bar etiquette, wingmen, the difference between a lover and a fuck buddy. but we don't really care about Chapter 1, do we? right...

Chapter 2, or How to Masturbate. Basically: know thy penis, know thyself. This chapter also discusses the differences in lubes, be they oil-based, water-based or silicon-based. There are a few basic jacking-off techniques talked about: the Basic Stroke, the Backhand Grip, the Bed Bump and the Belly Rub.
There are also some good tips to jacking HIM off, i.e. the Pepper Mill, the Tunnel o'Love, the Taffy Pull and the Doorknob.
This chapter also teaches some "delay" tactics as well as some diddle dont's: like never put your cock somewhere it might get stuck, and not bending it too far in any direction while hard.

Chapter 3 is all about Seduction and Foreplay: making out like teenagers, putting on a show, talking dirty without sounding like a bad porn (unless that's hot and then how to do it well), and frottaging, or rubbing against each other.

Chapter 4 (you still with me?) is all cock and balls. What foreskin is (and isn't), blow job basics (with pros and cons for each!), the, um, care and use of testicles, how to make the most of your "taint", sweetening up the taste of your load, and how to have your ass and eat it too.

Chapter 5 is the butt primer. We learn ALL about the ass. Prepping for butt play, relaxing for butt play, getting into the groove of your buttplay (learning to tell the difference between what it feels like to have your prostate hit as opposed to having to take a crap), condom use, and cleaning up afterwards.

There are positions in Chapter 6 that don't really require visuals, but this book has 'em!
We can see exactly how the Reverse Missionary and Doggie Style should be done. I thought these would be pretty self-explanatory, but Mr. Bass felt the need.
Of course, I didn't realize that what I really (really) love is called the Log-Splitter.

Ah, Chapter 7 with your lovely array of toys. Here we learn the best places to buy sex toys, the care and cleaning of the various materials of which they are made (silicone, jelly, cyberskin, natural rubber latex, synthetic rubber, hard plastics, acrylic and lucite), and the general differences between dildos, vibrators, butt plugs and anal beads. We also find out about different cock-rings, tit-clamps and masturbation sleeves.
And then the rough stuff: handcuffs, restraints, rope...

Chapter 8, or How to Play Well with Others, is full of tips on overnight etiquette, 3-way tips, how to be a good host, outdoor sex..

Then comes the "advanced" section. Kink, S/M, role-play, exhibitionism/voyeurism, spanking, bondage, making homemade porn...you want it, you got it.

And then, Chapter 10 comes out of nowhere with tips on romancing your man and building passion. Good stuff.

This book may not be for everyone. (duh)
But it reminded me to enjoy myself, and enjoy my partner.

And I, for one, can't wait.

CR2: Book 6 The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope

I've begun to think that there really are no new ideas left. As I've taken to reading a few of the "classics" for the Cannonball Read 2, I've noticed more and more of the trends Hollywood recycles.

The Prisoner of Zenda begins with Rudolf Rassendyll, an English slacker with more inherited money than he knows what to do with. He argues with his sister-in-law about his slackery and she tries to insult his red hair and long nose, a trait that only shows up in their family every few hundred years.

In the paper one day, Rassendyll reads that Rudolph the Fifth will soon be crowned King of (the pretend) country of Ruritania. As he is a distant cousin to this family, he decides to visit, secretly, under the pretense of writing a book.

Unfortunately, once he arrives he learns he is the spitting image of the soon-to-be-Crowned. Unfortunate because there is foul play underfoot. Younger brother Black Michael (really?) wants to be King and sets off a chain of events to kidnap and eventually murder Rudolf the Fifth.

So, what does our slacker do? Step in to be Crowned while Black Michael seethes, unable to expose the imposter? (check) Fall in love with the beautiful Princess Flavia, even though she is unaware he isn't the real king? (check) Find his allies, foil his enemies, organize a rescue, get shanked, culminate into a dueling dervish? (check, check, check, check. and check)

kevin kline could have done it in his sleep.

good read.