Wild Ride: Earthquakes, Sneezes, and Other Thrills

This collection of essays, most of which have been published previously, ranges from the author's childhood fears and fantasies to acute observations of life and nature. Lowe, whose works have appeared in books (Sister and Brother: Lesbians and Gay Men Write About One Another) and magazines, shows herself to be a keen observer of whatever catches her attention. Meditating upon bats, Lowe notes that, like humans, they are long-lived and sexy. The scent of skunk leads her to a discussion of fear, feces and the odor of a lover's infidelity. Lowe writes about blood (``salty bouillon''), dancing school, a lover's surgery, cave art and horror movies. On the subject of allergies: ``Gone are the days at the slope of a horse's neck, the velvet of his muzzle, those lips working my palm like a chamois glove.'' Readers will find here a wide assortment of topics. (Mar.)