Readers and critics discouraged by so much recent mainstream African-American fiction (especially romances) will find plenty to enjoy in this collection, which aspires to be more literary than smutty and succeeds in exploding a few stereotypes in the process. Contributors include such established figures as National Book Award–winner Charles Johnson (Middle Passage) and Alexs D. Pate (Amistad), as well as several newer writers. Kenji Jasper's "Up" examines the hollowness that follows the illicit thrill of sex for career advancement, while Tracy Grant describes the unraveling of a young minister tempted by his ex-lover in "The Apostle Charles." "Wallbanging" by Brian Egleston is a lighthearted but cautionary account of al fresco copulation on the Great Wall of China from the perspective of a lawyer who can't believe the stupidity of his clients. Brian Peterson's "1-800-CONNECT" is an amusing romp, even though writing about phone sex may seem like a substitute for a substitute for the real thing. Often the protagonists celebrate what it feels like to get the girl, but not always to keep her: the relationship in Jervey Tervalon's "Twisted" is derailed when Jordan finds out progressively more troubling facts about his beloved Daphne, and a woman is less than understanding when her 28-year-old boyfriend finally reveals that he is still a virgin in Brandon Massey's "The Question." There are a few duds among these stories and novel excerpts, but overall the skill level is high. (Aug.)
Forecast: Though written by men, and largely about men, this collection will likely end up mostly in the hands of women eager to discover what secrets the other sex has been keeping.
