Sleeping Beauty, Indeed edited by JoSelle Vanderhooft

[ferine]

In the wake of Caitlin R. Kiernan's The Red Tree I was glum. Don't get me wrong--I devoured the book with a constancy bordering on obsession *chuckles*. I loved it, in a way. After devoting such time and focus to a book it's bittersweet to have it end. Then I started Sleeping Beauty, Indeed, edited by upstart_crow, last week. I wasn't able to read from it every day, and so it wasn't finished until yesterday.

What a fun, oft touching, oft hilarious, erotic read. And the eroticism is tasteful yet realistic, so as not to turn off straight readers (or even gay guys *grins*). Yes, each story offers a lesbian twist to a famous fairytale of old (and two original fables), which impressed me and made me giddy--however, the skillful writing makes the book accessible to all. The anthology was available in an electronic edition in 2006 from Torquere Press, which I wasn't aware of. The copy I have is a 2009 softcover from Lethe Press. By the way, Lethe Press looks awesome! I've never heard of them prior to this book.

I won't give away any of the jewels within, except for a few personal comments:
The first story, Two Sisters by R. Holsen, didn't speak to me, and made me wonder if I'd care for the rest. I wouldn't say it was written badly; it simply didn't entice me.
All of the others: the best description would be omg-SQUEE!-LOL-awww-NICE.

Order Sleeping Beauty, Indeed. It will make you think, laugh and wonder.