The Panther Prints February 13, 1996

19

Book Review: The First Time -- True Stories

Edited by Charles Montpetite Orca Book Publishers

by Aldera Chisholm

and Colleen Easter

Yes, The First Time Vol I and Vol II, are books talking about the

first time people had sex. How shocking! Charles Montpetite has collected stories from some of Canada’s most well-known young adult writers to gather inthese two volumes. The idea came from an assignment Charles Montpetite had for a writer’s workshop. When his fictional ideas came up dry, he decided to write about his own first time. The idea for this anthology was born.

These slim volumes each contain 8 stories, with each one short enough for casual reading. The First Time books are aimed at young people curious aboutsex. Each story is guaranteed to be true, although they are not necessarily autobiographical. So you don’t know if you have learned more about an author than you ever wanted to know. Deirdre Kessler’s sex life has never been high on my curiosity list.

An interesting aspect of these stories is that they are not idealized - - the authors acknowicdge the fact that not all first true experiences are wonderful andthey aren’t always even memorable. The book deals with the fear, the pleasure,the bun-

gling, the pain, and the hilarity that can occur with this event. Also, whatconstitutes a first time is left largely up to the author. Of course, actual intercourse is included in the volumes but so are other events which could be significant steps in a persons sexual awakening. Volume I contains works by such authors as Deirdre Kessler, Christopher Paw

a junior higher, to his best friend, it chronicles the events which lead to Shawn having sex. While it is almost unbelievable -- it seems to fulfill every teenage guy’s dream. I believe the books truth guarantee. This story keeps me laughing. "The Gunshot" written by Christopher Paw, one half of an HIV positive homosexual couple, is wholly differ-

and Martyn Godfrey. Each story in this volume is completely original. Ther are different eras, different genders, and different results for each first time. One of my favour- ites is ‘“You Owe Me A Big Mac’”’ by Martyn Godfrey.

Written as a letter from Shawn,

ent. A man recalls his teenage years, and the fear his own emotions caused him. He believes his reluc- tance to accept his

homosexuality caused certain tragic events. This volume would surely interest an} teenager curious

about sex.

If you have been known to give sex a passing thought, this is a funny, thought provoking book which you would probably enjoy.

Volume II contains works by authors such as WP Kinsella, Julie Lawsonand Martin Stevens. These true life stories vary from pitiful to hilarious.

Myfavourite was a 20 page cartoon of a young woman’s intro- duction to lesbianism. There is bound to be at least one story in the compilation to peak your interest. I found most of the stories mildly interesting but the topic became tired too quickly for my taste.

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